Criminal record checks go online

Agencies will be able to check criminal records faster

The Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) has introduced a new system that will allow agencies to submit requests for checks and receive results online.

The CRB currently handles more than three and a half million requests from organisations that work with children and vulnerable people and want to check employees for criminal records.

Now, using the system known as e-Bulk, the 265 organisations which are responsible for more than half of all requests will be able to submit multiple requests at once and receive results electronically.

"The launch by the CRB of its new online application process e-Bulk for its core customers shows it continues to actively listen to their needs and has delivered a service that meets those needs," said Home Office minister Vernon Coaker.

The CRB estimates the service will reduce the average processing time by about five days, mean that fewer forms need to be completed, and will cut inaccuracy because of automatic field checking.

The service was developed in response to customer feedback in 2007, which revealed more than two thirds of customers wanted to be able to submit multiple applications online and more than four fifths would like to submit single applications via the web site.

Of the 34 customers who have signed up to the new service, Girlguiding UK is the first to use it.

"Parents trust our organisation because we have a sound recruitment process which includes CRB checks. This new e-application channel will help us reduce bureaucracy, improve quality and speed up the process," said Denise King, chief executive of Girlguiding UK.