The fee for 2008/09 for the higher level CRB checks remains at £31 for standard disclosures, £36 for enhanced and £6 for POVAFirst.  The fee for volunteers (as defined in the Police Act 1997 (Criminal Records) Regulation 2002) is waived.

Standard disclosures list convictions considered ‘spent’ under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 as well as unspent convictions and cautions.  The enhanced disclosures also list additional police information such as suspicions which did not lead to a caution or conviction.

There has been widespread concern about checks being carried out on volunteers where there is no duty to do so, often simply because they are free. To try and address this issue, the Office of the Third Sector published guidance in June of this year for organisations which use the services of volunteers.  The guidance warns that organisations which carry out free checks when they are not necessary may be asked to pay the appropriate fee.

If in doubt, check with the Criminal Records Bureau.