New Charges for CRB Disclosures
Further to the article entitled 'CRB Funding Change' in the E-Bulletin dated 1st March, we confirm that, in line with other Authorities, Kent County Council has taken the decision to discontinue central funding for CRB applications. Previously, this central funding has enabled SPS to carry out CRB checks on behalf of the Local Authority, which has meant that they weren't chargeable to schools.
Unfortunately the funding change means that all checks will be chargeable for schools and Academies from 6th April.
Schools' Personnel Service CRB Disclosures from 6th April
We will of course continue to offer safeguarding advice and guidance and a processing service for CRB Disclosures and checks against the ISA Barred List. The process to make an application and all of your contacts with the SPS CRB Team remain the same but from 6th April we will be charging schools for each disclosure that we process.
According to the Criminal Records' Bureau, the cost of each disclosure has always been the applicant's responsibility but, due to the central funding, many employers have chosen not to recover the cost of the checks from applicants up to now. If you don't wish to continue this practice then we advise that you ask for a cheque from the individual at the point of application or arrange for payments in instalments if you prefer.
The Charges - CRB Disclosures and Checks against ISA Barred List (Formerly List 99)
CRB fee: £44.00 (only applicable to non-voluntary positions)
Administration fee: £19.99 (covers advice and guidance on safeguarding from the SPS CRB team and the processing of the disclosure, includes check against ISA Barred List)
Total: £63.99 (Voluntary positions total £19.99)
The Charges - Checks against the ISA Barred List Only
ISA Barred List check: £1.00
Portability check: £1.50
Please note that no charges will be made to you for disclosure applications for Road Crossing Patrols that are directly employed by KCC. We will charge these to CFE Directorate.
Reporting and Method of Payment - Monthly Statement and Direct Debit From 6th April
We will be introducing an updated look to the CRB system that you use that matches the style and feel of our new website. In addition, you will find that there are more help and guidance options available.
The updated system will also allow us to provide you with a monthly statement so you can keep track of the checks despatched to the CRB within the given period. Charges for these disclosures will then be automatically deducted via Direct Debit in the same way as your SPS HR Support Package.
For information on safeguarding and CRB Checks, or to process a secure online application please click here to go to the CRB Disclosures section of the website.
If you have any queries please contact the SPS CRB Team on either 01227 598714 or 01227 598712. You can also contact George Kearns, CRB Systems Manager on george.kearns@kent.gov.uk