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SC Clearance and declaring spent convictions

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    SC Clearance and declaring spent convictions

    I have an interview with a crime agency for a contracting position. I am required to declare spent convictions and then undergo checks.

    30 years ago I got caught strawberry picking whilst signing on the dole (it makes everyone laugh - but it has blighted my life. I actually never realised I had a criminal conviction until I got turned down for a job 25 years ago - the police were not involved and it was DHSS who took me to court).

    I was young and stupid. I actually repaid the £60 I de-frauded from the then, DHSS but they still took me to court. I was fined and bound over to keep the peace for 12 months (I think they made an example of me because I know people who've defrauded the dole and get a smack on wrist - however, I broke the law but I feel it was very harsh for an 18 year-old! &#128549

    I really want this role and I know I capable of doing a good job. But, do I tell them after the interview or should I say nothing?
    I have never done anything wrong since - but this is worrying me so much. A stupid mistake really does come back and bite you on the bum.

    Any advice? Should I not bother going for the interview? Thanks

    #2
    Originally posted by Loulabella View Post
    I have an interview with a crime agency for a contracting position. I am required to declare spent convictions and then undergo checks.

    30 years ago I got caught strawberry picking whilst signing on the dole (it makes everyone laugh - but it has blighted my life. I actually never realised I had a criminal conviction until I got turned down for a job 25 years ago - the police were not involved and it was DHSS who took me to court).

    I was young and stupid. I actually repaid the £60 I de-frauded from the then, DHSS but they still took me to court. I was fined and bound over to keep the peace for 12 months (I think they made an example of me because I know people who've defrauded the dole and get a smack on wrist - however, I broke the law but I feel it was very harsh for an 18 year-old! &#128549

    I really want this role and I know I capable of doing a good job. But, do I tell them after the interview or should I say nothing?
    I have never done anything wrong since - but this is worrying me so much. A stupid mistake really does come back and bite you on the bum.

    Any advice? Should I not bother going for the interview? Thanks
    There are better people here who can give a much clear picture with regards to SC vetting but... I can give some insight if you are happy to look at what I got to say:

    It is a program of trust and honesty, looking how far back you have your conviction, I'd would say when you sit down talk about it & when asked; Be honest, don't go into a long self-justifying rant about it but point it out that it happened and be frank but don't go around in circles and keep to the facts.

    I worked with SC cleared colleagues who when they where young; stole cars, joy-riding, started fires, punch ups, speeding and all of this brought them before a court, one thing which will get you thrown straight out is if you have any convictions which are crimes of a sexual nature spent/unspent or addiction to alcohol and drugs among other things other wise it is at the discretion of the vetting case officer handling your vetting to make decisions.

    DON'T hold things back during your interview or lie this is the no-no of what not to do when you sit down, as the people who will vet you have seen it all before and will be able to pick you apart leaving you in a incoherent rambling state.

    Government Bodies have different standards from what I've seen and we have had the longest on-going discussion on what is the real nature of SC cleared vetting here on the forums.

    If from the time of time of your conviction, nothing else has happened and you have abided by the law and not go into further trouble then I'd say go in be confident and remember the only thing you have during the interview is your honesty and integrity to hold onto and that's really it.

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