For our summer programme we have to ensure we have enough volunteers. Management has decided not to run criminal records bureau (CRB) checks as the process takes too long. Is this right?
We have CRB checks because we believe that safeguarding children and young people is essential. That’s why it’s so frustrating that most checks seem to take an inordinate amount of time to process. So it’s understandable that this can lead to the temptation to avoid the bureaucracy in order to press on with things, as in this case, where the summer scheme could be over by the time the checks come through.
However, the system may be flawed, but the intent is good and for this reason we must carry out the checks wherever possible. I understand that in exceptional cases it is possible to expedite matters, so this may be worth investigating.
Also, there are ways of ensuring that safeguarding is in place by pairing people up and making sure that no-one works alone.
Answered by Tracie Trimmer-Platman, senior lecturer in youth and community work at the University of East London
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