Based at The Media Group’s Nottingham offices, the CRB Unit was assessed over seven sections of their work from Constitution to the use of Disclosure Information.

The policies and procedures in place were praised as being of the highest standard – covering all the necessary points as set out in the CRB Code of Practice. The CRB Unit was also commended for having “excellent robust procedures” to ensure that child protection is paramount.

Elizabeth Hubbard, The FA CRB Unit Manager, says that it’s a pointer to an even brighter future. “I am really delighted that all the hard work put in by our staff and the commitment shown by The FA, along with the support offered by the NSPCC, has resulted in such a positive result so early in our history. It gives us the confidence to progress with our plans to roll out the scheme to all involved with football.”

The FA’s Head of Child Protection, Tony Pickerin, is also delighted with the feedback. “The outstanding reports by the Audit team on the CRB Unit’s progress since its inception is a tribute to the dedication and hard work of all those concerned in the implementation of The FA CRB Unit’s procedures and processes – particularly Elizabeth Hubbard and her staff who deserve all the credit.”

“The quality standards confirmed in this report will support The FA in its drive for introducing mandatory CRB checks across the whole of affiliated football in the next two years as part of its overall child protection strategy.”

Rachel Tarr, The FA’s Child Protection Manager, has praised the “commitment and attention to detail” in the work carried out by The FA CRB Unit. “I know there has been much thought, time and effort put in by people in order to ensure that The FA CRB Unit runs to its full potential, and feel that the praise which has been given as a result of the audit is fully justified.”

The audit results follow closely on The FA’s Child protection and best practice training programme winning a national award for its excellence at a prestigious ceremony held at the Guildhall in London. A presentation was made to The FA at the National Training Awards in recognition of their programme which has been over 90,000 people complete child protection training in football.