A
number of members have reported that CSSIW inspectors are asking them to renew
CRB checks on care workers on a three-yearly basis, citing this as best
practice.

Care
Forum Wales has now obtained clarification on this issue on members’ behalf.

The Welsh
Government has confirmed that the original provision – under Schedule 2(a) and
2(b) of the Care Homes (Wales) Regulations 2002 (which stipulated 3 yearly
renewals) – was removed as part of the amendments when the Vetting and Barring
Scheme was introduced.  The Welsh Government states that , “as such CRB
checks/certificates no longer need to be renewed every 3 years”.

The
Domiciliary Care Agencies (Wales) Regulation 2004 does not stipulate any time
limits for CRB checks and Welsh Government concludes that “there is not (and
never has been) a requirement for 3 yearly renewals for CRB certificates for
the domiciliary care workforce”.

We
have raised this issue with CSSIW and they will be issuing revised guidance to
inspectors.

If
you have any questions, please contact Mary Wimbury (North Wales) at mary@careforumwales.co.uk or 01745
832544 and Melanie Minty (South and Mid Wales) at melanie@careforumwales.co.uk or
07969489290.

• We
  would like to take this opportunity to wish all our members a very Happy New
  Year and to thank you for your continued support.