why would I need a CRB?

nexuss

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.

A lot of courier and security companies have CRB checks to see if any applicant has any record of stealing..

TomBridges

Update from recruitment agent: "crb check as an insurance company you'll have access to peoples confidential details therefore as part of compliance they have to check all staff"

Still don't understand this... from what I can see on the web, in England & Wales you can only have a Standard or Enhanced Disclosure, which are specifically for people working with Children or Vulnerable Adults.

As I understand it, in Scotland & NI you can also have a Basic Disclosure done (i.e. a certificate which says whether you have any unspent convictions).. But these aren't available in Eng & Wales.

I'm increasingly uneasy about them doing a CRB & Credit Check on me. Quite simply I see no reason why I need to have this done (i.e. in a software testing position I shouldn't have access to peoples confidential details).. plus why on earth does my credit rating affect whether I can be employed by them or not.

TomBridges

gingerdad wrote: »

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

Illegal? can you supply info the law that this would break?

DVardysShadow

TomBridges wrote: »

Illegal? can you supply info the law that this would break?

I'm not sure, but I think it would be the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.

It is ironic that companies are willing to break the law the get a CRB check done.

I would suggest that you comply with the request and fill in all of the required details about your employment - leaving NO blanks and let the CRB throw it out for being an illegal request

duncans-mum_2

My understanding is that lots of jobs require a CRB check if you are in a position of trust with confidential or sensitive information, or info that you could use for financial gain, not just working with children or vulnerable adults. For example NHS Admin staff get CRB checked even if they have no contact with patients. I can't see that it is illegal to obtain CRB for these reasons, it would only be illegal if you hadn't agreed to it, in which instance the employer wouldn't be able to get one anyway, but if you can point the legalities out I would stand corrected.

Also as a software tester they may wish to credit check you as if you are struggling with debt, that may make you more prone to accept bribes from rival companies for information.

timmmers

It is illegal to do certain things to me if I don't agree....a CRB would be one of those things. If i agree...then how can it be illegal ? It does no harm. and I've said I don't mind.

Some jobs it's a requirement, absolutely illegal to do them without one. one i know for sure is a martial arts instructor ..because you have kids in your care, even if it's not always a job as such. you can't do it without one legally.

A software tester may have access to systems, and knowledge enough to take advantage of them for financial gain...a recent example of someone with far less access was the cleaners at a large bank installing hardware keyloggers in bank keyboards and making off with 20 million that way which was a record I think, or would have been if they hadn't got nabbed. Anyone with the a criminal mind, the skills and the access can be dangerous in certain environments involving IT.

This does seem bloody silly really...a simple question on a form should be enough, alongside good references.

I had a criminal record check when working for BNFL for security purposes, but the CRB wasn't who were involved back then...and come to think of it some people were sacked there for not disclosing new convictions to the company who found out straight away almost.

Feel free to rob them blind if you get a chance...I hate insurance compnaies...they deserve it :T

t

robredz

An enhanced CRB shows convictions that are "spent" under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act, along with any tittle tattle evidence held by the police, or some minor misdemeanour in the dim and distant past, even while you are a juvenile, so getting fined or getting a caution at 10 years old for criminal damage for chalking a hopscotch grid on the pavement would show. A standard doesn't show spent convictions.

gingerdad

TomBridges wrote: »

Illegal? can you supply info the law that this would break?

i will have a look for a bit but it directly refers to the act that brought the CRB into being

pookienoodle

Is it possibe that as a software tester you may have full access to all the companies computer records?
If it is an insurance company there maybe info and possibly images of ongoing insurance claims.
I know of someone who made a claim when their little boy was scalded on his buttocks at his childminders.
they had many photos of his injuries taken for the insurance company.
not the sort of info/images that certain members of society should have access to.

magpiecottage

ICO is the Information Commissioner's office.

The FSA has certain "Controlled Functions" that must be carried out by a person who is "Fit and Proper" and an employer would need to make reasonable checks about them. That would normally include a credit check and enquiries about convictions (even "spent" convictions relating to fraud) - but software testing is not a controlled function.

I have had enhanced CRB checks done on me by the Scout Association and the Local Authority. You have to complete a dedicated form for the purpose and they have to take down specific details about ID provided so it sound's as though you were not checked with the CRB.