I saw an administrator vacancy with the probation service.

Would they even consider an application from a individual who has committed a sexual offence?

I note it says on the civil service job advert “pass a DBS check”.

My offence isn’t spent yet so even on a basic check it’s going to show.

Does the word “pass” mean it needs to be clear? Or just within their standards?

When I applied, they said each case would be assessed on it's own merits, so having a conviction for a sexual offence is not an automatic refusal.

I applied for a prison warden/corrections officer last year before COVID destroyed the world.

Everything looked good until I declared my conviction and it was hard pass from them. They didn't even seem remotely interested in seeing the improvements and things I'd done since my conviction.

 It deflated me a little bit at the time, I mean, if the justice system itself is stating that they won't employ someone because of conviction then to me that basically says they don't believe people can be rehabilitated and thus means what is the point?

You dodged a bullet there. My nephew applied, was successful, only completed half the training and dropped out because of stress.

Apologies for being a bit vague - I spoke to someone recently who used to work in CJS, who now has a different job. To help me out they got in touch with someone they know who helps ex-offenders back into work, specifically about our 'circumstances' - and they replied 'I wish' and said they had **dozens** of clients all in the same/similar boat and all not working.
Obviously, current pandemic circumstances aren't helping, but that's still a lot of people to shift for that one person who is genuinely trying to help when people with no criminal record are also looking for work.

EDIT: I don't share this to discourage, more so a public recording of what I believe to be a wider elephant in the room conversation. I'd love to hear about successes.

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Fighting or Accepting - its difficult to know which is right and when.

I’ve applied anyway, I’ll see how it progresses.

Been asked to upload ID so they can start checks if successful.

Been offered interview for 6th April.

Just says in the pack that any information that comes back on a DBS would go to a decision maker.

This might be worth a read for anyone thinking of trying to apply to work with HMPPS
https://hub.unlock.org.uk/knowledgebase/criminal-justice-sector/
in regards to working in the probation service, it will all come down to if you are working direct for probation or a CRC , crc have been know to take on ex offenders in roles like through the gate etc etc, one thing to note is that all crc are being dispensed this year when probation is being brought back in-house, the prison minister has stated that when this occurs they would like to try and keep the scheme of hiring ex offender for some roles.
probation staff not only have t9 have a DBS but also security vetting