BenS said...
As to if they can find out (beyond DBS means), it depends whether your case was reported in the press, or even if it's just local knowledge/gossip in your area. HR will Google. If you're on social media, be careful with what you post, erase any tiny reference to your conviction/court/struggles etc. and keep your profile as private as possible.
As you obviously know, it is a criminal offence to lie about unspent convictions, though I can understand the motivation behind it and that's your choice.
According to this (https://www.gov.uk/disclosure-barring-service-check/overview), any company wishing to do a DBS needs to ask you to fill in a form as part of it - so they wouldn't be able to do one without you knowing. The official guidelines also recommend that they only do it with a successful applicant they intend to hire, though that's only a recommendation and not mandatory, they could do it at any stage they like.
You can always refuse to fill in the form but then they will revoke the offer/reject your application so it won't do any good.
Is your conviction one of those types that provokes general disgust when mentioned and makes people run a mile, or is it a minor or less unconscionable type of thing? You don't have to answer/expand on it you don't want to of course.
As an aside, it's a good idea to prepare a letter explaining the circumstances of your conviction in frank, honest terms, not seeking to minimise or excuse it and showing that you are rehabilitated and keen to move on - that you can show to any employer, or that you can attach to an application that asks about unspent convictions (instead of just ticking "no" and not explaining anything, which will mostly get the application thrown straight in the bin). I've googled my name, and checked my local newspaper, nothing comes up about me. I do understand that they may do a DBS check years down the line, but at least I will have a job and I can make some money until my unspent period comes up. My friends have already started looking into buying houses, I just want a decent job so I can support myself Yes I understand that if I don't complete the form the job offer will be removed or me being fired from the job. But at least I have a chance of getting a job. My conviction is for assult, a fight I had with a drunk. Although the not the worst, no one ones a violent person. And furthermore as all graduates are equal in terms of skills and qualification a person with a clean record will always get the job ahead of me. But I guess they won't be able to find out about my convictions in my case unless I fill in the form. And the most they can do is fire me if I don't fill the form in? I saw this poster did the same thing as me https://forum.unlock.org.uk/default.aspx?f=33&m=20542
|