As discussed with all of the accreditees, we at tabulae, have investigated the rules, regulations and guidelines governing historical practitioners and the CRB.

This was to answer questions such as; Do we need to be covered? Who needs to get us checked? Can Tabulae do this effectively across the heritage field? Do we need to be checked more than once? etc

After looking into the practicalities of becoming an umbrella agency (a body that can ask the questions and apply for CRB checking), as well as putting these and many other questions to the CRB, we wrote to both the CRB and the Home Office in order to get a definitive answer to them.

We have now received a reply from both the Home Office (who informed us that they had forwarded our letter to the CRB) and from the Chief Executive of the CRB.

You can view both our letter and the full text of the letter from the CRB by clicking on these links. Or if you prefer, here is a summary of the advice therein.

• It is the responsibility of each of your employers to ascertain whether a CRB Disclosure is required for the job you are doing.
• The employer can decide whether previous checks are relevant or wheter a new check is required and to what level.
• Disclosures for Volunteers are free of charge.
• It would serve no real purpose for Tabulae to become an Umbrella Agency as further checks on you may need to be done anyway.
• This may result in many checks being made on you during the course of your working year.

If you do have any problems or difficulties that require more information, the CRB can be reached at:

CRB, Shannon Court, 10 Princes Parade, Princes Dock, Liverpool L3 1QY