Since the 2008/09 season Manchester FA has required that all youth clubs (U18 and below) appoint a designated Club Welfare Officer. This person is required to apply for a FA CRB check through the FA CRB Unit, and have attended The FA Safeguarding Children in Football Workshop. The Club Welfare Officer will also of had to attend The Welfare Officer's Workshop before the Association’s affiliation of his/her club, or club affiliation to a league, is ACCEPTED.
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. This person is also required to have applied for a FA CRB check through the FA CRB Unit and have attended The FA Safeguarding Children in Football Workshop and The Welfare Officer's Workshop before sanction of the league is accepted. Manchester FA strongly recommends that CRB checks are carried out on all members who have regularly supervise (ie 1 hr per week) children under the age of 18 within their club. For clarification please contact the FA CRB unit on 0845 210 80 80.
What is a CRB check?
A CRB check is a way of checking a person’s history to make sure they do not have any previous convictions that means they are not safe to work with children. The FA use Enhanced Disclosure checks only. These show people’s conviction history (offences they have been found guilty of), information that might be considered relevant (for example if a person has had their children on a Child Protection register for sexual abuse) and whether they are banned by the courts from working with children.
When a Disclosure is issued The FA CRB Unit gets one copy and the applicant gets another. These are identical, unless if the unit receives Additional Information on a separate letter which is of relevance to the individual, this will not show on the applicant’s copy. This means that a Disclosure certificate appears clear of relevant offending but there may be very real concerns. Additional information tells The FA CRB Unit about any on-going investigations, for example about someone who is having their computer monitored for downloading child abuse images or who is under surveillance for drug dealing. This information is only shared with the FA Case Manager.
How much do they cost?
CRB checks cost £15.30 for paper application alternatively you can apply on line for £10( Manchester Fa strongly recommend this the process is quick easy and cheaper). The costs quoted are for anyone involved in football on a voluntary basis.
How can I get a CRB check?
We recommend that your club nominates a Club Welfare Officer who applies for a CRB check first. The Welfare officer can then register your club for on line appications by emailing FAChecks@TheFA.com or telephoning 0845 210 8080. Instructions will then be sent out on how to complete the on line process paper copies can still be requested also using the above contacts.
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, health or the Police as examples will not be accepted.
For further information on CRB checks please contact Helen Cullen helen.cullen@manchesterfa.com County Welfare officer on 0161 203 2995 or The FA CRB Unit on 0845 210 8080.
FA CRB Process through Manchester FA
- Any individual who wishes to have their Identification checked by an authorised person may attend Manchester FA.
- All individuals must phone up Manchester FA and arrange an appointment with the County Welfare Officer or Referee Development Manager.
- Any enquires about The FA CRB Process should be made to The Media Group on 0845 210 80 80 or by emailing FAChecks@TheFA.com
- Alternatively club individuals can either go via their Club Welfare Officer or Youth League Welfare Officer for queries and identification verification.
