Policy on the placement of ex-offenders
As an organisation using the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) Disclosure service to assess applicants’ suitability for positions of trust, York Students In Schools (YSIS) complies fully with the CRB Code of Practice and undertakes to treat all members fairly. It undertakes not to discriminate unfairly against any subject of a Disclosure on the basis of a conviction or other information revealed.
YSIS is committed to the fair treatment of its members regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, responsibilities for dependants, age, physical/mental disability or offending background. This written policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders is made available to all Disclosure applicants at the outset of the recruitment process.
We encourage all prospective members to provide any details of their criminal record at an early stage in the application process. We request that this information is sent under separate, confidential cover, to Mrs M.G.Whiting c/o YSIS (contact details) and we guarantee that this information will only be seen by those who need to see it as part of the placement decision process.
The nature of the placements undertaken by YSIS members entitles YSIS to ask questions about your entire criminal record, including both 'spent' and ‘unspent’ convictions as defined in the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. We ensure that all those in YSIS who are involved in the placement decision process have received the appropriate guidance to identify and assess the relevance and circumstances of offences. We also ensure that they have received appropriate guidance regarding the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
Where a prospective member has a criminal record, we will ensure that an open and measured discussion takes place on the subject of any offences or other matter that might be relevant to the placement. Failure to reveal information that is directly relevant to the placement sought could lead to withdrawal of membership.
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 seeking the placement before withdrawing membership.
Having a criminal record will not necessarily bar you from volunteering with us. This will depend on the nature of the placement you are applying for and the circumstances and background of your offences.