Policy for employing people with convictions: examples and guidance

Last reviewed on 12 July 2023
Statutory/mandatory for: Maintained schools Academies Free schools Independent schools Sixth-form colleges Further education Pupil referral units Non-maintained special schools

Stay compliant when writing your policy statement for employing 'ex-offenders'. See a sample policy from the DBS and examples from other schools.

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Contents

  1. The DBS requires you to have a policy
  2. Adapt the DBS' sample policy
  3. Examples from schools
  4. Understand the rules around recruiting people with criminal records

The DBS requires you to have a policy

The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) requires all registered bodies and organisations in receipt of the DBS update to follow its code of practice – this will include your school or trust. 

Under the code of practice you must:

  • Have "a written policy on the suitability of ex-offenders for employment in relevant positions"
  • Make sure applicants for relevant positions are notified in advance that you will require a disclosure 
  • Notify applicants of the potential effect of a criminal record history on your recruitment process
  • Discuss the content of a criminal record disclosure with an applicant before withdrawing any offer of employment

Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2023 also states that you should have a policy for "the employment of ex-offenders" that applicants can access (see page 53). While this is not a statutory requirement,

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Also in 'Staff policies'