It’s not a crime to keep quiet about past mistakes

Wednesday 06 May 2015

Islanders with an old minor criminal conviction now have a way to apply for jobs without telling prospective employers about minor offences from their past.

The Police have come up with a certificate showing only 'unspent convictions' so that employers don't get to see evidence of older, less serious convictions. Under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Law, old convictions are deemed 'spent' and are not disclosable - unless they are for serious offences, or unless the job being applied for involves vulnerable people or children.

The new certificate means that people don't have to keep bringing up old convictions every time they go for a new job, and this new certificate tells employers everything they legally need to know.

Jersey Police’s Information Manager Andy Cousins said: 
“It was not uncommon in the past for an employer to demand a full check of convictions, spent and unspent before offering employment.

“This practice has now been made illegal in the UK although many occupations are still exempt from the law. Employment in a regulated activity, such as working with children or vulnerable adults, or those occupations exempted in the Rehabilitation of Offenders Law, will require an enhanced level of disclosure which includes spent and unspent convictions and any other relevant information the police may hold.

“
The Basic Police Disclosure offers a service locally for residents to obtain a certificate they can give to potential employers.” 


The Police say any sanction given by a Parish Hall is not considered a criminal conviction and you don't have to disclose any time you were fined or cautioned at a Parish Hall Enquiry.

You can download the form here or pick one up from the enquiry desk at the Police Station.