I am writing to let you know the outcome of the assurance visits to your organisation on 26th January 2005.

The conclusions in the attached report are drawn from the information provided by you during the course of that visit....

The aim of the assurance process is to help the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) determine the level of compliance across the range of your responsibilities and, if necessary, provide you with the guidance and support to enable you to meet the standards expected of Registered Bodies.

Thank you for your co-operation with our assurance process. This helps the CRB to ensure a professional network of Registered Bodies, all of whom contribute to the CRB's aim of facilitating safer recruitment to protect the vulnerable.

Identity Validation

You are follow the CRB'S guidance concerning the conduct and recording of identity checks.

Completion of Application Forms

Your organisation has a satisfactory record of submitting application forms that have been completed accurately and in the prescribed manner.

Use of Disclosure Information

Your organisation satisfies the relevant criteria in respect of the fair use of disclosure information

Storage, Handling, Retention and Disposal of Disclosure Information

Your organisation satisfies the relevant criteria in respect of the secure storage, handling, rentention and disposal of Disclosure information.

Umbrella Body

You reported that your organisation countersigns Disclosure applications on behalf of organisations or individuals who are entitled to receive the disclosure service but who have not registered with the CRB in their own right.

I can confirm that you are following the CRB guidance with regard to your responsibilities as an Umbrella Body.

Summary

The policies and procedures you have in place which are of a high standard and cover all the necessary points as set out in the CRB Code of Practice.

It is apparent that you are fully compliant and familiar with the CRB Code of Practice, for which we commend you and we acknowledge the fact that you ensure your client organisations are compliant with the CoP. Overall you have excellent knowledge of the CRB Disclosure process.

We note that you are following the ROA act by taking into consideration all conviction information and therefore making an informed recruitment decision, for which CRB commend you.

Policy on the Recruitment of Ex-offenders & Criminal Records Disclosures

This written policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders is made available to all applicants at the outset of the recruitment process in the interests of transparency.

As an organisation using the Criminal Records Bureau Disclosure Service to assess applicants’ suitability for positions of trust, Housing Support undertakes to treat all applicants fairly, not to discriminate unfairly against any subject of a disclosure on the basis of conviction or other information revealed.

Housing Support is committed to the fair treatment of its staff, potential staff or users of its services, regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, responsibilities for dependants, age, physical/mental disability or offending background.

We actively promote equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of talent, skills and potential and welcome applications from a wide range of candidates, including those with criminal records. We shortlist all candidates for interview based on their skills, qualifications and experience.

Housing Support require an enhanced disclosure to be completed for all Support Staff, as the various supported housing vacancies all involve close contact with vulnerable clients. CRB disclosures may be needed for other positions dependent on the individual circumstances.

Having a criminal record will not necessarily bar you from working with Housing Support. This will depend on the nature of the work environment specific to vulnerable groups and the circumstances and background of your offences.

We ensure that all those in Housing Support who are involved in the recruitment process have been suitably trained to identify and assess the relevance and circumstances of offences. We also ensure that they have received appropriate guidance and training in the relevant legislation related to the employment of ex-offenders, e.g. the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

Housing Support is bound by the CRB Code of Practice, and endeavours to comply fully with its provisions. Copies of the Code of Practice are available from the Bureau, whose Advice Line can be contacted on 0870 9090811 or further information obtained from their website at www.disclosure.gov.uk.

Registered body

Housing Support is a registered body authorised to obtain CRB disclosures at all levels. Housing Support has the right to ask exempted questions about spent and unspent convictions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

Umbrella body

Housing Support can provide an 'umbrella' disclosure service to employers not registered with the CRB who may need a disclosure from their staff from time to time. In circumstances which may involve contract with vunerable groups such as the elderly; infirm; mentally ill and young people under the age of 18, a CRB disclosure will be required from November 2004.

For details about the service call us on the numbers below or email info@housingsupport.co.uk.