Your Child's Safety
References
Nannies may bring written testimonials to an interview and although an agency will vet, interview and reference check all candidates, ultimately you are responsible for protecting your children. You are advised to write to or telephone previous employers to check details or to discuss a written reference on the nanny. This will also allow you to judge the person giving the reference before making your decision, and match your standards and lifestyles against theirs.
Criminal Records Bureau Disclosures
What are CRB checks?
These checks are called disclosures, when someone applies to the CRB for a disclosure the CRB checks the Police National computer & if requested the 2 government lists containing information of people who should not be allowed to work with children or vulnerable adults.
Who can apply?
In order to do a CRB check one must have the applicants consent, most tend to use an Umbrella body. The applicant must also have been resident in the UK for at least 6 months. On completion the original disclosure is sent to the applicant and the copy to the Registered body, the information is confidential and cannot be given to employers. It is an offense that carries a maximum sentence of 6 months imprisonment or a fine or both to share disclosure information with any one not entitled to receive it.
How long does it take and how long are they valid for?
At the moment in England & Wales it takes an average of 4 weeks to get results once the application has been submitted, in Scotland a little longer. They are only valid to the date they are produced, they also carry no absolute guarantee of accuracy.
The Agency's Policy on CRB checks.
As Agencies who supply Nannies do not directly employ the Nanny we are not able to insist upon CRB checks, however at Kensington Nannies we encourage all potential applicants to have a CRB check however ultimately it is the nanny's choice and then subsequently the client's choice should they wish to employ a candidate who does not have his/her CRB.
General information
Those employing a nanny should be made aware that whilst it is preferable to engage those who have a recent CRB disclosure, the disclosure should not be relied upon as an indication or measure of a Nannies childcare capabilities or credibility as a care giver. It is strongly recommended that references checked by the Agency of a Nannies previous employers are also contacted by you the prospective employer to provide greater peace of mind.
For more information, go directly to the CRB website by clicking here.