LloydysWorld CIC Employment of Ex-Offenders Policy
Supporting rehabilitation, dignity, opportunity and community benefit
1. Purpose of This Policy
LloydysWorld CIC exists to support prison leavers, ex-offenders, homeless individuals and people rebuilding their lives. This policy ensures:
● Fair and inclusive recruitment
● Safe and appropriate safeguarding practices
● Compliance with CIC regulations and good governance
● A non-judgemental environment aligned with our community benefit objects
We recognise that many people with criminal records have valuable skills, motivation and lived experience that enrich our organisation.
2. Our Commitment
● A criminal record does not automatically prevent someone from volunteering, working, or participating in activities.
● We assess each case individually, considering rehabilitation, risk, role suitability and safeguarding.
● We actively challenge negative perceptions of ex-offenders and promote equality, diversity and inclusion.
● We provide purposeful activity, skills development, routine, teamwork and confidence-building opportunities.
3. Roles Covered by This Policy
● Volunteers
● Work experience participants
● Directors and members
● Staff (if applicable)
● Partner-placed individuals (probation, housing providers, charities)
● Anyone engaged in operational activities such as sorting, preparing, repairing, upcycling, or distributing clothing parcels
4. Disclosure Expectations
We may ask individuals to disclose:
● Convictions
● Cautions
● Warnings or reprimands
● Pending charges
● Restrictions (e.g., licence conditions)
Disclosure is only requested when relevant to the role. Failure to disclose relevant information may affect participation if it impacts safeguarding or operational safety.
5. DBS Checks
Most roles at LloydysWorld CIC do not require DBS checks, as activities are non-regulated and non-clinical.
A DBS check may be requested if:
● A role involves working with vulnerable adults in a structured support capacity
● A partner organisation requires it
● A safeguarding risk assessment identifies a need
We only request checks lawfully and proportionately.
6. How We Assess Criminal Records
We consider:
● Nature and seriousness of the offence
● Time passed since the offence
● Circumstances and evidence of rehabilitation
● Patterns or isolated incidents
● Relevance to the role
● Any risks to volunteers, staff, beneficiaries or the public
● Licence conditions or probation requirements
● Our duty to provide a safe, supportive environment
We focus on positive change, not past mistakes.
7. Offences Requiring Additional Safeguarding Consideration
Some offences may require enhanced risk assessment, including:
● Violence
● Sexual offences
● Safeguarding-related offences
● Domestic abuse
● Harassment or stalking
● Serious dishonesty or fraud
● Drug supply
● Hate crimes
These do not automatically exclude someone but may affect role suitability.
8. Support, Rehabilitation and Inclusion
LloydysWorld CIC actively supports rehabilitation by:
● Providing routine, structure and purposeful activity
● Offering mentoring, teamwork and confidence-building
● Creating a safe, non-judgemental environment
● Helping individuals develop skills and work habits
● Reducing barriers to employment and reintegration
● Promoting equality, diversity and community cohesion
We work closely with probation, housing providers, charities and community groups.
9. Confidentiality
All criminal record information is:
● Treated sensitively
● Stored securely
● Shared only when necessary for safeguarding or legal compliance
● Never used to discriminate unfairly
● Only authorised persons
10. False or Misleading Information
Providing false information may result in:
● Removal from volunteering
● Termination of involvement
● Review of safeguarding arrangements
● Notification to partner agencies if required
11. Policy Review
This policy is reviewed annually to ensure compliance with:
● CIC regulations
● Safeguarding best practice
● LloydysWorld CIC’s evolving community needs
● Feedback from volunteers, partners and beneficiaries
