Applicants with Convictions

1 At the meeting of Senate in June 1995, the Principal (minute 11 refers) set out the University's policy, which may be summarised as follows: such applications should be considered on an individual basis with a generally sympathetic attitude. Factors under consideration should include the type of offence, passage of time since conviction, safety of the student body and third parties, and views of informed referees. In practice, Senate noted that responsibility for admissions is delegated through Deans to Admissions Tutors, and advice could be sought from the Academic Secretary's Office.

2 It is noted generally that various exceptions apply to vocational and other courses where there are continuing requirements for disclosure, and where there may be a risk for example to patients or to children. It is important that in such circumstances care is taken to protect those to whom the University may owe a duty of care, and criminal records checks may be required in appropriate circumstances. Applicants should be made aware of the need to disclose all convictions excluded under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

3 The establishment of a University procedure is now recommended to put such matters on a more explicit and consistent basis. Recommendations are set out below.

4 All applicants, whether UCAS or not, should be asked if they have unspent convictions in the interest of equality.

5 Admissions Tutors should be advised that where an applicant has disclosed an unspent conviction, that this must be followed up with the applicant, and also, if judged appropriate by the Admissions Tutor, with independent references from other appropriate sources e.g. prison authorities, social workers, probation officers etc. This must only be done with the applicant's written permission sent direct to such bodies, and if this is not forthcoming, consideration of the application may be discontinued. The applicant should have been advised that such if permission is not forthcoming, the application will not be considered further. It is important to note that the applicant's specific written permission must always be sought when obtaining information from any source.

6 The factors mentioned above must be taken into account, and the balance between the interests of the applicant, rehabilitation within society, and of the University's duty of care to its academic community and third parties must be carefully weighed.

7 Where an unspent conviction is considered serious after investigation by an Admissions Tutor, that application must then be considered by an ad hoc Admissions Panel consisting of the Admissions Tutor, the Dean of the School in question, and one other senior officer of that Faculty.

8 An appeal against refusal of admission lies to the Academic Secretary, who has the power to change the decision made, and who may consult as appropriate, and/or convene an ad hoc Advisory Group, to assist in determining the matter.

IKF/KFS

27 September 2000