Spankthemonkey
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- Joined
- 7 Oct 2015
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Do TOC's do a DBS check on new applicants for all grades?
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Do TOC's do a CRB check on new applicants for all grades?
Yes pretty much, why what you hiding?
Nonetheless if the reason for it is "can I get away with not declaring a conviction on application", the answer is very firmly "no, you can't". If it ever came to light you would be sacked immediately for gross misconduct and find it very difficult to get any other employment.
I assume you're talking about unspent convictions?
I had an enhanced check when I joined Scotrail based on the fact we work "school" trains/contracts. Although that was 12 years ago it seems to still be the same.
Yes (unless the question specifically asks for spent ones, though I don't know the legality of asking for that).
Out of interest did you join as a driver?
If so it seems a bit dubious to be asked for an enhanced check as you're not actually working directly with children/vulnerable people. I wonder if this is still their policy.
The system re: who can/can't be checked and at what level is different in Scotland to England & Wales. That probably wouldn't be legal south of the border; unless it was a dedicated school train service in the same way as a dedicated school bus service.I had an enhanced check when I joined Scotrail based on the fact we work "school" trains/contracts. Although that was 12 years ago it seems to still be the same.
Bus drivers on school buses are deemed to be regularly (legally more than once in 30 days) caring for the same kids, hence they can be checked. Only applies to dedicated school services though (e.g. the yellow school buses here in on Greater Manchester).Would be interesting, as train drivers/guards in no way engage in "the teaching and training of children" nor any of the other stipulations. Mind you, it's stricter than it was, Scouting used to DBS check all adult members without exception and it's no longer allowed to do that (much to its distaste as it leaves an obvious gap).
Sxiuys are allowed to check almost anyone over 18 because hardly ever will they only have contact only once in 30 days. There's also a provision about checking anyone involved in caring for kids overnight, e.g. camps, which covers even more.
It's is illegal under the 1984 Rehabilitation of Offenders legislation to even ask about spent convictions unless the job role that's being recruited for is 'exempt' e.g. teaching, doctor, social work, etc.I'm not aware of anything directly prohibiting the question being asked.
However - much like asking for age/ethnicity - I'd imagine most HR teams would regard asking for these details as poor practice as: 1. Employees are entitled by law to omit to disclose spent convictions; 2. asking for this info raises the possibility of the employer using the information to unlawfully discriminate on the basis of spent convictions.
As I though, all of the jobs currently advertised at Scotrail are subject to "disclosure Scotland clearance." So they appear to still be checking everyone.