As you know from a previous message the FA have launched an improved process for dealing with CRC applications at clubs and our County FA is now ‘switched-on’ so that clubs can now initiate and monitor Criminal Record Checks (CRC) applications through Whole Game System (WGS).
You can start now by following the guidance in the attachments below.

NEW FA CRIMINAL RECORDS CHECK APPLICATION - APPLICANT GUIDANCE

NEW FA CRIMINAL RECORDS CHECK APPLICATION - CLUB WELFARE OFFICER GUIDANCE

The starting point, very simply, is to go into WGS and enter your club CRC PIN into the system. This will lock the account into allowing you to use WGS for CRC applications.

The new process applies to all CRCs at your club, whether for a new volunteer joining a club or for CRC renewals for existing volunteers with your club.

Although an application is started through WGS the actual process for a volunteer to complete the CRC application through GBG Disclosures and for a club welfare officer to verify a CRC application remains exactly the same.

All that changes is that each CRC in the future will be started by the club through WGS, be followed up through WGS by the CRC applicant and allow progress to be monitored through WGS.

The new system is considered to be beneficial as it:-
- Links direct into WGS which we all use already
- Will help to minimise duplicate records
- Will allow clubs to better monitor the progress of an application
- Will enable much quicker FAN update once a CRC application is completed

An applicant will start their CRC application by logging-in to their personal record in WGS using their FAN. Having to log-in using a FAN will minimise duplicate records. Anyone who cannot remember their FAN can retrieve it through the log-in process. Anyone without a FAN can create one. 

For club officials, especially Welfare Officer and Secretary the progress through the stages of the application process, to ‘acceptance’ of a CRC, will be easier to monitor as WGS will show the progress of each CRC through to FAN update. 

Some applicants assume that once they receive their CRC Certificate that the process is complete; however, we know that the process is only complete once a FAN is showing the new date of issue of the CRC Certificate and the word ‘accepted’.

For ‘clear’ CRCs, FAN update will be automatic and immediate - so no time delays in waiting for manual FAN update by GBG Disclosures (FA CRC Unit).
For CRCs with ‘content’ they will go through the existing review process.

The FA have provided guidance for County FAs and Clubs which we attach for your information.

NEW FA CRIMINAL RECORDS CHECK APPLICATION - APPLICANT GUIDANCE

NEW FA CRIMINAL RECORDS CHECK APPLICATION - CLUB WELFARE OFFICER GUIDANCE

We will all have to learn about the new system but looking at what is being asked, we should not be worried about moving forward as the change is only to use WGS to start the application process as the actual CRC application and verification through the GBG Disclosures website remains exactly the same – no change with that at all. 

Please have a look through the guidance that has been issued and then ‘switch-on’ your club using your club PIN  – and away you go!
Staff here at Durham FA will support clubs through implementation and your first point of contact is;

Andrew Neill
Administrator - Safeguarding
E:Andrew.Neill@DurhamFA.com
T: 0191 3872929 (Option 2 then Option 5)