SC Application (unfortunately I have history)

[BolshieBastard]

It's all about disclosure, I told the vetting officer I'd had the odd spliff over the years but it didn't affect the outcome.

No, not necessarily. This person got done for having a spliff ie its on their record.

You just owned up to having a spliff so I assume you didnt get done and have it on your record.

[SueEllen]

Personally, I think theft will be taken rather seriously. It's 11 years ago however and you were still really a teenager but on the other hand you were nearly an adult and at that age should know better.

In general youth offenders, which what the OP was, are treated differently to adult offenders.

The reasoning behind this is to try and stop them going into a life of crime and the adult prison system due to making a "mistake" when they are young.

If you talk to, have worked with and have dealt with 16 and 17 year olds you can see how immature a lot are. (Obviously they don't suddenly mature when they are 18 but the cut off point has to be somewhere.)

In this case the rehabilitation of offenders act is 2.5 years compared to an over 18s 5 years.

[Wanderer]

I am in the process of completing a HO SC application. The problem arises from an indiscretion in my youth.

My question is: Is it even worthwhile submitting my application for SC only to receive the inevitable rejection or is there a chance that by giving details of the offence that my SC might be granted.

Welcome!

I think you should go right ahead and apply, you will never know if you don't try. It sounds like you are prepared to be completely open and honest about what the past so that gets a tick in the box. If they want to talk to you about it then tell them that although it's in the distant past it's one of those lessons you learn while growing up and one that you would never forget (etc etc).

Good luck!

[herman_g]

I worked with a client who did work for the bank of England. Told us up front the main concerns were that we were completely honest - had to list speeding tickets when I was 16 years old.

We all got our SC's. Took about five months - everyone just forgot about it and one day an email showed up.

One guy ( bit of a dodgy guy - also gay) was quite worried since he never heard anything back at all. He finished off his contract and still never heard anything.

[dspsyssts]

One guy ( bit of a dodgy guy - also gay) was quite worried since he never heard anything back at all. He finished off his contract and still never heard anything.

Good job they didn't find out he was gay huh?....I thought there was a test for that?

[Normie]

I also had a black mark on my record - stole some food from other students fridge when at uni. Got a conviction and fine for theft. This was over 20 years ago. It hasn't stopped my getting SC and DV clearance, so I would say go through with the application and be honest.

[herman_g]

Regarding the "also gay" remark. No intentions to offend.

The individual I mentioned was openly gay, a great colleague to work with as well as to hang out with at the pub.

However, he was one of those guys who you just had a "feeling" was hiding a thing or two. Probably had some embarrassing thing like a bath house raid in his past.

Whatever it was, it seemed the security guys were having a laugh and just never approved ( or refused ) his SC - it drove the poor guy nuts! He was on contract for about a year and was the only colleague who didn't get his SC.

[centurian]

Good job they didn't find out he was gay huh?....I thought there was a test for that?

Not sure if this applies at SC, or the higher DV level, but if they find out you are secretly gay - and go to great lengths keep it hidden, then this might open you to blackmail, which would be a concern for them.

In theory someone with a "bit on the side" (or a history of repeatedly doing it) should get the same treatment - not sure if they do though