What is the Criminal Records Bureau?

The Criminal Records Bureau was introduced by the government for organisations to carry out criminal record checks on employees and volunteers working with children and vulnerable adults. The service is designed to help organisations protect the people who use their services, by revealing whether those working for them have criminal records which might make them unsuitable.
 

How long has this been needed?

In order to fulfil our obligations under the law we extended our checks to the branch network in 2004.  

Who needs to be checked?

The Disclosure legislation requires that all MS Support Officers and other volunteers whose work may bring them into one-to-one contact with people with MS should undergo checks:

MS Support Officers in England and Wales have been instructed of the process. Branch chairs should identify all volunteers that fall into the second category.

 

What if I need to be checked?

All volunteers that have been identified will receive further information from the National Centre. It is important to remember that having a criminal record will not automatically stop someone from being allowed to do their role. A thorough risk assessment and discussion with the individual would take place before any further action would be taken, should it prove necessary.

Please be assured that the whole process of Disclosure is carried out with the strictest confidentiality. Only the volunteer and nominated staff members at the National Centre will be aware of the results of Disclosure, and the volunteer will be told exactly who has seen them. No information will be provided to the branch.

Should a volunteer have a record that makes it inappropriate for them to continue in their role, it may be possible to identify a different role which would be suitable for them.

We realise that you may require further information or advice about disclosure and how it will affect you. If this is the case, talk to Sonja Pinnell in the strictest confidence on 020 8438 0749.  

Advertising volunteer vacancies

When advertising it is imperative you mention the need to apply for Disclosure.

A form used in the application process stating your volunteers acceptance is available from the volunteering team or by calling on 020 8438 0749.