Employment of Ex-Offenders

Introduction

The University uses the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to help assess the suitability of applicants for positions of trust.

We must exercise vigilance and rigour in the recruitment of staff who will be working with vulnerable groups and there are legal obligations for the University to check the conviction status of those who will be working closely with children under the age of eighteen, drug users or the elderly.

Those who are recipients of disclosure information must comply fully with the DBS Code of Practice. Amongst other things, this requires the University to treat all applicants for positions who have a criminal record fairly and not to discriminate unfairly against the subject of a disclosure on the basis of conviction or other information revealed.

Policy Statement

  • as an organisation assessing applicants’ suitability for positions which are included in the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order using criminal record checks processed through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), Loughborough University complies fully with the code of practice and undertakes to treat all applicants for positions fairly
  • Loughborough University undertakes not to discriminate unfairly against any subject of a criminal record check on the basis of a conviction or other information revealed
  • Loughborough University can only ask an individual to provide details of convictions and cautions that Loughborough University are 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 Police Act Regulations as amended)
  • Loughborough University can only ask an individual about convictions and cautions that are not protected
  • Loughborough University is committed to the fair treatment of its staff, potential staff or users of its services, regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, responsibilities for dependants, age, physical/mental disability or offending background
  • Loughborough University has a written policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders, which is made available to all DBS applicants at the start of the recruitment process
  • Loughborough University 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
  • Loughborough University select all candidates for interview based on their skills, qualifications and experience
  • an application for a criminal record check is only submitted to DBS after a thorough risk assessment has indicated that one is both proportionate and relevant to the position concerned. For those positions where a criminal record check is identified as necessary, all application forms, job adverts and recruitment briefs will contain a statement that an application for a DBS certificate will be submitted in the event of the individual being offered the position
  • Loughborough University ensures that all those in Loughborough University who are involved in the recruitment process have been suitably trained to identify and assess the relevance and circumstances of offences
  • Loughborough University also ensures that they have received appropriate guidance and training in the relevant legislation relating to the employment of ex-offenders, e.g. the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974
  • at interview, or in a separate discussion, Loughborough University ensures that an open and measured discussion takes place on the subject of any offences or other matter 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
  • Loughborough University makes every subject of a criminal record check submitted to DBS aware of the existence of the code of practice and makes a copy available on request
  • Loughborough University undertakes to discuss any matter revealed on a DBS certificate with the individual seeking the position before withdrawing a conditional offer of employment.

Further advice and/or clarification can be obtained from the DBS approved countersignatories based in Human Resources.