Criminal history self-declaration

Many of the posts in the National Probation Service are exempt from the requirements of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. These posts are those based in approved premises, or whose duties involve the supervision of offenders or where access to sensitive information is a requirement of the job. Applicants for these posts are required to declare any previous criminal convictions or cautions. This form confirms whether you are required to declare all previous convictions, or just “unspent” convictions. The Probation Area will seek confirmation of criminal history from the Criminal Records Bureau before confirming the appointment of any person to these posts.

Please remember that a “conviction” includes:

• A sentence of imprisonment, youth custody or borstal training
• An absolute discharge, probation order, conditional discharge, bind over
• A fit person order, supervision or care order arising from a criminal conviction
• Simple dismissal from the Armed Forces, cashiering discharge with ignominy, dismissal with disgrace or detention by the Armed Forces.
• Detention centre, remand home, approved school or attendance centre orders.
• A suspended sentence.
• A fine or any other sentence not mentioned above.

For all other posts in the National Probation Service, the employer is entitled to ask for details of those criminal convictions that are “unspent”, as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.   Failure to declare any such conviction that is subsequently made known to the employer may be grounds for instant dismissal.

The post for which you have applied will require that you declare :-

Any criminal conviction or caution *
or
Only “unspent” convictions or cautions *

*  HR Unit will delete incorrect statement on the form

Acceptance of employees with previous criminal convictions

Disclosure of a conviction does not necessary mean that you will not be appointed.  An offence committed from the list below is likely to preclude employment by Cambridgeshire Probation Area, however consideration will be given to when the offence was committed, and any extenuating circumstances:

• Any person currently subject to Life Licence or other form of statutory supervision (for any offence).
• Any offence against children (as defined within the meaning of the CYP Act, 1933).
• Sexual offences, other than those arising from consensual sexual acts.
• Drugs related offences of more than a minor nature of seriousness especially those concerning the supply (though not, for example, simple possession of a class B drug for personal use).
• Offences of violence at a greater level of seriousness than common assault; or ANY offence involving domestic violence.
• Offences that have involved a breach of trust with an employer.
• Any offences (other than minor RTA matters) that have resulted in conviction within the period of two years from the date of offence or completion of a period of supervision, up to the date of the application to become an employee.

Confidentiality

The information you provide will be treated as strictly confidential and will be considered only in relation to the appointment for which you are applying.