The Voluntary Sector
The Central Registered Body in Scotland (CRBS) was established by the Scottish Government to provide free Disclosures for volunteers in the voluntary sector in Scotland working with children, young people and adults at risk.
Based in Stirling, the CRBS is a service operated by Volunteer Development Scotland. The CRBS is the main source of free Disclosures for volunteers in the voluntary sector in Scotland. The CRBS acts as an Umbrella Body for such voluntary organisations.
It has two functions:
Firstly, to administer requests for free Enhanced Disclosures on volunteers in the voluntary sector wishing to volunteer with children, young people, and adults at risk. This includes checking that the voluntary organisation is bona fide, that the type of voluntary work to be undertaken requires a Disclosure, and, when satisfied, passing the application onto Disclosure Scotland. Disclosure Scotland will process the application and pass the result back to the CRBS, and directly to the individual (applicant) concerned. The CRBS will, in turn, inform the voluntary organisation. The final decision on whether to involve the individual as a volunteer rests with the organisation and not the CRBS or Disclosure Scotland.
Secondly, to provide voluntary organisations using the CRBS service with information and assistance, upon request, in respect of making decisions about the suitability of applicants. The biggest issues surrounding disclosure are likely to be around human rights, data protection, confidentiality and ensuring that ex-offenders are treated fairly in accessing volunteering opportunities. The CRBS will also provide training to voluntary organisations on the use of Part V of the Police Act 1997 to obtain Disclosures for adults working with children, young people and adults at risk.
The CRBS is the main source of free disclosures for volunteers in the voluntary sector in Scotland.
