In a response to the Home Office''s Breaking the Circle, a report of the rehabilitation of offenders act, people management specialists the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development welcome the paper''s practical and well balanced approach.
Dianah Worman, CIPD Adviser, Equal Opportunities and Diversity says, The rehabilitation of offenders is a challenging issue and we feel that the proposals put forward address the main concerns of employers. In particular we agree that certain exemptions from the proposed disclosure scheme( should continue where employees are working with vulnerable groups.
We also agree that a voluntary Code of Practice should guide employers about how best to use disclosure information as part of the recruitment process. At the same time, it is vital that ex-offenders are clear about their rights and responsibilities surrounding the proposed disclosure periods so they can give accurate information to employers when needed or to challenge employers who fail to deal with them fairly.
The CIPD believes that good people management is based on recognising the talents and skills of people as individuals. And removing the barriers created by stereotyping and prejudice, which can be counterproductive to business performance.
Worman says, Without a job, the chances of people reoffending are almost doubled. Raising awareness among employers - with evidence and factual information - is key to overcoming cynicism and misunderstanding. So too is adequate resource being put into rehabilitation to help improve the chances of offenders getting work quickly.
CIPD welcomes proposals under review of rehabilitation of offenders act
.