Guidance Notes for Applicants who are Ex-Offenders
As a university using the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), previously known as the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) Disclosure service, to assess applicants' suitability for professional courses, Brunel University complies fully with the DBS Code of Practice and undertakes to treat all applicants fairly. It undertakes not to discriminate unfairly against any subject of a Disclosure on the basis of conviction or other information revealed.
Brunel University is committed to the fair treatment of its students and potential students, regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, responsibilities for dependants, age, physical/mental disability or offending background.
We actively promote equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of qualifications and potential and welcome applications from a wide range of candidates, including those with criminal records. We select all candidates for interview based on their skills, qualifications and experience.
For courses where a Disclosure is required, we ask all applicants who have indicated that they have a criminal conviction, to provide details at an early stage in the application process. We request that this information is sent under separate, confidential cover, to a designated person within Brunel University and we guarantee that this information is only seen by those who need to see it as part of the recruitment process.
Because of the nature of the courses in teaching, health and social care, Brunel University may need to ask questions about your entire criminal record and not just "unspent" convictions as defined in the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
We ensure that all those in Brunel University who are involved in the recruitment process have been suitably trained to identify and assess the relevance and circumstances of offences. We also ensure that they have received appropriate guidance and training in the relevant legislation relating to the recruitment of ex-offenders, e.g. the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
At interview, or in a separate discussion following receipt of the Disclosure and Barring Certificate, we ensure that an open and measured discussion takes place on the subject of any offences or other matter that might be relevant. Failure to reveal information that is directly relevant is likely to lead to withdrawal of an offer of a place on the course.
We make every subject of a DBS application aware of the existence of the DBS Code of Practice and make a copy available on request.
We undertake to offer to discuss any matter revealed in a Disclosure with the applicant before withdrawing an offer of a place.
Having a criminal record will not necessarily bar you from studying with us. This will depend on the circumstances and background of your offences.
Failure to declare a relevant criminal conviction at the time of application, or before enrolment if the conviction was gained after the application form was completed, is likely to result in the withdrawal of the offer of a place on the course and any enrolment may be regarded as invalid.
