The REC has welcomed the proposed changes to the Freedoms Bill and as an established recruitment business we welcome changes that remove ’red tape’ and improve the recruitment process. However, as a registered umbrella body for the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB), we can see the proposals from another angle.

In our experience over the last six years, the results of the CRB certificates have without doubt helped stop unsuitable people working with and having access to children and vulnerable adults. Over the last six years, the CRB reports that 130,000 people have been prevented from working with vulnerable members of society. The new proposals will halve this figure. Is this another cost cutting exercise at the expense of safe recruitment practice?

The new scheme will only cover those who have regular or close contact with children and vulnerable adults. In future, a school bus driver, a plumber or builder working on a school or hospital site, a linesman at a children’s football match, or a maintenance worker at a school or hospital will not be required to obtain a criminal record check.

Let’s take the good aspects of the proposals, such as the portability of a CRB check, but not compromise the safety of the vulnerable in our society. CRB checks should remain a crucial part of safe recruitment and appointment practice. It’s all about making an informed, sound recruitment decision.

Michelle Mellor, lead signatory, Personnel Checks