§ Gillian MerronTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what guidelines he will publish in respect of the Criminal Records Bureau for(a) employers, (b) employees and (c) service users; [143630]
(2) what the dates are, in respect of the Criminal Records Bureau, for the commencement of (a) registration of employers, (b) high level checks for work involving contact with young children and (c) remaining service provision; [143628]
(3) if he will make a statement on the procedure for applying for a certificate from the Criminal Records Bureau; [143631]
(4) when the Criminal Records Bureau will be fully operational; [143627]
(5) what the (a) format, (b) estimated cost and (c) estimated time from request to provision of certificates will be from the Criminal Records Bureau. [143629]
§ Mr. Charles ClarkeThe Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) will provide three levels of disclosure—Basic, Standard and Enhanced. In all cases, application may be made only by the individual in question. In a Basic level case, the individual may apply directly to the CRB. In other cases, the application must be endorsed by a person registered with the CRB for this purpose, whose function at this stage is to confirm that the application meets the relevant criteria. Often, this will be an employer or a voluntary organisation, but it may be someone acting on their behalf.
It is expected that the registration process will commence in April, that the issue of Standard and Enhanced disclosures (which will principally relate to persons working with children and vulnerable adults) will start next summer, and that the issue of Basic level disclosures will begin in the summer of 2002, when the CRB will be fully operational.
Disclosure documents will be distinctive in appearance, will set out the information as clearly as possible, and will incorporate measures to reduce the risk of forgery. Work is continuing to determine the costs of the Bureau, and the level of fees. The Bureau will operate to demanding service standards, including the time taken to supply documents. Standards will be set as soon as possible, and will be made public. Guidance will be produced for employers, employees and others using the CRB's service. This will explain how the service will operate, the importance of safeguarding personal information, how the CRB's service can supplement good recruitment practice, and the arrangements for any appeal or complaint.