Guidance
Guidance on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Exceptions Order 1975
Explains the difference between spent and unspent convictions, outlines which convictions must be declared when applying for jobs and any exceptions.
Documents
Details
This guidance is written to help people giving advice and information to ex-offenders so they understand:
- the difference between spent and unspent convictions
- how long before different kinds of conviction are considered to be spent
- which convictions must be declared when applying for jobs or insurance
- which spent cautions or convictions must still be declared
The document was updated after the Legal Aid and Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012.
Help for job applicants
If you have had a past conviction and are applying for a job, read this guide.
Help for employers
If you are an employer who wants to know what checks to make when someone applies for a job, read this guide.
Published 4 March 2014
Last updated 28 November 2020 + show all updates
Last updated 28 November 2020 + show all updates
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Guidance updated.
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Draft guidance on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Exceptions Order 1975 published.
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First published.