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Good Practice

Criminal Convictions

Good Practice - applicants who have indicated that they have relevant criminal convictions or who have applied for courses which require enhanced disclosure

The ‘criminal convictions’ question on the UCAS form, enhanced disclosure and requirements for professional courses, an institution’s duty of care; these are just some of the issues faced by institutions in considering applications.

The Statement both describes the wider legal, administrative and social environment and gives examples of procedures and good practice which institutions may wish to adopt. It looks at general issues connected with the consideration of applicants, makes general recommendations for good practice and then gives specific consideration to issues surrounding applicants who indicate that they have relevant criminal convictions or applicants to courses which require enhanced disclosure.

Since the Statement was issued at the end of 2008 there have been many developments in this area. The requirements of the Independent Safeguarding Authority (in England, Northern Ireland and Wales) and the timetable for implementation for higher education have become clearer. The UCAS 'relevant criminal convictions' question itself has been the subject of intense scrutiny and discussion by institutions, professions, the UCAS Change User group (CUG) and the UCAS Board.

We recognize that our Good Practice guidance must also change to meet these changes and during the first half of 2010 we shall develop our guidance to reflect more closely the needs of institutions. In particular we shall look at the area of the information which applicants provide and how institutions consider this and deal with the applications.

This is a fast-changing field and discussions are continuing in many areas. This Statement of Good Practice, in common with all SPA materials, will be kept under review and updated to make sure it reflects the best of current knowledge and practice. If you have any comments, or if there is anything you would like to bring to our attention, please contact us.

Criminal Convictions: Statement for Good Practice

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Reviewed: February 2010