Recruitment of Ex-Offenders Policy

Recruitment of Ex-Offenders  

 

  • As an organisation, using the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to assess applicants’ suitability for positions of trust, Hexagon complies fully with the DBS 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 conviction or other information revealed.
  •  Hexagon is committed to the fair treatment of its staff, potential staff or users of its services, regardless of race, gender, religion/belief, sexual orientation, responsibilities for dependants, age, physical/mental disability, marital status or offending background.
  • This policy is made available to all applicants at the outset of the recruitment process however it only applies to certain posts.  If this policy applies to the post for which you are applying, this will be clearly stated within the recruitment pack.
  • 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 select all candidates for interview based on their skills, personal qualities and experience.
  • A Disclosure is only requested after a thorough risk assessment has indicated that one is both proportionate and relevant to the position concerned.  For those positions where a Disclosure is required, all application forms, job adverts and recruitment briefs will contain a statement that a Disclosure will be requested in the event of the individual being offered the position.
  • Where a Disclosure is to form part of the recruitment process for posts working directly with vulnerable clients, we encourage all applicants called for interview to provide details of their criminal record at an early stage in the application process.  We must request that this information is sent under separate, confidential cover, to a designated person within Hexagon and we guarantee that this information is only seen by those who need to see it as part of the recruitment process.
  • Unless the nature of the position allows Hexagon Housing Association 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 in Hexagon who are involved in the recruitment process have been suitably trained to identify and assess the relevance and circumstances of offences.  We also ensure that they have received appropriate guidance in the relevant legislation relating to the employment of ex-offenders, e.g. the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.
  • At interview, or in a separate discussion, we ensure that an open and measured discussion takes place on the subject of any offences or other matter that might be relevant to the position.  Failure to reveal information that is directly relevant to the position sought could lead to withdrawal of an offer of employment.
  • We make every subject of a Disclosure aware of the existence of the DBS Code of Practice and make a copy available on request.
  • We undertake to discuss any matter revealed in a Disclosure with the person seeking the position before withdrawing a conditional offer of employment.

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.