Trustees have a duty to make sure that children or other vulnerable people benefiting from (or working with) their charity are not harmed in any way through contact with it.

All childcare charities must ensure that prospective trustees have the appropriate Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checks. Our guidance Finding new trustees – what charities need to know explains this in more detail.

Charities working with children or vulnerable adults may also be able to carry out CRB checks on prospective trustees and we strongly recommend that this is done.

Further information

• Finding new trustees - what charities need to know. Provides detailed information on where CRB checks are needed when recruiting new trustees.
• Safeguarding children – our guidance on child protection policies, systems and procedures.
• Reporting serious incidents – what to do if you feel a charity does not have appropriate vetting procedures in place or has not carried out necessary CRB checks.

How to apply for a CRB check

• Applying for CRB checks – guidance on how to find an organisation registered with the CRB which will process requests for disclosure on your behalf (external link, opens in new window).
• Registering with the CRB – charities working with children and vulnerable people who are likely to request over 100 CRB checks a year should register with the CRB (external link, opens in new window).
• Guidance on the application form – top tips from the CRB to help organisations registered with them fill out the new purple application form (external link, opens in new window).