By NigelV2 - 8 Jul 20 8:28 AM
As my convictions are now spent I wanted to get back into the habit of doing something more constructive and CA seemed like a good cause. Going through some of the paperwork about it I found this
Anyone with a caution or conviction for a sexual offence against a child or vulnerable adult is considered unsuitable to volunteer.
(only can find the online reference at https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/support-us/volunteering/about-volunteering-with-citizens-advice/volunteering_faqs/ )
The role I was looking at didn't need even need a basic DBS check, but they seem to say you can't apply at all. Is this common or even correct? I would have thought the CA would be the best people to understand what they can and can't do about spent convictions and yet they seem to be applying a blanket ban on this.
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By JASB - 28 Aug 20 11:58 AM
+xI looked at citizen advice and came across this too. My question is, if your conviction is for a sexual offence and it’s spent, and the role asks for no DBS check, how do they know that person even has a conviction in the first place?
Hi Mark
"how would they find out"
Before I answer that in a wider aspect to the normal considerations I will mention my own interaction with the PPU on this subject.
When I was questioned why i did not volunteer I asked "what confidentiality processes do you think are in place in the actual charity shop?" I live in a small town were an interview would be done by whoever is in charge that day.There is no confidentially document to sign. By previous shopping visits to the shops you hear the gossip. So why would I risk my new identity being disclosed that would allow a society to punish me further? Please do not suggest "legal" safeguards as they are all after the fact; the damage will of be done."
I show / inform my PPU the facts about my life, my projects, the aspects that support me and others in my life; and yes even strangers. If they wish to place me under surveillance they will see my positive interactions with others, be they strangers or friends. They will see how I "protect myself" from any misinterpretations by anyone. By "facing" the challenges imposed on me, they would see I am not the threat society presumes I am because of their interpretation of my offence.
Fact: I informed them I was going to undertake a volunteer role for an estate agent were I showed prospective property buyers around empty properties, and no declaration was required. I just wanted work activity for my CV at the time. I was informed by my previous PPU officer, he would inform the estate agents as I could break my conditions by being alone with a person under 16. I asked how, and he said the child might be with me alone at the property? When I asked how many under 16 year olds he knows buy property his response in not worthy of writing.
Back to the question on "how would they find out?". Unless you have managed to change your identity and the media have not linked it, a google search is quite a common process by employers now.
take care
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