Thanks for the suggestion. My work coach is at Clean Sheet, and it was his idea to find other networks.

I run my own business, that way there are no worries about DBS checks. Provided the work fits in with any restrictions that you are subject to such as an SHPO then the police can do very little about it. They can shake their heads a lot and complain about it but as there is nothing they can do about it. The only possible issue is insurance which can be difficult to come by.

If you don't fancy working for yourself I would look into companies that don't ask for DBS checks. The big corporate companies will often ask about convictions and want DBS checks but many smaller companies don't require it and don't ask about convictions.

Depending on your conviction and whether you are on a barred list for DBS enhanced jobs then I would suggest teaching is out of the question. 

I do know how hard it is and all I would suggest is keep plugging away and eventually you will get something. SO's are treated terribly by the system, it doesn't help as those of us with a SHPO have to declare our convictions for a long time after sentencing.

Clean Sheet might be a good place to start, and the National Careers Service can help with writing or updating your CV. Other than that, you could try smaller, local employers (electrical contractor, plumber, etc.) who don't bother with DBS checks. If they don't ask for disclosure, you don't have to volunteer the information.

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If you are to punish a man retributively you must injure him. If you are to reform him you must improve him. And men are not improved by injuries. (George Bernard Shaw)

I have unspent SO convictions which have been a barrier to finding work for a long time. My work coach suggests that, as well as continuing to make applications directly to employers in response to job ads, I look to build a network of helpful people who might be able to either make useful suggestions or recommend me to a suitable employer. Can anyone think of how I might being creating such a network? The nature of my convictions means many people are less than willing to assist, but my work coach thinks I ought to try. My background is in teaching, music and - more usefully - customer service advisor roles. Ideally, a remote working job would pass the test of approval by my police monitors.