We have a duty to protect children and vulnerable adults from harm and to safeguard their rights. In this context, we follow a rigorous selection process to screen out unsuitable people. Southwark has an offender aware culture that encourages good applicants and actively discourages offenders.
Disclosures (CRB checks)
Certain posts within the council require a "disclosure" check before you are cleared to start work.
A disclosure is a document containing information held by the police and government departments. It is used to make safer recruitment decisions.
Disclosures are provided by the Criminal Records Bureau, an executive agency of the Home Office. This service enables the council to check that potential staff do not have a history that makes them unsuitable for a particular type of work.
You will only be asked to apply for a Disclosure after a provisional offer of employment is made. It is most commonly applied to jobs working with children or vulnerable adults, or within a service area supporting these groups. Further information will be sent to you if a Disclosure is required.
Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974
This Act sets out to help people who have been convicted of a criminal offence and have since lived on the right side of the law. In general, a person who is sentenced to no more than 2½ years in prison benefits from the Act if they are not convicted again within a specified period of "rehabilitation". If no further offending takes place during this rehabilitation period, the conviction is considered spent, and it may not have to be declared when applying for a job.
However certain posts are covered by an Exceptions Order to this Act, which requires applicants to declare all convictions, regardless of whether it is normally considered spent. You will be advised if your post is covered by the Exceptions Order.
Employment of People with Convictions
The council has a written policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders, which is available to applicants at the outset of the recruitment process. Having a criminal record will not necessarily bar you from working with the council. A decision will be taken dependant on the nature of the position and the circumstances and background of the offences.