The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 helps rehabilitated ex-offenders back into work by allowing them not to declare criminal convictions after the rehabilitation period has elapsed and the convictions become 'spent'. During the rehabilitation period, convictions are referred to as 'unspent' convictions and must be declared to employers.


The organisation aims to promote equality of opportunity and is committed to treating all applicants equally and fairly based on their skills, experience and ability to fulfil the duties of the role being applied for.


Suitable applicants will not be refused positions because of criminal record information of other information declared, where it has no bearing on the role (for which you are applying) and no risks have been identified against the duties you would be expected to perform as part of that role.
During the rehabilitation period you are required to declare current 'unspent' criminal convictions or cautions (including reprimands and final warnings).


You are not legally required to provide any information about criminal offences that have become spent. Certain criminal offences can be regarded as spent after a specified rehabilitation period as outlined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.


Answering 'yes' to the question below will not necessarily bar you from appointment. This will depend on the information you provide and the position you are applying for.


Have you got any unspent convictions and/or unspent conditional cautions?


This is regardless of whether any unspent convictions or unspent cautions have been issued in the UK or, in any other country where it would be considered an equivalent (or similar) offence in England and Wales.


It also includes unspent criminal convictions or relevant service discipline convictions received within the Armed Forces Justice System (e.g. through Summary Hearing or Court Martial) where it would be considered an equivalent offence in England and Wales.


It does not include parking offences. In such cases, you can select no.



Answering yes to this question does not mean that you will not be considered for the position. We will only consider information that is relevant to the position you have applied for and where there may be associated risks against the duties you may be required to carry out as part of this role.