CRB Checks
Jenny Kellber outlines a new scheme that enables RGT members to obtain a CRB check…
Before agreeing to send their children for lessons, an increasing number of parents are asking guitar teachers if they have a Criminal Records Bureau Enhanced Disclosure (widely referred to as a 'CRB check'). Guitar teachers applying for freelance teaching jobs in schools and colleges are also increasingly being asked to provide a copy of their CRB check. However, under current legislation self-employed tutors cannot apply direct to the CRB to obtain a check.
Problem Solved
RGT has become aware of this growing problem for its members and consequently has recently made a special arrangement with the CRB umbrella body 'Osborne Cawkwell Education Consultants'. This arrangement means that RGT members in England, Wales and Northern Ireland can now obtain a CRB Enhanced Disclosure - and at a very competitive rate. RGT has negotiated a special reduced administration fee with Osborne Cawkwell for RGT members of just £8.25 plus VAT (probably the lowest cost for CRB checking available in the UK - some agencies charge over £70 just in admin fees for this service!). The standard, fixed CRB application fee of £36 is also payable - a total of £46. This facility and reduced fee is available only to current RGT members.
If you are an RGT registered tutor and would like a CRB application pack, contact Jenny Kellber at the RGT office (01424 222222, office@RegistryOfGuitarTutors.com).
Scotland has its own procedures for disclosure checks, and tutors resident in Scotland requiring disclosure checks should ring the Scottish Disclosure Advisory Service on 01786 825313.
New Legistlation
Starting from 12 October 2009 everyone working or volunteering with children or vulnerable adults in a 'regulated activity' (which includes guitar teaching) will need to register with the new Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) - it will be an offence not to do so, with penalties of up to five years in prison.
Implementation
The implementation arrangements have not yet been finalised by the ISA; further information will appear in this magazine once it becomes available. However, it is "proposed" that the scheme is phased in over a five-year period, starting with those without an enhanced CRB disclosure. It is therefore advisable that RGT members without an enhanced disclosure apply for one soon, so as not to be at a disadvantage when parents are assessing suitability of tutors for their children; without an enhanced disclosure, it would be necessary to apply to register early with the ISA, along with many other new applicants to the ISA Scheme. (Over 11 million people in the UK will be required to register!)
It should be noted that ISA registration does not replace enhanced CRB disclosure checks. The ISA check will only result in barring an individual if they have a record with specific acts that require them to be barred; an enhanced CRB check will list all criminal offences. In Scotland, parallel legislation, the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007, is due to come into effect in Summer 2009.
