Criminal Records Bureau Checks (CRB check)... how longs it take?

[Skithepowder]

Hi there,

I was wondering whether anyone knows how long a CRB check takes? I ask because I am going to be applying for a job in a hospital as a porter and a CRB check is required, and I'm guessing that I won't be able to start without one. Is there a standard time for how long it takes.... or could you get lucky and get a quick one and the flip side of that, unlucky, and get one that takes ages?

Cheers

[mrs.pudding]

When they did them on us at work they took about 15 weeks!  You might get the job but subject to the check coming through okay.  We were told that if we 'failed' the check we would be dismissed thereafter.  I can't see any prospective employer waiting that long to employ someone!

[ursula62]

Depends on the time of year. Mine took about 12 weeks to come back, but that was September, when they were still processing all the new teacher recruits. I've heard it is quicker Easter/summertime.

[Skithepowder]

Ok, 12+ weeks sounds like a very long time, if I got the job and then had to wait that long before I started. Do they normally wait until after the check comes back to let you start?

[catra1]

I got mine done in 6 weeks and applied at this time of year. Jobs where you may be working with children often require you have the checks before you start work however there have been cases where this has not happened relatively recently...

Catra

[hinge1967]

Got one through two ago and it took five weeks from application.