The Criminal Records Bureau opened in April 2002 to check the criminal records of staff working with children or vulnerable adults.
It took over responsibility for the service from the police.
It offers three types of disclosure:
Standard: For staff working with children or vulnerable adults. This gives details of all convictions, including those that are spent as well as cautions and reprimands
Enhanced: Similar to standard but includes police intelligence and information on suspected or alleged criminal activity
Basic: All staff can be asked by employers to obtain a certificate of basic disclosure which will show all unspent convictions (postponed indefinitely)
Sign up to our weekly round-up of HR news and guidance
Receive the Personnel Today Direct e-newsletter every Wednesday