2. EMPLOYING EX-OFFENDERS -The Rough Guide Peter Rabbitts Acas 01254 689236 prabbitts@acas.org.uk

3. EMPLOYING EX-OFFENDERS Factors affecting the issue Or The pros and cons … of employing ex-cons Litigious society Regulation and rehabilitation Recruitment process Managing risk

4. Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 ‘Spent’ convictions Rehabilitation periods Offences which are never spent Exceptions to the Act

5. EMPLOYING EX-OFFENDERS Police Act 1997 Introduced three levels of disclosure Basic Standard Enhanced

6. EMPLOYING EX-OFFENDERS Information gathering Make it clear where disclosure will be required Issue statement expressing willingness to consider ex-offenders Request details of convictions only from prospective interviewees Get all other information to assist the recruitment decision before applying for disclosure Source: CIPD

7. EMPLOYING EX-OFFENDERS In conclusion: Clarify the requirements of the job Focus on the skills brought by the applicant Identify the relationship (if any) between the job and the offence(s) Identify risks and explore their management

8. EMPLOYING EX-OFFENDERS The great majority of offenders face unemployment on release from prison Most offenders cease to offend after the age of 25 Research shows that employment is the single most important factor in reducing re-offending HR Managers cite the employment of ex-offenders as a ‘positive’ experience Source: CIPD

9. EMPLOYING EX-OFFENDERS More Information on this topic: www.nacro.org.uk www.disclosure.gov.uk and on employment issues generally: www.acas.org.uk www.dti.gov.uk www.tiger.gov.uk