I would say don't disclose yet till they ask you or do a back Ground check on you. I don't think the changes to the ROA are coming in to force any time soon or ever for that matter.

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We all accept our crimes but should we be punished more for it?

We all accept our crimes but should we be punished more for it?

Hi all got a story for you all about Marks and Spencer

Last year in November I was told by the job center to go to a place called Rempoly in which I did. Why I was there my advisor told me she could get me a job at M&S. It took me three months to get this job as I had to go though D&A test training days for my job role and other stuff to many to list here. Before ever starting the job role she asked me about spent or unspent criminal records so I stated no I have no spent or unspent criminal records. I then started the job last week on the 17th Feb 2014 which I thought was great I now have a full time job for life. Within that week I get a letter do I want to accept there offer of the job at M&S but reading though there offer letter I notice they have to do Ref checks and background checks after signing the letter. So I thought I better come clean and honest and tell them my convection before accepting there offer of a job. So I went back to Rempoly and spoke about my conviction and she said to me I will have to disclose this now to M&S. Now I have been suspended from M&S for not disclosing my conviction in which way i have before accepting there job offer. So I would like people to know on here M&S do CRB checks and they do discriminate against people with offence. And this was at M&S big disbution center in Castle Doninghton so plz take this of the list

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We all accept our crimes but should we be punished more for it?

We all accept our crimes but should we be punished more for it?

Inspirational Moostrasse. Thank you for going a long and for sharing this. Brilliant to hear that the Fire Service are active too.

Delighted to hear that an HR Professional understands the ROA.... most Employment Relations specialists I have worked with in HR haven't got a clue about CRB checks and the ROA. Refreshing......

Surely this visit and his quotes will be in the Record?

Have you heard from Branson's people yet?

Aspire

Oh.. there is some good stuff on here. Thanks Moostrasse.... good article..

https://www.bdeducation.org.uk/crb-what-you-need-to-know-guidance-for-diocesan-family-of-schools.pdf
Good paper on CRB elgibility. Aspire? Don't know if you have seen this one, but it explains it all very clearly

Can I request some more helpers please members? Can we aim to have at least another 20 on this thread by end of this week please so our brilliant GGG can do his magic? Thanks

PS We have 1615 members..... 20 is do-able

Hi Moostrasse

You said earlier... 'Its been busy from what I can see, over the last few days on here. So, we should be able to have some more input???'

Yes, here's hoping... and we always have hope as we agreed.

I read some of the earlier threads Moo where you mentioned some translation companies and WFH. Would you be so kind to list them on here please? I cannot find the thread but I did look... promise. Maybe we put them under a different heading GGG? .... say 'Home based working'?

Aspire

Hi Moostrasse

I am on websites I know might have the information in reports / studies - CIPD, Personnel Management/Today, DWP, Justice and other Govt Departments / Agencies.

Also, manipulating Google, Bing & Yahoo with words employment / ex-offenders... so a simple approach right now. Also, it is interesting that there are soooooooooooo many jobs listed to support / work with ex-offenders. This is definitely an avenue to explore for those with convictions.... charities / enterprises are more open minded and tend to judge on skills, motivation and attitude rather than ex-offender label! Worth a try?

Interestingly, there is a Freedom of Information request for all companies / umbrellas that have requested checks from 2002. There are over a 1000 orgs on that list. Now wouldn't it be interesting to review their policies (usually in public domain) on recruiting ex-offenders and how many they have employed? Big project but I am thinking of ways we can collect information?

Any other ideas anyone?

Richard Branson your mate.... lol.... dare ya!! Think you would get through? I bet YOU would!!

Everything is worth a try surely?

Finding some good upbeat articles in my search for Companies that employ....

https://www.russellhrconsulting.co.uk/blog/2012/09/are-we-robbing-ourselves-blind-by-refusing-to-hire-ex-cons/

''While it will be prudent to carry out proper checks, ex-offenders whose crimes took place some time ago, offer no greater risk than people in the general population...''

Moostrasse, I agree with Chris - two separate sections (Chris may we have them at top of page in blue please where always prominent and all can add to as an ongoing affair? How about the below M?

Section One - Companies that Employee Ex-Offenders
Section Two - Organisations (Enterprises / Agencies) that help Ex-Offenders secure Employment

Thanks

You know Moostrasse, there are so many business opportunities right now for people to set up social enterprises (I have helped with this process myself as a previous consultant) and to tender for funds to do what BlueSky do... we are starting a rehabilitation revolution (believe it or not) and there is a big space to educate and engage businesses in 2013 and receive rewards for doing this. Companies are big on Corporate Social Responsibility especially Financial Services for various reasons (pay back time!!) and I know a few Diversity Managers who are looking to refresh their policies on recruiting ex-offenders with supporting programmes. This would be an excellent network to establish and few are doing it that you identified.

IF I had the time and motivation to set up a social enterprise I would. I have other ventures right now, but it maybe something I consider for the future. I will continue to add here where I can but there is most definitely grants / funding available.

Maybe we have another thread - Where to get funding to establish a venture? This is probably on the Info bit here...

A

Richard Branson... be careful there are new laws on stalking just out M

I would love to know what he has actually DONE to attract, recruit and retain more ex offenders across his Virgin Empire?
Does he have any positive stories to share.... if you are reading Richard!!!

We know what Timpsons have done, they have an academy etc etc

On reflection, I once worked for one of the biggest employers in the world and they had a talent programme for top performers.... I wonder how many had previous convictions.... it does make one think about winning 'hearts and minds'.... and engaging employers....