Additional Criminal Records Bureau Information

Explanatory note to applicants - Criminal Records Bureau

1. Introduction

1.1 If the position for which you are applying has been determined by the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead as exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, in line with guidance from the Criminal Records Bureau, then you are required to declare any convictions you may have even if they would otherwise be regarded as "spent" under this Act, and any cautions or bindovers. The information you give will be treated in confidence and will only be taken into account in relation to an application where the exemption applies.

2. Factors to be considered

2.1 The disclosure of a criminal record will not debar you from appointment unless the selection panel, having considered carefully the following factors, determine that the conviction renders you unsuitable for appointment.

2.2 The factors to be taken into account are:

• 2.2.1 the responsibilities of the position,
• 2.2.2 the vulnerability of children or adults supported,
• 2.2.3 the nature of the offence(s),
• 2.2.4 the number and pattern of offences (if there is more than one),
• 2.2.5 how long ago the offence(s) occurred,
• 2.2.6 the age of the offender when the offence(s) occurred.

3. Access to records of criminal convictions

3.1 Under government regulations the Borough is able (with your consent), to access records of criminal convictions to verify the information you supply. In the event of an offer of employment your written permission will be sought for this check to be undertaken with the Criminal Records Bureau. (The Bureau is an executive arm of the Home Office which carries out criminal conviction checks for employers). Information on the Bureau can be accessed on the internet at: www.crb.gov.uk. If you do not give your permission it will not be possible to consider your application further.

3.2 As part of its checking procedure the Bureau will also check registers of persons found to be unsuitable to work with vulnerable people which are maintained by the Department of Health and the Department of Children, Schools and Families.

3.3 Information received from the Bureau will be kept in strict confidence and will be destroyed following the recruitment decision. Information will be retained for 6 months (or where services are CSCI inspected until the next inspection) after the selection process has been completed in case the applicant or the appointing manager has any queries concerning the information.

3.4 You will be sent directly the results of your check by the Bureau.

3.5 If the Bureau check discloses a conviction which you had failed to declare this may disqualify you from appointment, or result in summary dismissal if the discrepancy comes to light after appointment.

4. Further Advice

4.1 If you would like to discuss whether a conviction you have may debar you from working with children or vulnerable adults you may telephone the HR Unit on 01628 796349 in confidence for advice.

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