Reform of rehabilitation periods for offenders.

Published
22 May
2014
The 10th of March 14 saw a major change to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. The time it takes a conviction to become spent has changed. This will have impact on employers that request a DBS certificate as part of their pre-employment checks.
 
Basic DBS – will show only unspent convictions.
 
Standard DBS – will show all convictions; spent convictions cannot be considered unless it is pertinent to the role.
 
Enhanced DBS (for working with children and vulnerable adults) - will show all convictions; spent convictions cannot be considered unless it is pertinent to the role.
 
This reform is long overdue and many agencies in support of rehabilitating offenders have argued long and hard that the previous lengths, prevented many minor or youth offenders from being able to get on with their lives.
 
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg states: ‘These changes will mean that people who have turned their backs on crime will be able to move on with their lives. Evidence shows that former offenders who are able to get back into the world of work and contribute to society are less likely to reoffend.’