Spent Convictions and Recruitment
The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 came into force on 28th October 2023. This has reduced the amount of time until a custodial sentence is deemed spent for less serious offences.
Certain custodial sentences will no longer need to be declared after the certain time frame. However, serious offenders will be exempt from this new legislation.
The aim of this is to remove the barrier for ex-offenders in gaining employment. Studies have shown that former offenders who get steady employment are 9% less likely to commit further crimes.
The new rehabilitation periods are:
*Public protection is still in place as those who have committed serious crimes of a sexual, violent or terrorist nature will be exempt from this and will still have to declare their convictions.
There will also be strict disclosure when working with vulnerable people and using the standard and enhanced DBS checks.
How do these changes affect recruitment?
When recruiting or inducting, paperwork will now need to reflect the above changes in when a conviction will be spent. If you need help reviewing and adapting your paperwork to these changes, please contact a member of our team and we will be happy to assist you.
