CRB checks stop work experience

A piece in the Guardian reports that CRB checks could obstruct the government’s new diploma qualification, which puts emphasis on work experience. Teaching leaders said that the cost and trouble of the checks meant that businesses were reluctant to take on students.

One thing worth noting is that the bottom line proves something of a reality check for vetting procedures – the business community is sensitive to the time and effort involved in these checks, and aware that this is money that could be better spent elsewhere. We need to remember that vetting costs too for social care and educational institutions - resources are being wasted in non-profit institutions, even if they don’t have to answer to the market in the same way.

Also, the case of work experience shows the contradictory nature of vetting laws. As Clarissa Williams pointed out, 16-year-olds would themselves have to be CRB checked if they wanted to work with children. ‘It adds to an ethos of distrust and is another hurdle to be met.’ This apparent contradiction shows that the law is not about dealing with particular individuals, but instead targets a social relationship of guidance and trust. If a 16 year old is guided by an adult, they are the potential victim; if the same 16 year old is helping a younger child, they in turn become suspicious and an object of scrutiny.