Hi I would like to get some feedback from you. Will try to make it short! Last January, I managed to secure a job as bank staff for the NHS, for which they obviously need to do a DBS check and the ROA is exempt. The details of the criminal record were on my application. Usually they will ask to see a copy of the certificate if it isn't clear but to be honest, I can't remember if I took it in or not. I started the training but realised it would clash with a part time job so I told them I would not be commencing employment in the department. I have applied for lots of jobs since but despite interview, no success. Similar roles came up at the end of last year, same NHS Trust, but the work was at different locations to those previously. so I applied again. Went through the same tests etc. Took my I.D. related documents in before Christmas, taking the certificate from a year ago, and was told it did not have the right info on and I would have to go through another check. (I believe she was wrong as the job was identical and in fact when I did get a new certificate, it was exactly the same!).
Because it wasn't clear, they needed to see it so I took it in and had to write a statement relating to the criminal record (now spent, but not filtered as it was custodial, although not served). I wrote enough for an A4 page as I wanted to give some background etc. The guy took it away and returned, saying his manager "would think about it", and I almost wanted to say "well, if he has to think about it, don't bother then", but I didn't, of course. He said they would let me know that day or the next. I have waited, purposefully, for an email, but nothing! It's now 3 weeks since I took in the certificate!
I am going to email and find out what's going on with my application but I wanted to post here before I do so. Obviously I want to mention the fact that I (or rather they) had no problems last year with a similar role/criminal record (then unspent) but now it seems there is a problem as I've heard nothing and up until then, the process was moving relatively quickly (apart from waiting for the certificate for 2 months). So, I wonder if I can challenge them, although probably not a leg to stand on legally of course, particularly as they can discriminate us anyway, but it all seems a little dodgy now, don't you think?
Thanks for any advice!
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