Angela ( Drew Robinson) mentioned that the CA guidance on whether or not we can ask if there is an unspent cnviction is to check with Brightmind but the info there is confusing – the CA note on the intranet is clear on vols but not on paid staff.

Noted that best bet might be to ask RM or Rachel on LSA.

Ed offered to ask his HR expert for a view – a key issue is the concern we have with the generic policy support on HR whereas what we need on HR is profesional tailored advice that is covered by insurance.

Hitesh noted that they have cancelled Worknest and going for the local Chamber of commerce which includes HR advice – £600 pa compared to £3K for Worknest. His info is that you can ask for unspent but not for spent convictions except in certain restricted situations.

Tal – agreed with Hitesh that it is really important to get this one right and hoped that info from Ed will be shared (it will). Tal also said there is a great opportunity atm – email from Michele- about engaging in the co design she is leading on support offer

update from Ed’s HR bod… thanks Ed

Because of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act, applicants do not have to declare spent convictions.  However, there are exceptions to this – e.g. if the role requires working with children, animals and some jobs in the legal, accounting or healthcare sectors.  The length of time is takes for a conviction to be spent depends on the sentence imposed and other factors such as age at the time of the offence.