Policy Statement on the Acceptance of Students who have Criminal Convictions
Introduction
Discipling The Nations (DtN) is committed to the fair treatment of its students and applicants and no individual will be discriminated unfairly against on the basis of offending background, gender, race, religious or political beliefs, disability, marital status, sexual orientation or age. Having a criminal record will not necessarily prevent an individual from studying at the College. This will depend on the nature, circumstances, and background of the offence(s).
During a student’s time at DtN, there may be opportunities for them to participate in activities that would require applicants to have been screened by means of a “Disclosure” obtained from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). A disclosure is an impartial and confidential document that details an individual’s criminal record and where appropriate, details of those who are banned from working with young people under 18 and vulnerable adults.
Scope of this Policy
This Policy applies to all prospective and existing students, and it will be made available to all applicants at the outset of the application process.
Policy Statement
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- DtN will enquire about “spent” and “unspent” convictions and cautions, the nature of the programme of study being likely to bring the student into contact with young people under 18.
- Information on spent convictions and cautions will be requested through a Disclosure only where a thorough risk assessment has indicated that one is both proportionate and relevant to the specific activities that the student is going to undertake, such as contact with young people under 18 or vulnerable adults.
- For these activities where a Disclosure is required, all relevant student literature, application forms and recruitment information will contain a statement that a Disclosure will be requested in the event of the individual opting to engage in activities where such a disclosure would be expected.
- Where a Disclosure is to form part of the recruitment process, DtN requires all applicants offered a place to study to provide details of their criminal record at an early stage in the application process. This information should be sent under separate, confidential cover to the College Principal.
- DtN will ensure that only the people directly responsible for recruitment will be informed of the individual’s criminal record and will be involved in any objective assessment of the individual’s suitability for the programme of study.
- DtN will also ensure that all staff involved in recruitment of students will be provided with guidance to comply with the relevant legislation and of the need to comply with DtN’s guidance related to the recruitment of students with a criminal record.
- Where it is revealed that an applicant has a criminal record, DtN will follow the Assessment Procedural Guidance (as attached) to decide whether the nature of the criminal record is such that the individual should not be offered the place on the course. The outcome of this assessment will be final and binding.
- Where an applicant fails to reveal information that is directly relevant to the programme of study sought, this could lead to the withdrawal of an offer to study at DtN. Action (including expulsion) may also be taken against an existing student, where it is discovered that he or she has failed to reveal information directly relevant to the programme of study.
On request, DtN undertakes to discuss any matter revealed in a Disclosure with the person seeking a place on the course before withdrawing a conditional offer of a place, and in the case of existing students and staff, expulsion, or dismissal.