#allforJoe promotes equality of opportunity for all and is committed to safeguarding those that use our service, which includes carrying out background checks on volunteers.

#allforJoe recognises the contribution that people with criminal records can make as employees and volunteers and will consider applications from those with a criminal record.

This policy explains how we use criminal records information obtained via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks and the equivalent system checks where different in the Nations, as part of our recruitment and selection process for volunteers.

Due to the charity engaging with potentially vulnerable people and accessing sensitive, personal information all volunteers, trustees and champions will undergo a DBS check.

The appropriate level of check will be determined in line with the established external guidance and is subject to change as required by legislation or best practice.

 

2. Scope of this policy

Who does this policy apply to?

• All trustees, champions and volunteers.

All #allforJoe volunteers who are in a role that is identified as requiring a criminal records check must comply with the request to complete the application.

3. The policy

Processing principles

• #allforJoe is committed to best practice when recruiting people with a criminal record and complies fully with the DBS codes of practice.

• #allforJoe undertakes to treat all applicants fairly. It is essential that people do not face unfair discrimination in any role within the charity.

• A criminal record will not normally prevent an applicant from being appointed as a volunteer. We will judge each case on its merits and not discriminate unfairly against any applicant on the basis of a conviction or criminal record information disclosed to us.

• We will use ‘legitimate interest’ as our legal basis for the collection and processing of data in order to carry out these checks and assess the suitability of applicants. The collection and processing of this data is necessary in order to protect the interests of the users of our service.

• We will retain the data provided in order to complete the necessary checks. Information relating to criminal records will only be shared with authorised people, mainly the board of trustees.

 

Applicants have the option to self-disclose to the Chair of Trustees before completing their criminal record application in case they wish to discuss this; however, this is not mandatory. For those potential volunteers who have convictions that may present a safeguarding concern we encourage them to disclose this at the earliest possibility so that all options can be explored.

Where information is identified on a criminal record check, a volunteer, trustee or champion may not be able to start or continue in their role until a meeting of trustees has occurred.

For any information disclosed, cases will be looked at on an individual basis. #allforJoe may request additional information from an applicant, and will take into account details such as:

• Whether the offence is relevant to the position applied for

• Relevant details of the offence(s)

• The length of time since the offence(s) or since release into the community

If appropriate, #allforJoe may request a reference from a relevant professional who knows the applicant

Criminal record checks will be repeated at a maximum of three-year intervals unless the organisation identifies a need to carry out a check sooner – for example, we become aware that a volunteer or member of staff may have received a caution or conviction since their previous check. Volunteers are required to let the Chair of Trustees know if they have received a caution or conviction since their last criminal records check.