why would I need a CRB?

TomBridges

Hi eveyone,

I have applied for a Software Testing job and have been told by the Recruitment Agent that I would need to be Credit Checked & CRB'd.

I didn't actually ask why, and I have no problem with it in principle (i.e. I have good credit, and no convictions :j).

But it got me wondering why they would be doing these checks.

My partner works in the NHS () and has plenty of experience with applying for enhanced CRBs, so no problem there...

But even she can't understand why they would want me to have a CRB check. The only reason she has come up with is that they could possibly employ vulnerable people as cleaners etc.

Cheers in advance

Tom

dtc04

no idea unless your gfs right, why the credit cheack though? I have to have a crb for my job but not a credit check

timmmers

Because hackers working for software companies isn't so great an idea ? Skint hackers...even less so :rotfl:

Depends what the software is ...could be financial, gaming, security, or defence...all would need some checks.

Look what happened with the T Mobile folk recently...one staff member selling off customer details. If you're in the right place with the orng morals you can do some serious damage in IT roles.

GL with the job.

t

PS ROFLMAO @ your GF's suggestion...she think they were scared of you molesting the cleaners ? :rotfl:

fengirl_2

The only way for an employer to legally obtain a CRB check was if you were working with children or vulnerable adults. Will you be testing software in school settings, or similar? If you are not working with vulerable groups, its unlawful for them to apply for a check.

magpiecottage

My understanding is that ICO frowns upon CRB checks except in the circumstances fengirl says.

They are overrated anyway. When I became a cub leader I was told it only shows you haven't done anything yet.

I pointed out that in reality it only shows you haven't been caught yet.

TomBridges

fengirl wrote: »

The only way for an employer to legally obtain a CRB check was if you were working with children or vulnerable adults. Will you be testing software in school settings, or similar? If you are not working with vulerable groups, its unlawful for them to apply for a check.

That was my understanding too..

I checked the CRB website, and it certainly doesn't come under any of the sections of jobs on there.

magpiecottage wrote: »

My understanding is that ICO frowns upon CRB checks except in the circumstances fengirl says.

ICO??

I have an interview on Monday.. I can't decided whether to ask at the interview (but at a risk that it looks like I have something to hide), or just leave it until *hopefully* i'm offered the job..

I just read on another website that people working in financial services can be required to have a CRB.. the role is software testing for an insurance company.. so maybe that is why!

ploder

I can't decided whether to ask at the interview (but at a risk that it looks like I have something to hide), or just leave it until *hopefully* i'm offered the job..

That's precisely the reason you should boycott the extension of CRB to anything that doesn't involve a significant degree of contact with children/vulnerable persons. Even then you should not be the one paying for it. You have not done anything wrong. The obligation should not fall on you to 'prove' this. It's not about having anything to hide, it's about the presumption of innocence.

wontfallforit

TomBridges wrote: »

Hi eveyone,

I have applied for a Software Testing job and have been told by the Recruitment Agent that I would need to be Credit Checked & CRB'd.

I didn't actually ask why, and I have no problem with it in principle (i.e. I have good credit, and no convictions :j).

But it got me wondering why they would be doing these checks.

My partner works in the NHS () and has plenty of experience with applying for enhanced CRBs, so no problem there...

But even she can't understand why they would want me to have a CRB check. The only reason she has come up with is that they could possibly employ vulnerable people as cleaners etc.

Cheers in advance

Tom

I'm wondering if perhaps the agency has got their words mixed up. I work for a bank, and the agency who referred me informed me that I'd be credit/CRB checked. In reality, I was of course credit-checked, but to the best of my knowledge there was no search of the criminal records bureau. Rather, we were asked to declare whether or not we had any convictions (pretty standard procedure), and were warned about the importance of being open and honest in our declarations.

I have nothing to hide in that respect (along with the overwhelming majority of my colleagues), so I of course came back clean. Like I said, though, I have serious doubts as to whether or not an actual CRB check was undertaken. Unless they can apply for disclosure and receive the results without our written consent, then it simply never happened.

MrsTinks

And then there is security clearance Apparently because of the information stored on the servers we have at work even our cleaners have to have security checks... But I don't think they're the same as CRB checks... could be wrong

gingerdad

There is no requirement and it is illegal to CRB check you under the current law unless the role involves contact with Children/or vulnerable adults..... But that doesn't mean they won't a good % of CRB checks that have been done are technically illegal under the law

nexuss

http://www.crb.homeoffice.gov.uk/default.aspx