Policy on the Recruitment of Ex-Offenders
How we ask about, and treat, criminal record information as part of our DBS Code of Practice obligations.
Llewelyn Enterprises Ltd, trading as DBS Support Ltd, is a user of the Disclosure & Barring Service and complies fully with the DBS Code of Practice regarding the correct handling, use and storage of disclosure information, including in the assessment of applicants for positions of trust. We’re committed to treating all applicants fairly, and we don’t discriminate unfairly against any subject of a disclosure on the basis of a conviction or other information revealed.
Fair, equal treatment
We treat all applicants for positions fairly. We don’t discriminate unfairly against any employee, worker, or service user on the basis of ethnic origin, gender, religious belief, sexual orientation, family circumstances, age, disability, or a criminal record (or other information revealed).
Our disclosure process
We have a written policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders, a copy of which is available to any employee on request. We only ask an individual to reveal information about their criminal record where this is proportionate and relevant to the role in question, following a risk assessment. Where a disclosure will be requested, this is stated in the recruitment literature, application form and/or job advertisement.
Unless the nature of the position allows us to ask about someone’s entire criminal record, we only ask about “unspent” convictions as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
Training
Those involved in recruitment decisions receive appropriate training to assess the relevance and circumstances of offences, and are made aware of their responsibilities under relevant legislation, including the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
The DBS Code of Practice
Every subject of a disclosure is made aware of the existence of the DBS Code of Practice, and a copy is available on request.
Guidance for organisations using our services
If you’re an organisation using our services, we’d encourage you to have your own written policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders. Organisations such as Unlock and Nacro offer helpful guidance on developing one. Having a criminal record doesn’t automatically rule someone out of working in a particular sector — suitability depends on the nature of the role and the individual’s own circumstances.
About us
OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT REGISTERED BODY 30157900009
DBS Support Ltd is a trading name of Llewelyn Enterprises Ltd t/a DBS Support Ltd, registered in England & Wales, No. 08862064.
Contact us
support@dbs-online.org.uk