FOIA ref.32/1361 (Criminal convictions for applicants and students) About

 

1. Do you ask UCAS applicants applying for a course that requires a criminal record check if they have a relevant criminal convictions on the UCAS application?

Yes

a. If yes what is your procedure if they declare a criminal conviction?

Application is placed on hold. They are sent a declaration with questions around the offence, time, sentence, rehabilitory activities, probation officer contact details if relevant. The declaration is checked by Head of Admissions, then referred if appropriate to the Subject lead, who makes their recommendation, this is then referred to the director of student journey who makes the final decision.  

2. Do you ask non UCAS undergraduate applicants (for example undergraduate exchange students, postgraduate students etc) if they have a criminal conviction?

Yes

a. If yes when do you ask this question, on the application form or at a later stage?

Application form.  

b. If yes is this question compulsory or optional i.e. to applicants with criminal convictions must declare or can they choose to declare?

Compulsory.  

c. If yes what do you ask them to declare (i.e. all unspent criminal convictions or just specific ones, if it is specific please provide the text you give them of which to declare).

Please declare any criminal convictions.  

d. If yes what is your procedure if they declare a criminal conviction?

Registration is placed on hold. They are sent a declaration with questions around the offence, time, sentence, rehabilitory activities, probation officer contact details if relevant. The declaration is checked by Head of Admissions, then referred if appropriate to the Subject lead, who makes their recommendation, this is then referred to the director of student journey who makes the final decision.  

3. Do you ask new students at registration if they have a criminal conviction?

Yes

a. If yes is this question compulsory or optional i.e. to applicants with criminal convictions must declare or can they choose to declare?

Compulsory, all applicants are advised of our policy at the point of application.  

b. If yes what do you ask them to declare (i.e. all unspent criminal convictions or just specific ones, if it is specific please provide the text you give them of which to declare).

Please confirm if you have any unspent criminal convictions.  

c. If yes what is your procedure if they declare a criminal conviction?

See above.  

d. If yes do you allow them to continue registration if they declare a criminal conviction?

No. Registration is placed on hold until the decision has been made to allow them to progress.

4. Do you ask continuing students at registration each new academic year if they have a criminal conviction?

No

a. If yes is this question compulsory or optional i.e. to applicants with criminal convictions must declare or can they choose to declare?

b. If yes what do you ask them to declare (i.e. all unspent criminal convictions or just specific ones, if it is specific please provide the text you give them of which to declare).

c. If yes what is your procedure if they declare a criminal conviction?

d. If yes do you allow them to continue registration if they declare a criminal conviction?

5. Has your criminal conviction policy specifically related to applicants and students changed since the introduction of GDPR?  If yes in what way?

Yes. We no longer ask all UCAS applicants at the point of application. We have now had to introduce this at the point of registration to ensure we meet our safeguarding duties.  

6. Please provide all policies you have that relate to criminal convictions from applicants and students.

Refused under s.21 FOIA, as reasonably accessible by other means. The information is available on the website - https://student.londonmet.ac.uk/your-studies/student-administration/rules-and-regulations/criminal-convictions/

 

If you are not satisfied with the handling of your request, you may request an internal review.  Internal review requests should be submitted within two months of the date of receipt of the response to your original letter by writing to:

Chris Ince
University Secretary
London Metropolitan University
166-220 Holloway Road
London
N7 8DB
 
Email: c.ince@londonmet.ac.uk
 
If you remain dissatisfied with the handling of your request, you have a right of appeal to the Information Commissioner at:
 
The Information Commissioner's Office
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Tracy Brathwaite