anchor1Frequently asked questions
Will you contact me to tell me if I haven’t been short listed?
If you have applied on line, you will be sent a communication via NHS Jobs to advised if you have not been short listed, therefore, it is advisable to check the website regularly. We will also use NHS Jobs to advise on line applicants if you have been selected for interview. Unfortunately, due to the high level of applications it is not possible to contact unsuccessful applicants individually by post. If you have any questions regarding this please call 01934 647123
Can I send in a generic applications for you to match to any suitable jobs?
Unfortunately it is not possible to hold applications for a suitable post to become vacant. All our vacant positions are advertised on NHS Jobs. You can access this via the link in the 'Current Vacacnies' section. Once you have completed an application your details will be saved in your NHS Jobs account, therefore making it easier and quicker to apply for any suitable post that may be of interest to you.
Why have I been asked to apply for a CRB Disclosure?
You may have been asked for a Standard or an Enhanced Disclosure because you will be working with children or vulnerable adults; or will be working in an establishment that is wholly or mainly for children; or will be working in healthcare; or have applied to be a foster care, adoptive parent or childminder. There are also a number of other specified positions and professions for which a Disclosure can be required. To find out more please contact the CRB information line on 0870 90 90 811.
Can I refuse to apply for a Disclosure?
There is no general obligation to apply for a criminal record check. But other legislation may take it compulsory to check the lists held by the DH or the DfES of those who are banned from working with children. In either event, an employer may choose to withdraw the offer of a position if a candidate declines to apply for a Disclosure. You may wish to take advice from your employer, trade union or another qualified person in these circumstances.
What if I already have a Disclosure?
If you already have a Disclosure and would like us to use it for a second position, you can ask if the organisation is willing to accept it. When making the decision they will take into account the length of time that has elapsed since that Disclosure was issued; the level of Disclosure; the nature of the position for which the Disclosure was issued; and the nature of the position for which you are now applying.
Who will receive my Disclosure?
You will receive your Disclosure in the post. A copy of the Disclosure will also be sent to the person who countersigned the Disclosure Application form. This person will have been registered with the CRB, and such as, has agreed to comply with the Code of Practice.
When will I receive my Disclosure?
The CRB aims to process 95% of Standard Disclosure applications within one week and 90% of Enhanced Disclosure applications within three weeks of the CRB receiving the completed application form, together with any additional information requested. Weston Area Health Trust have four Counter signatories all of whom are based within the HR Department.
How do I know that the information contained on my Disclosure will be kept confidential?
Organisations using the Disclosure service must comply with the CRB Code of Practice, which is there to make sure the whole process works fairly. Under the provisions of the Code, sensitive personal information must be handled and stored appropriately and must be kept for only as long as necessary. The Code of Practice is published on the Disclosure website, or you can request a copy from the person who asked you to apply for the Disclosure.
What if I have a criminal record?
Safeguards and guidelines have been introduced to ensure that conviction information is not misused and that ex-offenders are not treated unfairly. Ex-offenders will retain the protection afforded by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. The Code of Practice for Registered persons and other recipients of Disclosure Information will govern Registered Bodies’ conduct and prevent abuse of the system. The nature of the criminal conviction, its relevance to the position you are applying and how recently the conviction was bought about will all be considered. We encourage candidates to declare any criminal conviction via the application process. If you have not declared your conviction to date we would encourage you to do so now to a member of the Recruitment Team. Should you wish to provide any additional information/explanation about the conviction we will take this into account.
Can I challenge the information on my Disclosure if it is incorrect?
Yes. If you think that any information contained on your Disclosure is incorrect please contact the Disclosure dispute line on 0870 90 90 778 immediately and ask about the dispute procedures.
For how long will Disclosures be valid?
Each Disclosure will show the date on which it was printed, therefore, the older Disclosure the less reliable it is. However, there will be no expiry date.
Further Information
If you would like more information about the Disclosure service or the CRB please contact:
Disclosure application line 0870 90 90 844
CRB information line 0870 90 90 811
CRB website www.crb.gov.uk
Disclosure website www.disclosure.gov.uk
(Telephone calls are charged at national rate. Calls will be recorded for security and may be monitored for training purposes)
How will my CRB Disclosure be handled by Weston Area Health Trust?
General principles
As an organisation using the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) Disclosure Service to help assess the suitability of applicants’ for positions of trust, Weston Area NHS Health Trust complies fully with the CRB Code of Practice regarding the correct handling, use, storage, retention and disposal of Disclosures and Disclosures Information. It also complies fully with its obligations under the Data Protection Act and other relevant legislation pertaining to the safe handling, use, storage, retention and disposal of Disclosure information and has a written policy on these matters, which is available to those who wish to see it on request.
Storage, Access and Disposal
Disclosure information is never kept on an applicant’s personnel file, a record of the type of CRB disclosure requested and the reference number is held on our data base, the hard copy of the disclosure is then shredded once this information has been entered. Candidates always receive a separate disclosure which is sent to your home address directly by the CRB and should be held in a safe plae.
Handling
In accordance with section 124 of the Police Act 1997, Disclosure information is only passed to those who are authorised to receive it in the course of their duties. We maintain a record of all those to whom Disclosures or Disclosure information has been revealed and we recognise that it is a criminal offence to pass this information to anyone who is not entitled to receive it.
Usage
Disclosure information is only used for the specific purpose for which it was requested and for which the applicant’s full consent has been given.
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