29 March 2002
According to sources close to the CRB, which opened for business on March 11, the new system is already massively overburdened. The bureau was set up as a one-stop-shop to screen potential applicants and provide access to criminal and recruitment information to the public sector.
But the CRB, set up as a public-private partnership and run by Capita, has already had difficulties managing the change-over period. Local authorities claim that checks originally begun by police have not been finished by the CRB, with information apparently falling 'through the gaps'.
Several authorities, which did not wish to be named, have already closed crèches and holiday play schemes for Easter because staff have not been cleared. Recruitment information submitted to the CRB in June last year has still not been processed, they claim. Councils also complained of poor helpline advice and too few staff to deal with enquiries.
The Employers Organisation has already raised concerns about standards at the CRB. In a letter to all chief executives on March 21, employers secretary Charles Nolda highlighted reports that the system was already reaching crisis point. 'Authorities report that the system is highly disorganised. This will mean that crucial social services and education appointments could be delayed,' the letter said. The organisation is due to meet ministers on April 3 to raise these concerns.
In a statement, the Home Office, which has responsibility for the CRB, said it was committed to achieving its service levels when the bureau becomes fully operational in April.
'During March, some customers may have experienced slightly longer waiting times when telephoning the CRB as the CRB is receiving a higher number of enquiries from registered bodies,' it said. 'The CRB is monitoring the situation. As organisations become more accustomed to the new arrangements, the call duration will reduce. And, with more staff being recruited, the CRB aims to meet its service standards as soon as possible.'
PFmar2002