Safeguarding Children is about creating a positive, safe and fun environment for all children and young people under the age of 18 years. It is now mandatory for all Charter Standard Youth Clubs to ensure members who train, care for, supervise or work alone with children under 18 years of age have been CRB checked. This includes Club Welfare Officers (CWO), managers, coaches, first aiders, club referees and minibus drivers.

It is a FA mandatory requirement that all youth clubs (U18 and below) appoint a designated Club Welfare Officer. Before a club can affiliate for each new season, the Club Welfare Officer MUST have a valid FA CRB and have attended a Safeguarding Children Workshop, followed by a Welfare Officer Workshop. In line with this membership rule, every youth league is required to appoint a League Welfare Officer prior to the Association’s sanction of the league. The League Welfare Officer must have the same requirements for this role as the Club Welfare Officer. Cambridgeshire FA strongly recommends that CRB checks are carried out on all members who have regularly supervise (e.g. 1 hr per week) children under the age of 18 within their club.

What is a CRB check?
A CRB check is a way of checking a club member to make sure they do not have any previous convictions in which they are not safe to work with children. Enhanced Disclosure checks are used within football.

How much do they cost?
The cost of a CRB check is £10 for an online check and £15.30 for a paper application.  All clubs are urged to register for the CRB Online Service. This service is quicker and safer than the paper application.

How can I get a CRB check?
The Welfare officer can register your club for the Online CRB Service by emailing FAChecks@TheFA.com or by calling 0845 210 8080. Guidelines will then be emailed to the Club Welfare Officer on how to complete the online process. Once the club is registered for this service, the Welfare Officer can then request an online CRB Application for any club member who requires a CRB check.

I already have a CRB check – do I need another one?
CRB checks can only be accepted when issued through The FA (TMG.TV Ltd). CRB certificates from the Education Sector/Police/Scouts etc will not be accepted.

FA CRB Process through Cambridgeshire FA
 Any individual who wishes to have their Identification checked by an authorised person may attend Cambridgeshire FA.
 All individuals must call Cambridgeshire FA and arrange an appointment with the County Welfare Officer (01223 209021)
 Alternatively club individuals can either go via their Club Welfare Officer for queries and identification verification.
 
For further information on CRB checks please contact Diane Bradshaw County Welfare officer on 01223 209038/209021 or The FA CRB Unit on 0845 210 8080.