Recruitment of ex-offenders

The Trust has a duty to protect the patients and clients in its care. Any decisions regarding the recruitment of staff will be guided by this principle.

The Trust is using the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to assess applicants’ suitability for positions of trust, and we will comply with the DBS’s Code of Practice.

The Trust undertakes to treat all applicants for positions fairly and actively promotes equality of opportunity for all. Applications are welcomed from a wide range of candidates, including those with criminal records. Candidates are selected for interview based on their skills, qualifications, experience and the requirements of the post.

A Disclosure is only requested where it is proportionate and relevant to the position concerned for example working or having regular contact with vulnerable adults or children. Having a criminal record will not necessarily bar you from working with the Trust.

Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exemptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) Order 1986

As an organisation providing health care with the South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. This means that all applicants are obliged to declare any convictions, pending prosecutions, cautions or bind-overs at the time of application by circling the ‘YES’ response in the appropriate section of the application form (even if they would otherwise be regarded as ‘spent’ under the Act). A DBS disclosure will only be requested if you are appointed.

Disclosure of convictions

Interviewees should expect to be asked about any information they have declared and it is important that they are honest with the manager regarding this. Information will only be seen or heard by those who need to see it as part of the recruitment process. Managers involved in the recruitment process have been trained to identify and assess the relevance and circumstances of offences.

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