RECRUITMENT OF EX-OFFENDERS POLICY & SELF – DISCLOSURE FORM /
(5c)
As an organisation using the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) assess applicants’ suitability for positions of trust, Alpha Plus Group Ltd complies fully with the DBS Code of Practice and undertakes to treat all applicants for positions fairly. It undertakes not to treat any individual less favorably on the basis of a conviction or other information revealedsave where it is reasonable to do so.
Alpha Plus Group Ltd is committed to the fair treatment of its staff, potential staff andusers of its services, regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, responsibilities for dependants, age, physical/mental disability or offending background.
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, qualifications and experience. However, applicants should be aware that a criminal record history may affect our assessment of your suitability to work in certain roles.
An Enhanced Disclosure from the DBS is only requested ifa thorough risk assessment has indicated that one is both proportionate and relevant to the position concerned and/or where this is a regulatory requirement. For those positions where an Enhanced Disclosure is required (including all posts which involve direct access to children), 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 an Enhanced Disclosure is to form part of the recruitment process, we encourage all applicants called for interview to provide details of anycriminal record at an early stage in the application process. We request that this information is sent under separate, confidential cover, to a designated person within Alpha Plus Group 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 means that it is appropriate for Alpha Plus Group Ltd to ask questions about your entire criminal record, including 'spent' convictions, we only ask about ‘unspent’ convictions (as defined in the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974). However, all those applying for roles where an Enhanced Disclosure is required must provide us with details of all convictions, including spent convictions.
We ensure that all those in Alpha Plus Group Ltd 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 and training in the relevant legislation relating to the employment of ex-offenders, e.g. the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
We undertake to discuss any matter revealed in an Enhanced Disclosure or volunteered by an applicant with the applicant at interview, or in a separate discussion, and before withdrawing a conditional offer of employment. However, applicants should be aware that a failure to reveal information that is directly relevant to the position sought and/or that you have been expressly asked to disclose could ultimately lead to withdrawal of an offer of employment or, if your employment has commenced, termination of employment.
We make every subject of an Enhanced Disclosure aware of the existence of the DBS Code of Practice and make a copy available on request.
This policy applies within the following companies, which are wholly owned subsidiaries of Alpha Plus Holdings Limited, a company registered in England, registered number 4418776, that is to say:
Alpha Plus Group Limited, registered number 438111
Alpha Plus Education Limited, registered number 05290340
Alpha Plus Schools Limited, registered number 3867464
A.W. & P. Patton Ltd, registered number 507496
and the terms “Group” and “Company” should be interpreted accordingly, dependent on the employing company.The registered office of all companies is 50 Queen Anne Street, LondonW1G 8HJ. Any enquiries regarding theapplication of this policy should be addressed to the Head of H R at that address.
SELF - DISCLOSURE FORM
SELF-DISCLOSURE FORM FOR APPLICANTS FOR POSTS INVOLVING CONTACT WITH CHILDREN AND / OR VULNERABLE ADULTS
Alpha Plus Group is committed to safeguarding children from physical, sexual and emotional harm. As part of our Child Protection policy, we require applicants for posts involving contact with children to complete this self-disclosure form, and we also require current employees to complete this self-disclosure when requested to do so. 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.
I understand that I am required to sign the following self- declaration.
Name…………………………………..
Have you ever been convicted of or charged with any criminal offences?
YES/NO
If yes, please supply details of any criminal convictions, cautions, and charges. Please note that:
- You MUST provide details of 'spent' convictions and cautions(see note below).
- You are NOT required to provide details of 'protected'convictions and cautions (see note below).
Note: under the provisions of Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 as amended by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) (Amendment) Order 1986 you mustdeclare all convictions including ‘spent’ convictions and cautionsbut you are not required to declare convictions and cautions which are 'protected' as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 as amended by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2013.
Have you ever been barred from working with children or young people or been placed on any sex offenders list, at home or abroad, or the DBS Children’s Barred List
YES / NO
If yes, please supply details.
Are you known to any Children and Families Social Care Department as being an actual or potential risk to childrenand/or have you had any order made against you or in relation to children in your care which relates to the care of children? (For example, if your own child has been taken into care or been the subject of a child protection order you would need to answer 'yes' to this question)
YES / NO
If yes, please supply details.
Have you ever had your registration refused or cancelled in relation to childcare or children's homes of been disqualified for private fostering?
YES/NO
If yes, please supply details.
Have you ever been subject toany disciplinary sanction relating to child abuse or safeguarding?
YES/ NO
If yes, please supply details.
Have you ever been disqualified for any reason from providing early years childcare or later years childcare to children under eight, or from being directly concerned in the management of such childcare
YES/ NO
If yes, please supply details.
Declaration:
I declare that to the best of my knowledge the information given above is correct and understand that any misleading statements or deliberate omission may be sufficient grounds for cancelling my appointment or termination my employment. I understand that I may be asked to apply for a Criminal Records Disclosure and consent to do so. I understand that the information contained in this form and in the Disclosure may be disclosed, where strictly necessary, to regulatory bodies and/or third parties who have an interest in child protection issues.
Signed: ………………………………….
Dated:......
Alpha Plus Group LimitedPage 1 of 5Recruitment of Ex-Offenders & SD Form
Group PoliciesVersion 4
All EstablishmentsJanuary 2014