Recruitment of ex-offenders policy
This document is provided to East Sussex, Brighton and Hove Crossroads Care (now referred
to as ‘the organisation’) as a Network Partner of Carers Trust.
1.0 POLICY STATEMENT
1.1 As an organisation assessing applicant’s suitability for positions which are included in the
Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order using criminal records checks
processed through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) the organisation complies fully
with the DBS Code of Practice and undertakes to treat all applicants for positions fairly. It
undertakes not to discriminate unfairly against any subject of a criminal records check on the
basis of conviction or other information revealed.
1.2 The organisation can only ask an individual to provide details of convictions and cautions
that the organisation is legally entitled to know about. Where a DBS certificate at either
standard or enhanced level can legally be requested (where the position is one that is included
in the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 as amended and where
appropriate the Police Act Regulations as amended). The organisation can only ask an
individual about convictions and cautions that are not protected.
1.3 The organisation is committed to the fair treatment of its staff, potential staff or users of its
services, regardless of race, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, gender reassignment,
age, ethnic origin, disability, religion or belief, caring responsibilities or offending background.
1.4 This written policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders is made available to all DBS applicants
at the outset of the recruitment process.
1.5 The organisation actively promotes equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of talent,
skills, and potential and welcome applications from a wide range of candidates, including those
with criminal records. The organisation will select all candidates for interview based on their
skills, qualifications and experience.
1.6 An application for a criminal records checks is only requested after a thorough risk
assessment has indicated that it is both proportionate and relevant to the position concerned.
For those positions where a criminal records check is required, all application forms, job adverts
and recruitment briefs will contain a statement that a DBS certificate will be requested in the
event of the individual being offered the position.
2.0 TRAINING
2.1 The organisation ensures that all those who are involved in the recruitment process,
including trustees, have been suitably trained to identify and assess the relevance and
circumstances of offences. It also ensures that they have received appropriate guidance and
training in the relevant legislation relating to the employment of ex-offenders, such as the
Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
Reviewed February 2017, to be implemented by May 2017. Review due
February 2018. Carers Trust is a registered charity in England and Wales
(1145181) and in Scotland (SC042870). Registered as a company limited
by guarantee in England and Wales No. 7697170.
Registered office: 32-36 Loman Street, London SE1 0EH.
Crossroads Care trade mark is a collective mark. © Carers Trust 2017
Carers Trust
Recruitment of ex-offenders policy
3.0 INTERVIEW
3.1 At interview, or in a separate discussion, the organisation ensures that an open and
measured discussion takes place on the subject of any offences or other matters that might be
relevant to the position. Failure to reveal information that is directly relevant to the position
sought could lead to withdrawal of an offer of employment.
3.2 The organisation makes every subject of a criminal records check submitted to the DBS
aware of the existence of the DBS Code of Practice and make a copy available on request.
3.3 The organisation undertakes to discuss any matter revealed in a DBS certificate with the
individual seeking the position before withdrawing a conditional offer of employment.
4.0 LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT
4.1 General learning and development requirements relating to the recruitment of ex offenders
policy are contained in the learning and development policy, procedure and guidance (E13a,
E13b and E13c).
5.0 REVIEW AND ADOPTION OF THIS POLICY BY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
5.1 The organisation’s board of trustees is required to formally adopt the recruitment of exoffenders policy and to ensure that a documented record is kept of their decision to do so.
5.2 Full details of the policy (including its title and reference number) and the date it was
adopted will be documented in the minutes of the appropriate trustee board meeting as
evidence of the decision taken. The minutes will be signed by the chair of the trustees on behalf
of the board.

In May 2013 legislation came into force that allowed certain old and minor cautions and
convictions to no longer be subject to disclosure. For further information see Filtering
rules for criminal record check certificates on the gov.uk site or call 0870 90 90 811 or
email [email protected].

If you believe there has been a mistake on your record see Disclosure and Barring
Service: appeals and disputes on Disclosure and Barring Service - GOV.UK or call 0870
90 90 811 within three months of receiving your certificate.
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© Carers Trust 2017