Security clearance denied. What can I do?

funky348

Hi all,
I recently applied for work experience to complete my uni degree in IT. I had to fill out SC and CTC checks for the full training they are offering.

My application was not granted.
I failed to put down a conviction I had 14 years ago, when I was 18/19 for possession of class A drug. To be honest I cant remember to much about it but I know I wasn't cautioned and didn't think it would be an issue. Feel really stupid now!! Wish i just disclosed it and not taken any chances...
Is there anything I can do to reapply or appeal (if I can appeal is there any chance of me winning?), and will this stupid incident as a youngster be an issue going forward?
I'm totally gutted so any help or advice will be great.
Thanks
Phil

Tiddlywinks

The appeals process should be explained in the letter.

Basically, you lied - what defence can you possibly have for that - that won't make you look as bad?

spacey2012

How were you "convicted" in court ?

cazziebo

But did the OP lie? I'm confused - was it a conviction? A conviction is more serious than a caution.

Under the Rehabilitation of Offenders act I'd have thought the conviction would have been spent and therefore the OP isn't obliged to mention it. (Don't know if SC and CTC are enhanced checks)

funky348

I wasn't convicted in a court. I was arrested and let out after an hour. It was a stupid mistake and not something in which i am proud of.

I didnt know if that incident was on my record or not. I remember the policeman telling me its not a caution. So didnt think it would be an issue.

I haven't received my letter of rejection yet. The lady who offered me training within the council rung and gave me the bad news. Im not totally sure if it was this incident? but Ive never been in trouble before or after this... I have always worked and have no money issues as far as i know?

Thanks
Phil

funky348

I was arrested ... Isn't this a conviction??

cazziebo

So you weren't even charged? If that's the case then I doubt it would show on a check.

What was the actual reason given for rejection?

ValHaller

Tiddlywinks wrote: »

The appeals process should be explained in the letter.

Basically, you lied - what defence can you possibly have for that - that won't make you look as bad?

Basically, Rehabilitation of Offenders Act makes it truthful to deny certain convictions, even if they did happen. So, the defence is that there was no lie.

cazziebo

funky348 wrote: »

I was arrested ... Isn't this a conviction??

No. A conviction is when you are tried and found guilty. A caution is not a conviction. Arrested and released without charge is a non event.

funky348

Well to be totally honest I'm not sure. I was arrested taken to the police station they asked me a few questions and took photo's and charged me and let me go. Sorry I thought that was a conviction.

I haven't actually received my letter of rejection as yet. Im just thought it would be this incident that resulted in my rejection. Im waiting for the procedure to find out more about the rejection and the appeals procedure. The lady from the council said if the rejection isn't to do with me then they wont tell me why its been rejected because it could be a family member.

But i think it must be this incident.

Prothet_of_Doom

You should go to see your Personal Tutor and discuss this with him. I imagine that there is some way of finding out via data protection disclosure laws what information they are holding about you.