Richard Baum

The froth and bother of Bury Council’s business that I write about on here barely registers a flutter of interest. But when I write about Criminal Records Bureau checks, and the problems that a lot of people are having with them, my metaphorical phone rings red hot.

Some time ago I was made aware that enhanced CRB forms sometimes disclose unproven allegations, “soft” information, rumour and hearsay, even where this information has never been heard in a court, and sometimes even when this information has been heard and the person concerned acquitted. I found this unjust, wrote about it, and have since been inundated with dozens of people who have been struggling to get over this injustice.

Considering that precisely nobody reads this blog, that level of response is alarming.

I’ve been contacted by teachers whose careers have been ruined by malicious allegations, proven false but reported on CRB forms. I’ve heard from husbands barred from seeing their children due to false claims. And I’ve heard from many others who have been acquitted or the victim of false claims which they can never escape from.

I have been encouraged by a lot of support from people in response to what I’ve written, and now there is interest both from the media and more influential people in politics than me. It’s hardly revolution time, but some other people have noticed this potential injustice, and want to investigate it further.  

This is a tricky area and one where protecting vulnerable people is vital. But it’s also crucial to make sure that the law is balanced.

Now I’m asking for anyone who has been in touch previously about a CRB problem, or who would like to get in touch about one, to do so. If you want I can pass your details on to those interested in giving more publicity to trying to reform the system.

Rick