Grassroots administrators have been alerted to the fact a brand new form is available for FA Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) Checks and that previous white copies of the paperwork became defunct on 30th June as the game continues to prevent unsuitable people from working with children and vulnerable adults.
The white CRB forms, which had become widely recognised in welfare circles, are void and out-of-date since a modernised version was recently introduced and these should now be destroyed as completed and submitted copies will be returned. The new purple forms are currently being despatched to Club Welfare Officers with guidelines.
“With all the excitement of the World Cup and the new football season the introduction of new paperwork isn’t gripping front page news but this form is vital to the functionality of welfare in Essex and further afield,” explained Helen Hever, Welfare Officer at the Essex County FA who has been involved in the recent club affiliation process.
CRB Checks have been a natural part of operating a youth club in recent years since the impact of the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act (2006), drafted following the death of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman in August 2002. The Act aims to prevent unsuitable people from working with children and vulnerable adults and The FA has worked hard to ensure the voice of football has been heard and understood by Government.
Furthermore, there is an increasing awareness in football about this Act, which led to the creation of the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) as featured on Newsnight. ISA assesses those working in regulated activities who are referred on the grounds that they pose a possible risk of harm. The FA is aware of the natural anxiety felt in football and an information pack containing two forms is being despatched to each affiliated youth club.
While the ongoing production of the new forms means the availability of further copies is initially restricted, the supply should return to normal shortly and clubs are asked to prioritise new coaches and managers who don’t yet have an FA CRB to start with. Club should also continue to refer to The FA’s safeguarding policies as well as their own.
“I’d ask administrators to please remember that the new forms have been created with a line about ISA registration within them,” Helen continued. “Since the new Coalition Government was formed it has decided to review ISA and The Football Association at Wembley Stadium is currently awaiting news on how the scheme could change, if at all. However, the new forms are now in circulation and will still need to be completed.”
Another important amendment to the form is the cost, which has risen to £15. However, an online version is planned which will weigh in at £10, while those who take an income from the game will need to contribute £51. The Association doesn’t make a profit from the CRB process - the £15 covers the current administration costs of processing the Checks and is comparable to the amount charged by other similar organisations.
The yellow sections are mandatory and the entire form must be completed in black ink. There are guidelines included to highlight a few changes from the previous version, including the need for a National Insurance Number on Line 20. Section D “apply for registration with ISA” can obviously be left blank due to the aforementioned potential for reform. Applicants should also only complete up to and including Line 62.
Clarification on Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) Checks, welfare issues in football and the Respect Programme is available from Helen at the Essex County FA on (01245) 393098 or via E-Mail at helen.hever@essexfa.com. If you’re immediately concerned about a child’s welfare, contact the Police or Social Services on (0845) 603 7634 (during office hours) or (0845) 606 1212 (outside office hours).