Self-Employed and not working via an Agency - Frequently Asked Questions

I’m self-employed or I want to employ a nanny/baby-sitter directly (i.e. not through an agency), can I get a CRB Disclosure?

The following people are automatically ineligible from applying (but see below “What if I am not eligible”):

* Self-employed people on themselves,

* Parents who employ a nanny/au pair/babysitter directly cannot apply for a CRB check; however, if an agency supplies the nanny/au pair/babysitter, the agency is entitled to carry out a CRB check.

If you are not eligible because you are self-employed and you DO NEED an Enhanced or Standard Disclosure, you must either

1) Apply through an agency (i.e. recruitment or nanny agency) or

2) If you are doing piecemeal or contract work for an employer (i.e. locum social worker, providing treatment or support etc) and your “employer” is an organisation that works with children or vulnerable adults, then they can request a Disclosure on your behalf. They should contact us as they will be the recipients of one of the copies of the Disclosure. You may still be required to pay for it depending on the relationship you have. 

3) If you do part-time work or help out (i.e. as a volunteer) with either children or vulnerable adults, you may be able to get a Disclosure through your employer. They wouldn’t be able to give you the Registered Body’s copy of the Disclosure but you would still have your own Personal Copy.

What is the difference between a Basic, Standard and Enhanced Disclosure?

A BASIC DISCLOSURE is a check against the Police National Computer for any convictions held. These can only be obtained via DisclosureScotland (which has an online service), and anyone can apply for one, and these are suitable for a range of employments such as licensee applications etc.

A STANDARD DISCLOSURE is a check on the Police National Computer and a check against people banned from working with children (POCA/List 99) or people banned from working with vulnerable adults (POVA). It is suitable for people:

* Whose duties involve regular contact with children i.e. “a regulated position”.

* Who are working with elderly, sick or disabled people.

* Who are involved in the administration of the law.

* Who are employed in certain other sensitive areas and professions.

An Enhanced Disclosure include the checks for Standard Disclosures but it may also contain additional non-conviction information if the appropriate police force think it is relevant and would not hinder ongoing investigations. This information would only appear on the Employer’s Copy but not the Applicants. These are suitable for people who are regularly involved in the caring for, training, supervising or being in sole charge of persons aged under eighteen or 'vulnerable adults'.

What if I am not eligible and you DO NOT NEED an Enhanced or Standard Disclosure?

If you are not eligible from applying there are alternatives. There is a charge for each service and Crossways cannot assist you in obtaining the details for you:

* Disclosure Scotland have on an on-line service for Basic Disclosures.

* You can apply to your local police force for a copy of your personal information that is held on you on the Police National Computer under Data Protection Act.

I don’t work/or won’t be working with vulnerable adults or children can I still get Disclosures?

Accessing CRB Disclosures in England is governed by legislation (principally the Police Act 1997). Because of this, only certain people request a Disclosure and in principle they fall into one of the following categories:

* People who work or have unsupervised contact with children 

* People who work with vulnerable adults

* Certain categories of professions where a CRB Disclosure is a legal requirement (even if it means that you won’t be working with children or vulnerable adults.).

A list of the CRB list of approved people is available from the CRB website