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Hi,
I would like to see the total removal of the part in enhanced DBS checks where the chief constable can add information "that they deem relevant". This system is abused - in reality, they simply add all information, including neighbourhood gossip, false accusations from jilted former partners, false arrests, and acquittals. We saw a Supreme Court case recently where a teacher, who was the victim of a false rape allegation, failed in his attempt to have the information about that case removed from his enhanced DBS check, rendering him unemployable despite him never having committed a crime.
This information is also damaging because employers will not, as they say, "consider the individual circumstances". If an ROA-exempt employer sees any information on a standard/enhanced DBS check, 99% of the time the application will go in the bin. Example: a woman was at a checkout and something accidentally dropped into her handbag without her even noticing. She was given a caution for shoplifting. Decades later, she still can't get a job teaching. This shows that employers do not "consider the individual circumstances" - no one would agree that something so minor, not even intentional. would make you a danger to vulnerable people - your application is simply chucked in the bin without the circumstances of the conviction being considered.
I would also like to see the police certificates issued by the UK police to foreign authorities for residency or visa purposes, be the equivalent of a basic DBS check for people who have not offended for a certain period (10 years maybe). Currently they are the equivalent of an enhanced DBS certificate, detailing every tiny thing since you were born. You're not applying for a sensitive job - you're applying for entry to another country to live peacefully, and if you haven't offended in a long time then it is irrelevant and damaging to have such a detailed police certificate. After a long time of not doing anything wrong, you deserve a fresh start.
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