Policy statement on the recruitment of ex-offenders (Ask NRICH)

As an organisation using the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) Disclosure service to assess applicants’ suitability for positions of trust, Ask NRICH complies fully with the CRB Code of Practice and undertakes to treat all applicants for positions fairly. It undertakes not to discriminate unfairly against any subject of a disclosure on the basis of a conviction or other information revealed.

Ask NRICH is committed to the fair treatment of its volunteers and users of its services, regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, responsibilities for dependants, age, physical/mental disability or offending background. We have a written policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders, which is made available to all disclosure applicants at the outset of the recruitment process. We actively promote equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of talent, skills and potential and welcome applications from a wide range of candidates, including those with criminal records. We recruit members of the team based on their skills, qualifications and experience.

A disclosure is only requested after a through risk assessment has indicated that one is both proportionate and relevant to the position concerned. In the case of Ask NRICH, most team activities do not require a disclosure. However, there are occasional opportunities to be involved in activities which do (eg maths events in Science Week), and some organisations with whom we collaborate require everyone involved to have been through the process. For this reason, we strongly encourage Ask NRICH team members to apply for a disclosure, and such activities are advertised only to those who have been through the process.

Where a disclosure is required, we encourage all applicants to provide details of their criminal record at an early stage in the application process. We request that this information be sent under separate, confidential cover, to the Ask NRICH team coordinator, and we guarantee that this information will only be seen by those who need to see it as part of the recruitment process. Unless the nature of the position allows Ask NRICH to ask questions about your entire criminal record, we only ask about ‘unspent’ convictions as defined in the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

We ensure that all those who are involved in the recruitment process for Ask NRICH have been suitably trained to identify and assess the relevance and circumstances of offences. We also ensure that they have received appropriate guidance and training in the relevant legislation relating to the employment of ex-offenders, e.g. the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

At interview, or in a separate discussion, we ensure that an open and measured discussion takes place on the subjects of any offences or other matter that might be relevant to the position. Failure to reveal information that is directly relevant could lead to withdrawal of membership of the team.

We make every subject of a CRB Disclosure aware of the existence of the CRB Code of Practice and make a copy available on request.

We undertake to discuss any matter revealed in a Disclosure with the person concerned before taking a decision on any restriction of activities.

Having a criminal record will not necessarily bar you from working with us. This will depend on the nature of the position and the circumstances and background of your offences, and their relevance to NRICH activities. In particular, it is likely that it will be possible for you to participate in core team activities, with a restriction only on participation in face-to-face events.