Having a criminal record is serious and can be life-changing, but when it comes to finding a job, it won’t necessarily be the end of the world. In this article, we’re sharing our five top tips for getting a job with a police record

In the UK, almost 12 million people have a criminal record. In some cases, this is due to the fact that the police have the power to press charges without the victim’s consent.

Many people worry that, once they have a criminal record, they won’t be able to get a job and that, subsequently, they will be dragged back into criminal acts. While some jobs are off limits to those with criminal records, it is still possible to find work.

In this article, we’re sharing our 5 top tips for getting a job with a police record.

What is a criminal record?

If you’ve been convicted of a crime in the UK, you will have a criminal record in all but some very specific circumstances. This is a list of crimes that you have been convicted of and the details of. Those crimes, and this record, is accessible to:

The police
The courts of law
Any potential employer through a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check

Depending on the severity of your crime(s), a criminal record will remain in place for between six years and forever.

Can I get a job with a criminal record?

You absolutely can find work when you have a criminal record, but there are some things that you need to know and we’ll take a look at some of these in this section:

Working with children

If you have a criminal record, you won’t, in all likelihood, be able to take a job which involves working with children. Most organisations which involve children, such as schools and daycare facilities, have extremely strict rules which are followed with respect to employees.

Working in healthcare

As things stand, most healthcare organisations in the UK will not employ those with a criminal record. However, due to staff shortages, organisations such as the NHS are looking to review this.

5 top tips for getting a job with a police record

Having a criminal record is not ideal, and you’ll find that some employers may be reluctant to offer you a role. However, there are a few things you can do to help your case and we’re looking at some of these in this section:

1. Perform your own DBS check

Before starting your job search, it’s a good idea to find out just what is in your criminal record, and you can do this by requesting your own DBS check. This will cost you £23 and will include all of the information that a potential employer will be able to see.

2. Disclosure decision

You are not always obliged to tell a potential employer about your criminal record – although they may ask you about this at some stage of the recruitment process. You therefore need to research the industry and make your own decision as to whether to disclose your record or not.

3. Get a credible reference

We all make mistakes, and many people feel that those with a criminal record deserve a second chance. You can help your case by requesting a character reference from a professional person such as a doctor, priest, or solicitor to include with your application.

4. Put a spin on it

If you are granted a face-to-face interview, this is a really good opportunity to put a spin on your record. For example, you can show evidence of how you have turned your life around and have turned a negative into a positive.

5. Get some help

There are some fantastic organisations out there which are actively campaigning for those with criminal records, who may be able to help you when it comes to applying for jobs. Some of these are:

Working Chance

Founded in 2009, Working Chance specialises in helping women with convictions to find work and to rebuild their lives. Offering support, training, and valuable employment resources, this charitable organisation is open Monday to Friday between 10am and 4pm.

Bounce Back

A charity and social enterprise, the Bounce Back Project works with ex-offenders to help arm them with the skills and confidence that they need to reenter the workforce. Bounce Back offers vocational training – including for the construction industry – to those inside and outside of prison to give them the best possible chance of reentering the world of employment. With expert advice and support, this organisation has helped countless people with criminal records to find work.

Honesty is the best policy when it comes to recruitment after crime

Finding work with a criminal record isn’t always easy – and you may find that you have to adjust your expectations slightly in terms of the type of work that you wish to do. Having said that, it is more than possible to gain employment with a criminal record.

By following some of the tips in this article, you can help to give yourself the best possible chance. Finally, always be honest if asked about your criminal record, as lying about this will almost certainly be found out – and could even land you in hot water in legal terms.

Please be advised that this article is for general informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for advice from a trained legal professional. Be sure to consult a legal professional if you’re seeking advice about your employment rights. We are not liable for risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information on this site.

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