News and press releases

Read the latest press releases and news published by the Criminal Records Bureau.

Latest news and press releases

Industrial action
Members of the civil service union, Public and Commercial Services (PCS), have voted to go on a national strike on Thursday 10 May.
Published 9 May 2012

Enhancements to CRB identity checking process to be introduced
From 28 May, the CRB’s identity checking guidelines will be strengthened in order to improve public protection.
Published 8 May 2012

Protection of Freedoms Bill becomes law
The Protection of Freedoms bill has completed its passage through Parliament and received Royal Assent.
Published 1 May 2012

Taxi drivers eligible for enhanced criminal records check
From today, all taxi licensing authorities can apply for enhanced criminal record checks for before issuing licences to taxi and private hire vehicle drivers.
Published 26 March 2012

Updated eligibility guide published
The CRB has published a revised version of the eligibility guide to include recent amendments to legislation.
Published 21 March 2012

Ordering your new forms online
Organisations registered with the CRB now have the option to order their blank application forms online as well as through the call centre.
23 January 2012

Industrial action
Members of the civil service union, Public and Commercial Services (PCS), have voted to go on a national strike on Wednesday 30 November 2011.
23 November 2011

Old CRB website to close
The old CRB website will close on 25 September.
1 September 2011

Umbrella body (UB) Database
Now that the CRB has moved its web content to three central government sites, the UB database can be found on Business Link.
18 May 2011

Industrial action
Members of the civil service union, Public and Commercial Services (PCS), have voted to go on a national strike on Thursday 30 June 2011.
29 June 2011

New application form guidance published
New guidance is now available to assist applicants and countersignatories to complete the CRB application form.
15 June 2011

CRB on Business Link
At Business Link you can now find information for registered bodies and other associated businesses and organisations using the CRB service.
9 May 2011

CRB on Directgov
At Directgov you can now find information and access to services for CRB applicants and the general public.
9 May 2011

CRB website changes
Find out why we have made changes to our website, and where you can find the information you need now.
31 March 2011

Enhanced check charges increased
The cost of an Enhanced CRB check will increase from 6 April 2011. This is the first time that CRB fees have increased since 2006.
31 March 2011

Results of the vetting and barring scheme review
Nick Clegg has unveiled a new scaled back employment vetting scheme and a fundamental reform of criminal records checks.
March 2011

Vetting and barring scheme registration halted
Registration with the vetting and barring scheme (VBS) has been halted to allow the government to remodel the scheme back to proportionate, common sense levels.
15 June 2010