Civil Service and criminal record...

Akashearsy

I would like to add if they didn't ask you about convictions on application form you have done nothing wrong and if they ask you at interview denying it would mean you are lying but if they don't ask then fine, it just depends on the what type of DBS they do

SandA

Hiya

I have really gone through my options and I am going to be honest. It will go one of two ways but I guess I won't be scared worrying about it coming up. It was a reckless and silly mistake I made when I was young but it absolutely does not represent who I am now. I just hope that they see that.

SandA

Akashearsy wrote: »

I would like to add if they didn't ask you about convictions on application form you have done nothing wrong and if they ask you at interview denying it would mean you are lying but if they don't ask then fine, it just depends on the what type of DBS they do

It says on the vacancy

stix62

SandA wrote: »

Hiya

I have really gone through my options and I am going to be honest. It will go one of two ways but I guess I won't be scared worrying about it coming up. It was a reckless and silly mistake I made when I was young but it absolutely does not represent who I am now. I just hope that they see that.

To the lady who has worked for the civil service, will they check whether I have committed a criminal offence prior to my interview or after? After. They'll need you to fill a form in. I really want to shine the best I can and I don't want that looming over me because I feel it will put me at a bit of a disadvantage. Also, I have been stopped and searched by the police, that won't come it will it? I feel that is more for enhanced disclosure (although I was not even involved in it, just was in the 'geographical location'. No offence or warning or anything at all was committed).

May I also ask what type of questions to expect? I have looked at the competencies and have picked out many examples for each but if they are going to ask me 4 questions then I don't think that will stretch for the full time of the interview. They will ask questions on the competencies, but it's not as straight forward as having a prepared answer and reeling it off. They will delve deeper and encourage you to expand on your answer. Their 'one' question could well turn into several more.

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SandA

Thank you, in terms of the declaration, will they review my answer while I am still there.. I really would like to explain myself. I have been delving into competency based questions, I have been practicing like crazy (my partner is fed up) to ensure I am using the STAR method correctly.

Will they ask non-competency based questions, the typical 'tell us about yourself' 'tell us why you want to work here' etc?

stix62

SandA wrote: »

Thank you, in terms of the declaration, will they review my answer while I am still there. I really would like to explain myself. I doubt it. When I had a civil service interview it was a case of filling various forms in and providing I.D with one set of people before going into the interview with another. There will be a form to give you the chance to declare any previous convictions, just make sure you DO declare yours and you won't have a problem - honestly. What are they going to do if you do declare something and later when they get the DBS check back it hasn't shown - penalise you for your honesty? Not declaring something on the other hand WILL go against you. I have been delving into competency based questions, I have been practicing like crazy (my partner is fed up) to ensure I am using the STAR method correctly.

Will they ask non-competency based questions, the typical 'tell us about yourself' 'tell us why you want to work here' etc? Well, my interview was opened with the 'tell us a little about yourself' dreaded question, so Yes, expect that one. I must say it was a great interview. They do make you feel quite relaxed and there was a very friendly atmosphere. If you have been practising like crazy and have some good answers prepared on the competencies you should do well

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SandA

I dont know exactly what to put on the form. I don't know whether it was a reprimand for common assault or abh, should I state this? I feel the word ABH completely changes everything. I am fairly sure it was just common assault, but dont want to risk lying

Also, should i take my qualifications along? it didnt ask for it in the letter but it didnt ask for ID either.

BobQ

TrickyWicky wrote: »

Civil Service don't believe that spent convictions apply to them. Just be honest and declare anything anyway regardless of filtering (though from what you mention the type of incident may not do you any favours).


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The Civil Service wrote this:

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/200551/HMG_Baseline_Personnel_Security_Standard_V3_2_Apr-2013.pdf

Para 49 /50

49. Cautions, reprimands and final warnings are not criminal convictions and are therefore not dealt with by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (although it is possible that formal cautions, which can only be entered on a criminal record on the basis that the individual signed a statement admitting guilt for the stated offence, are being issued for offences such as theft, assault and indecency). So, if individuals with cautions, reprimands or final warnings only are asked whether they have any „criminal convictions‟ or a „criminal record‟ (which is a less precise term but usually understood to mean convictions) they can answer „no‟. However, individuals who are specifically asked if they have cautions, reprimands or final warnings should disclose them until they are deleted from police records (usually 5 years if there are no convictions on the record).
Consideration of unspent convictions


[FONT=Arial,Arial][FONT=Arial,Arial]50. When "unspent" convictions have been disclosed, departments and agencies will wish to consider:

Whether the offence would cast doubt on the individual‟s or organisation‟s reputation.

Whether the offence would affect an individual‟s ability to do the job.

Whether the conviction is relevant to the particular post (e.g. a fraud related conviction might be relevant to a finance post but may not be a problem in other posts; convictions for protest/extremist acts such as those connected
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with animal rights may be more of a problem for one organisation than another; etc).

The length of time since the offence occurred.

The nature and background of the offence (e.g. violent crime or a history of violence which may impact on an organisation‟s duty of care to its staff).

The seriousness of the offence.

Whether there is a pattern of offences.
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stix62

SandA wrote: »

I dont know exactly what to put on the form. I don't know whether it was a reprimand for common assault or abh, should I state this? I feel the word ABH completely changes everything. I am fairly sure it was just common assault, but dont want to risk lying

Also, should i take my qualifications along? it didnt ask for it in the letter but it didnt ask for ID either.

I'd be tempted to put ...' 'mm/yyyy of offence - Common Assault (abh?)'

I wouldn't take the actual certificates along but I'd take a note of the qualifications along just in case it's asked at any point (I can't remember if it was). I'd definately take 2 forms of ID along. I'd be surprised if you didn't need to prove you were who they were expecting before you get to the interview stage.

SandA

stix62 wrote: »

I'd be tempted to put ...' 'mm/yyyy of offence - Common Assault (abh?)'

I wouldn't take the actual certificates along but I'd take a note of the qualifications along just in case it's asked at any point (I can't remember if it was). I'd definately take 2 forms of ID along. I'd be surprised if you didn't need to prove you were who they were expecting before you get to the interview stage.

Oh yes my grades are all I have really, they'll be fresh in my mind alright Although I suspect they won't be to bothered about my gcse grades.

I will take along my driving licence, and another bill.