DBS Checks are still commonly referred to as CRB Checks by many people in the UK. Although the terminology has changed and this sort of criminal records check is now known as a DBS check, the old terms still remain. It’s not surprising that some people are confused, because over the years the system has changed several times. To add to the confusion, other parts of the UK such as Northern Ireland and Scotland have their own systems, which are broadly similar but have different names. Here’s our short guide to everything you need to know about CRB and DBS.
What Was a CRB Check?
CRB stood for Criminal Records Bureau, and a CRB Check was a type of criminal record check carried out by this official government agency. CRB checks were predecessors to DBS Checks and allowed employers to look at the criminal backgrounds people applying for positions of trust, particularly those involving children and vulnerable adults.
CRB Checks trace back to the late 1990s when the government passed a law requiring criminal record background checks for all individuals working with children. The Protection of Children Act 1999 was designed to stop people with lengthy or serious criminal records, especially those related to child abuse, from being able to get access to children through their work. The Criminal Records Bureau was set up in 2002 and handled CRB Checks until 2012.
When Did CRB Become the DBS?
In 2012, the CRB merged with the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) to form the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The ISA used to do a related role to the CRB and dealt with people who had been formally banned by courts from working with children or other groups. Bringing the two agencies together was intended streamline the background check process.
Effect on Criminal Background Checks
The creation of the DBS did improve the overall efficiency and detail provided in criminal background checks. Previously, employers had to go through separate processes for accessing criminal records and barred list information, with both the CRB and ISA. With the DBS, Enhanced DBS checks now included as standard checks against relevant barred lists.
Since it was set up, the DBS has expanded its role in safeguarding beyond the scope of just one basic criminal records check and now offers various levels of checks tailored to specific roles. The DBS has also taken on the responsibility for keeping the registers of people barred from working with children or vulnerable adults and handles reports about people who may require to be barred.
Can I Apply for a CRB Check?
It's no longer possible to apply for a CRB check as this term is outdated, but you can apply for a DBS check which is the same thing. If your employer asks you to have a criminal record check, you just complete an online DBS application to get your Basic, Standard, or Enhanced DBS Certificate. There is lots of information available on official websites about the application process, and the questions which you’ll be asked.
