Diagnostic Radiography Degree: CRB Check

BCD

I am planning on studying an Access course with the intention of then doing a degree in Diagnostic Radiography.

Here's the thing I'm worried about.......

In 1999 when I was 17 I was bound over for 6 months for a charge called 'harassment'. That sounds worse than it was- it was basically a family dispute about bills that my dad left at our address after our parents split. Of course, it was still illlegal and I fully regret it now.

I've been in touch with the uni I hope to go to and they say that they can't tell me if they would accept me until I apply. However, I don't want to study the Access course if I have no realistic chance of getting on a course.

What do you think would be the likely outcome? Is it realistic to think that they would accept me with a charge like that on my record?

I have no further record- not even a parking ticket.

Additionally, if I did get on the course would I find obstacles when it comes to actually getting a job with the NHS?

I know a lot of people will say 'you shouldn't have done'- of course I shouldn't but it was a long time ago and I fully regret it.

Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.

GEEGEE8

I don't know the answer, but I hope it doesn't hold you back.

I would have thought only things like GBH and robbery etc would have an impact..

jonny115

Were you actually charged or given a caution for the offence? If you have this on your record i suggest just explain the situation to the University, or even speak to someone at the student union who might be able to help you.

BCD

It went to court. The hearing was over in 9 minutes, believe it or not. It was a 'bind over to keep the Queen's peace for 6 months'. That means that it is 'spent' from the end of that 6 month period.

The offence did not contain any violence/threats of violence.

The uni said that they do an Enhanced CRB on everyone who accepts an offer and if any notes are included on it they call you in to discuss it. But, can I take the risk of studying for a year, get the grades, only to be turned down because of this thing 11 years ago?

DCFC79

Surely it shouldnt matter or be less relevant as it happened over 10 years ago, youv'e grown up and not been in trouble since

Savvy_Sue

But might that access course not be useful for other things?

You could talk to NACRO, especially about how to disclose this, you might find it comes up in a lot of other situations.

Oldernotwiser

Why not contact the Society of Radiographers for their advice.

http://www.sor.org/

SueC_2

I can't begin to imagine (although I have no experience of this whatsoever) that it would be a problem with you getting into uni.

However, as they potentially put you into contact with vulnerable people, pretty much all positions within the NHS are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act. Which, basically speaking, means you have to declare any convictions even if to all other intents and purposes they are considered spent.

It is then up to the HR Department to decide whether or not to offer you a job despite whatever convictions you may have. I really don't know what criteria they use, and what the chances are of you getting employment, but it would be a good idea for you to try to find out before you undertake a degree that may end up going to waste.

Why not try calling round the HR Departments of a few NHS trusts and seeking their opinion before you start embarking on training that you may or may not ever get to put into practice?

McGuiver

BCD wrote: »

I am planning on studying an Access course with the intention of then doing a degree in Diagnostic Radiography.

Here's the thing I'm worried about.......

In 1999 when I was 17 I was bound over for 6 months for a charge called 'harassment'. That sounds worse than it was- it was basically a family dispute about bills that my dad left at our address after our parents split. Of course, it was still illlegal and I fully regret it now.

I've been in touch with the uni I hope to go to and they say that they can't tell me if they would accept me until I apply. However, I don't want to study the Access course if I have no realistic chance of getting on a course.

What do you think would be the likely outcome? Is it realistic to think that they would accept me with a charge like that on my record?

I have no further record- not even a parking ticket.

Additionally, if I did get on the course would I find obstacles when it comes to actually getting a job with the NHS?

I know a lot of people will say 'you shouldn't have done'- of course I shouldn't but it was a long time ago and I fully regret it.

Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.

BCD, hopefully I can put your mind at rest with this - you'll be fine. I can tell you because I have almost direct experience of this. I've known a person charged for shop lifting, someone charged for speeding and someone who received a caution for fighting, when they were much younger like you, be admitted for AHP courses like radiography and physiotherapy. All that will happen, according to what you have said, is that you'll probably have to speak to the head of the department about it before you begin your course. That's not as serious as it sounds, btw. Do your access course and then apply, because you'll be fine - based on what you've said. Good luck.

McGuiver

Oh, forgot to add. One last thing. Once you qualify, you'll have to register with the HPC, which will give you clearance to work in the NHS. You'll have to declare you conviction to them and they'll decide whether you can register and then practice in the NHS or not. Don't worry about that though. You'll have to, based on what I recall, send them a copy of your CRB disclosure and a letter of contrition, explaining what happened and how you've reflected on it since then. They'll meet and, almost certainly since you've got into uni and passed the course, give you approval to register (the uni wouldn't let you in if they didn't think you'd get past this). Don't worry.

BCD

Thank you so much to everyone who has replied. You have given me a lot of confidence to follow this as a career.

When I apply to the uni or later on for jobs, I would really appreciate the chance to explain the circumstances around the offence and the mitigating factors. The word 'harassment' sounds awful, but being able to put it into context allows me to show others that it really was a minor blip.

Of course, I'm sure there are people working in the NHS with worse CRB histories than me!

Is it possible for me, as a private individulal, to get hold of my enhanced CRB check so I can see exactly how the crime was recorded?

Thanks again.