Advice on Pre-Employment checking with a criminal record

JDDamolsch

Hi guys

I am seeking some advice regarding a pre-employment screening process.

I have recently been handed a conditional offer to start with a big financial institution (who I have worked for in the past) and they want me to start within the next week but they have provided me a conditional offer based on pre-employment checks.

I have a good credit history, great employment history, good education & work experience and I have a proven track record from my time working with this institution in the past but I have got a criminal conviction which I am concerned about.

I have a previous criminal conviction from about 3 years ago: I was pulled over for speeding, I was also carrying a small amount of cannabis on me and I was ordered to pay a fine. It now means I have a criminal record. I have made some major changes in my lifestyle since then but I am now concerned that this is going to make me look very bad and may lead to my offer being withdrawn.

The offer seems so rushed and I wouldn't want to leave my other job without knowing I am moving to a secure position. They want me to start next week but the conditional offer states that they haven't yet completed a pre employment screening. The pre-employment screening seems very regulated and I am not sure if they take other factors into consideration?

Can anyone provide me with any advice? Will they take my track record into account? Has anyone had a similar experience in the past and what was the outcome?

agrinnall

I think they will find your conviction when they do the screening, so perhaps you would be better to tell them now so that they can say whether they will consider that a complete no-no before you give notice on your current job.

I'm actually quite surprised that you weren't asked to tell them about any convictions in the application, unless they approached you and you didn't need to apply.

Lioness_Twinkletoes

It would be foolish in the extreme to resign a secure job without a firm job offer. To do it with a conviction would be insanity. You should either fess up and see if it makes a difference or wait until all the pre-employment checks have been undertaken and a firm offer is made.

JDDamolsch

Thanks for the reply guys.

Well I was actually approached for the position. It was my previous manager from the same company who approached me for the position. I did inform them in the interview that I had a conviction but I did not specify what it was. They have offered me a good position, much better than my current role which is a contractual role with limited career progression.

I know that the manager would stand by and support me but I don't know how strict financial institutions are when it comes to convictions. I feel really idiotic for what i have done but I don't want this mistake to limit my opportunities, especially at a time where the economy is contracting of any real jobs!

NewFoundGlory_2

JDDamolsch wrote: »

I have a previous criminal conviction from about 3 years ago: I was pulled over for speeding, I was also carrying a small amount of cannabis on me and I was ordered to pay a fine. It now means I have a criminal record.

Are you sure that you have a criminal record? Were you issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) for the cannabis?

If so, you may not have a criminal conviction.

NACRO states:

The following are not convictions, cautions, final warnings or reprimands and will not be disclosed on a standard DBS check. As local records, they may be disclosed on an enhanced DBS check at the discretion of the Chief Constable:

Harassment warnings: only becomes a criminal matter if breached
Anti-social behaviour orders (ASBOs): only becomes a criminal matter if breached
Community resolution orders
Cannabis warnings (usually issued on the street)
Fixed penalty notices (FPNs)
Penalty notices for disorder

Source: http://www.nacro.org.uk/resettlement-advice-service/support-for-individuals/advice/frequently-asked-questions/criminal-records-and-dbs-crb-checks,1616,NAP.html#3

stclair

Criminal records / cautions are also filtered now depending on the offence:

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/dbs-filter-certain-old-and-minor-cautions-and-convictions-reprimands-and-warnings-from-criminal-record-certificates

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dbs-filtering-guidance/dbs-filtering-guide

JDDamolsch

NewFoundGlory wrote: »

Are you sure that you have a criminal record? Were you issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) for the cannabis

I was summoned to court and ordered to pay a fine. I am 100% sure I have a criminal record.

robatwork

Possession of cannabis is in a different league to, say, bank fraud.

I would write them a letter explaining what you just explained above and get it in writing that this won't be kyboshing your offer.

Takeaway_Addict

You've told them you have a criminal conviction, having cannibas on you in general is seen as very low level. Unless the fine was related to dealing (but I suspect not).

I agree with those that say tell them whilst you have a secure job so if they say no at least you've not lost your job, but I personally would be surprised if they did say that would stop you getting the job...but you never know I guess

SquirrelSmall

Background checks are often outsourced to third party providers. The reports are then passed to HR and assessed as to whether the candidate is "good to go". HR have a level of discretion as to what constitutes a "red flag". If they are made aware in advance of your criminal record, and your potential new boss acts as a sponsor for you, you may be ok.

Speaking from experience (I work in HR and have seen this happen a few times), nasty surprises on background checks will often result in a knee-jerk withdrawal of an offer. However, a reasonable hiring manager can persuade a process-driven HR person to change their mind.

One key caveat - HR/hiring manager/whoever will not be able to go outside any hard and fast policies of the employer, however much they like you.

Nub of it - talk to your potential new boss. Make them aware. Get them to talk to HR on your behalf.

Gavin83

JDDamolsch wrote: »

I was summoned to court and ordered to pay a fine. I am 100% sure I have a criminal record.

There's something your not telling us here. They won't take you to court for cannabis alone, it's a street warning. Anyone seeing this on your record will think the same thing. Were you caught multiple times by the police?

I'm not judging you, I've been caught with cannabis as well but I got nothing more than a warning, didn't even get a fine.