Audit Office to probe bureau

The National Audit Office has confirmed that it is investigating
the Criminal Records Bureau.

The NAO told Community Care that it was looking at the
CRB’s ability to protect children and vulnerable adults by vetting
the backgrounds of staff working with those groups. It will report
in the summer.

The probe follows the publication earlier this month of the
findings of a critical independent review which recommended
introducing an electronic applications system and fingerprint
checks.

A spokesperson for the NAO said: “We are looking at whether the CRB
is achieving its objectives. We will look at the problems it
encountered last summer and ascertain whether lessons have been
learned.”