Clean It Up

UK General Cleaning Forum => General Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: michelle warren on July 24, 2005, 09:09:51 pm

Title: Employee references and crb checks
Post by: michelle warren on July 24, 2005, 09:09:51 pm: Now i've replied to 2 topics i feel i can ask for someone elses advice. What are the opinions on crb (police} checks on employees. We cover the domestic and commercial cleaning sector and as well as taking two professional references for new employees, we also carry out crb checks. However, a couple of local firms have said that they feel it isn't necessary, it's a financial cost they can do without and they are being forced out of the marketplace by firms who can afford to do so. Most of my potential customers request it and whilst it is an additional cost, i fel that it is worthwhile. I'd welcome opinions. Thanks, Michelle
Title: Re: Employee references and crb checks
Post by: cleanupman on July 24, 2005, 09:57:25 pm: Hi,

I've been thinking about getting crb reports on employees as well. Like you i take references but I think that a further check would be good to keep potential clients and myself feeling more comfortable. How do you go about getting the checks done? Do you know how much they cost also?

thanks

Alan
Title: Re: Employee references and crb checks
Post by: michelle warren on July 25, 2005, 10:32:35 am: Hi Alan,
i do my police checks via my local trading standards bureau and they cost £10 per check. The trading standard route isn't available in all regions but it's worth contacting them to find out. You can also contact your local police authority who will provide the forms and any advice you might need. Hope this helps.
Regards, Michelle
Title: Re: Employee references and crb checks
Post by: dustdees on July 25, 2005, 05:22:59 pm: A must, always always. police check, it#'s not worth taking a risk.
Title: Re: Employee references and crb checks
Post by: Jan K on July 25, 2005, 08:35:43 pm: I regiatered with the CRB (£300.00) so I could carry out CRB checks, but you can bypass that registration by finding an Umbrella Body who can do it on your behalf. Mark my words they take ages to come thro though!!

Jan
Title: Re: Employee references and crb checks
Post by: michelle warren on July 25, 2005, 08:39:39 pm: I agree, i've being waiting 8 weeks for my latest ones to be processed!! Michelle
Title: Re: Employee references and crb checks
Post by: blacksheep on July 26, 2005, 06:34:46 pm: hi all, have just been reading these threads on crbs,now i know nothing about this, so how do you manage if you have a client who wants the house cleaned , you have a girl ready to start, your just starting off ,your committed elsewhere.your check wont be through for 8-9 weeks how do you convince the client not to go elsewhere
Title: Re: Employee references and crb checks
Post by: michelle warren on July 26, 2005, 09:20:18 pm: With regards to waiting for crb checks to come through before cleaning for a customer ... we only take on the customer if we have checked staff available. Fortunately we have flexi - staff available for one off cleans and customers wanting regular cleans are put on a waiting list. If the customer is really interested they will wait, i think they feel that the waiting list illustrates the desirability for our services. Nevertheless, it can be a bit of a nightmare at times!! Michelle :)
Title: Re: Employee references and crb checks
Post by: blacksheep on July 27, 2005, 09:15:45 am: thanks for that ,michelle
Title: Re: Employee references and crb checks
Post by: maggie67 on July 28, 2005, 03:29:02 pm: Hi there

Another way round this dilemma would be to work alongside this employee until such time as the checks come through. If you have received positive references and the person has a good employment history it should be fairly low risk.

All my new staff are put in with a competent longer standing member of staff for the first few weeks anyway. Just a thought!

Maggie :)
Title: Re: Employee references and crb checks
Post by: blacksheep on July 28, 2005, 05:32:50 pm: good idea