Written question asked by Stephen Ladyman (Labour) on Thursday, 14 May 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 18 May 2009. It was answered by Lord Coaker (Labour) on Monday, 1 June 2009 on behalf of the Home Office.

Vetting

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what mechanisms are in place for payment of compensation to those who lose (a) their post and (b) an opportunity to take up a new post owing to the length of time taken to complete a Criminal Records Bureau check.

Answer: The Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) does not pay compensation, the payments CRB makes are on an ex gratia basis, as an award to reinforce the sincerity of an apology.The CRB is bound by the Treasury Guidelines and must endeavour to put all individuals back into the position they would have been but for any maladministration on the part of the Bureau. This scheme is called a Redress Scheme. The CRB award redress if they have not followed their procedures and it has caused the applicant a loss.

Secondary information