How long must we keep the actual CRB disclosure certificates for when we appoint a new member of staff?
A. This is not a matter for Ofsted. Inspectors do not need to see CRB certificates during an inspection. However, the CRB publishes a code of practice that states (under Management and Use of Disclosure Information): ‘Registered Bodies must retain disclosure information, its content or any representation of the same in any format for no longer than is necessary and for a maximum of six months following the recruitment decision unless a dispute is raised or, in exceptional circumstances, where CRB agreement is secured.’ The code of practice is on the CRB website. Top Q. Should schools and colleges retain documents that are evidence of identity? Previous advice indicated that schools and colleges should destroy this information. A. This advice is correct. Schools and colleges do not have to retain documents that are evidence of identity, once these documents have been verified and the single central register includes the name of the person who did so. However, please see the following FA
