Vetting Checks using the Criminal Records Bureau
ECB and Vetting checks
The ECB Policy Safe Hands requires that any Coach, Umpire, Scorer, Junior Team Manager, team first aider or any other listed individual has to complete a Vetting Check. This Vetting Check for almost all cricket participants is in the form of a CRB check.
The list of specific roles that require a CRB Check can be found in the document below:
ECB List of Posts which require Vetting Checks (163 KB)
All posts that require a Vetting Check also require the individual to complete a Self Declaration Form at the same time as completing the CRB Application Form.
The Self Declaration Form is available to download below:
Self Declaration Form (52 KB)
Further information
If you have any queries about Vetting Checks which are not answered in the information provided below or you require further information or detail on a particular matter please contact the staff in the ECB's Child Protection Team:
Tel: 020 7432 1200
Email: CRB@ecb.co.uk
Why do I need to complete a Vetting Check (CRB check)?
The ECB is committed to ensuring that cricket provides a safe, friendly and enjoyable environment for children.
As such it is a widely recognised requirement for all those involved with working with children - whether as paid employees or as volunteers - to undertake a vetting check to ensure their suitability to work with children.
Almost all individuals needing a Vetting Check need an Enhanced CRB Check.
If you wish to know more information about the CRB Disclosure Process please visit the CRB website.
How do I obtain a CRB Disclosure Application form?
Your Club should contact either the County Welfare Officer or Cricket Development Manager. If you undertake an ECB coaching course or are a member of the ACU&S / ECBCA then you will automatically receive a CRB Disclosure Application form as this is a pre-requisite for these positions.
On the Disclosure Application Form, who completes Section X?
Section X of a CRB Disclosure Application form is to be completed by an ECB authorised Section X Identity Verifier. This section is a CRB requirement to check your identity.
You should receive details of your local Section X Identity Verifiers with your ECB CRB Disclosure Application Form.
However, please contact either your County Welfare Officer or Cricket Development Manager for your nearest identification checker if you have not received this list with your application pack.
(Please Note: once you have been CRB checked yourself you cannot automatically check another person’s identification.)
What do I do once I have completed the form
Ensure that the form is completed accurately in BLACK INK - then send it to:
ECB Child Protection Team
England and Wales Cricket Board
Lord’s Cricket Ground
London NW8 8QZ
How much does it cost to get a Vetting Check?
For CRB Applications there is only a charge made by the CRB for those who are employed in the role that the check relates to.
If you are a volunteer within cricket whether as a Coach, Umpire, Scorer or Team Manager (i.e. receiving expenses only), please mark the check box labelled Volunteer on the last page of the CRB form and there will be no charge for your check. Vetting Checks in other countries may incur a charge.
If you receive an income from cricket, you must then send a cheque for £36 made payable to the ECB with your form.
What happens next?
Your CRB Enhanced Disclosure Application Form will be registered with the ECB and sent to the CRB. Results can take up to six weeks to come back. Please allow up to 10 days for the ECB to receive and process your form.
The ECB receive a very large volume of forms each week and so unfortunately it is not possible to acknowledge receipt of your form on an individual basis.
What do I receive from the CRB?
You will receive an original green Disclosure directly from the CRB in Liverpool stating your full criminal record as held by the police and other agencies.
A duplicate copy of this Disclosure will be sent to the ECB Child Protection Team at Lord’s for assessment.
What happens if I have a previous conviction?
All convictions are assessed for their relevancy in respect of safeguarding children and an individual’s suitability to work with children.
Please note that the ECB may request further information from any individual who has a conviction which is deemed to be potentially relevant.
The existence of any previous conviction(s) and / or caution(s) will not necessarily prevent an individual from being involved in cricket; that will depend on the nature and circumstance of the conviction(s) / caution(s).
The ECB has a policy statement on the recruitment of ex-offenders which can be found below:
ECB Policy on the Recruitment of Ex-Offenders (39 KB)
Further information relating to general good practice in recruiting ex-offenders can be obtained from Nacro - visit www.nacro.org.uk.
Who will know about my criminal convictions?
If convictions are revealed through a Vetting Check only the ECB Child Protection Team will be aware of these unless there is an over-riding need to share information with the County Welfare Officer or other external agencies.
All information is kept confidential and managed within a secure environment.
I have already been vetted (CRB checked) by another organisation - can this be transferred to the ECB?
The ECB does not accept the 'transfer' of CRB Disclosures from another organisation.
The CRB does not endorse the use of portability of Disclosures and so the ECB is following best practice guidance by requesting that all individuals in cricket are vetted through the ECB.
For more details of the risks of accepting others’ Disclosures please see the CRB website.
I have been living abroad within the last five years?
The ECB are required to ensure that all persons who have contact with children have been suitably vetted.
Therefore, the ECB requires an appropriate Vetting Check or 'Certificate of good conduct' from the police or high commission in the country in which you have lived within the past five years.
Most countries now offer Vetting Checks and information on how to obtain an Vetting Check from another country can be found on the CRB website.
A form can be obtained by contacting either the County Welfare Officer or Cricket Development Manager. You can also contact the ECB Child Protection Team at Lord’s on 020 7432 1200 or via email to crb@ecb.co.uk.
How often will I need to be Vetted?
A Vetting check is valid for three years within cricket.
My ECB CRB Disclosure is about to expire as it is almost 3 years old - what should I do?
All individuals who have completed a Vetting Check through the ECB should automatically receive a reminder letter in advance of the expiration of their CRB Disclosure.
The letter will include all details and appropriate paperwork for a renewal application to be made. Renewal Vetting Checks once completed are also valid for three years.
How old do I need to be to complete a CRB Disclosure Application?
Any person over the age of 10 years old is eligible to complete a CRB Disclosure Application.
Do I have to show my Disclosure to anyone?
There is no obligation for you to show your Disclosure. There are mechanisms in place for Club Welfare Officers to check that you have a valid Vetting Check for cricket.
All Cricket Development Managers and County Welfare Officers will have access to a confidential list of all persons who have complied with the Vetting Check process in the County.
