Registered bodies

A registered body is an organisation that is registered to access the CRB checking service.

Registered bodies are entitled to ask exempted questions under the Exceptions Order to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974 Exceptions Order 1975 and access the CRB's services to check the staff that they recruit directly to eligible posts.

Some registered bodies may also undertake checks for other organisations that provide eligible positions but which are not themselves directly registered with the CRB. This is referred to as offering an umbrella service. 

Organisations who offer an umbrella service are entitled to countersign applications on behalf of people or organisations that are entitled to ask exempted questions.

The registered body's role is to:

• check and validate the information provided by the applicant on the application form
• establish the true identity of the applicant, through the examination of a range of documents using guidance provided by the CRB
• ensure the application form is fully completed and the information it contains is accurate
• countersign applications to confirm that the organisation has an entitlement to access criminal record information
• comply with the CRB’s code of practice

Guidance for registered bodies or organisations who would like to use the CRB checking service can be found on the Business Link website.

Umbrella Services

Registered bodies who are providing this service must take reasonable steps to ensure that any organisation they are countersigning on behalf of also complies with the relevant responsibilities and obligations.

Umbrella bodies play an important role in the success of the CRB as they provide the mechanism by which many smaller organisations will access CRB checks. 

The umbrella body search facility will help you find organisations that process CRB checks on behalf of applicants.