Information & Advice

Criminal Record Checks and Disclosure

Writers working with children and young people in Wales may encounter the need to be checked by the Criminal Record Bureau.  These checks are designed to reduce the risk of abuse by ensuring that those who are unsuitable are not able to work with children and vulnerable adults.  As an individual you are not entitled to ask for a check on yourself.  The check must be requested by the employing organisation and you need to consent to the check being requested.  In most cases, it will be the employer who will pay for the cost of the Disclosure.  In asking for a criminal records check, your employer must comply with various conditions regarding the confidentiality and storage of someone’s criminal records information, as well as ensuring that an ex offender is not discriminated against unfairly.

Writers working in schools and other institutions across Wales usually do so in the company of a teacher and other pupils and in these circumstances disclosure is not normally regarded as essential.  Policy can vary, however, from authority to authority.  Other organisations like Barnardo’s or hospitals will always require such checks.

Further information on this subject can be found at the WCVA web site here and at the Criminal Records Bureau itself here.