Reference:
Request detail:
We are looking at the procedures used by individual fire and rescue services to vet firefighters before/during the course of their employment by each service.
Could you please tell me:
Do you have a policy in relation to employing/not employing firefighters who have a criminal record? What is the policy?
Are candidates requested to declare any criminal convictions when applying for a job as a firefighter in your service?
Does your service carry out a DBS check on every candidate who is offered a position as a firefighter in your service?
Are there any criminal offences which would automatically bar an individual from working as a firefighter for your service? If so, what are those offences?
Response detail:
Thank you for your Freedom of Information request. Please refer below for the information requested.
1. We follow the guidance set out in relation to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act in relation to spent and unspent convictions.
2. Yes.
3. Yes, however as firefighter is not a role defined under the exemptions order, eligibility is currently limited to a basic DBS unless their role involves specific duties or regulated activity. The National Fire Chief’s Council with Home Office and employers support have submitted a business case which is currently going through the House of Commons to change this.
4. We follow the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act guidance and can therefore only legally consider unspent convictions, or those individuals named on the barred list. Convictions for arson and serious sexual or violent crimes may lead to refusal to employ.
