I totally agree with you that the current CRB system is an administrative nightmare. While it is very important that people working with children, older people or vulnerable people go through proper checks, requiring people to have a separate check for each separate place they work is a waste of time, waste of money and will only discourage people who are wiling to give up their time in a voluntary capacity.
I have been contacted by supply teachers who need a separate CRB check for each local authority area in which they work, which is daft, particularly in a compact area like South Wales or Greater London, where it is normal to work across a number of council areas. Not only is it a nightmare for the individual applicant, but it also creates far more work than is necessary for the Criminal Records Bureau and costs a huge amount of money.
We have included a pledge in our manifesto to reform the CRB system so that people only require one, portable, Criminal Records Check. This is a firm promise and something we are totally committed to doing.