Looking for Work with a Sexual Conviction

Searching for employment with a sexual conviction can be challenging, but it is important to understand your rights and the legal framework surrounding rehabilitation. Despite common misconceptions, sexual convictions are subject to the same rehabilitation rules as other offences under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. 

Understanding Rehabilitation Periods 

One of the most persistent myths is that sexual convictions can never become spent—this is incorrect. Like other offences, sexual convictions have a rehabilitation period after which they may no longer need to be disclosed to most employers. 

However, it is important to note that almost all sexual convictions are accompanied by a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), which includes specific conditions and restrictions. If an SHPO is in place, it usually lasts longer than the rehabilitation period for the prison sentence associated with the offence. The whole conviction will only be considered spent once the SHPO has expired. 

The Sex Offenders’ Register 

Being on the Sex Offenders’ Register (SOR) does not affect when a conviction becomes spent in law and should therefore be ignored when working out when a conviction becomes spent. It is possible for the registration period to be longer than the SHPO given by a court and therefore an offence can become spent while an individual remains on the SOR.  

Steps to Finding Employment 

1. Know Your Rights and Disclosure Obligations 

• If your conviction is unspent, you may be required to disclose it to potential employers, depending on the role. 

• Once your conviction becomes spent, you generally do not need to disclose it, except for jobs that require Standard or Enhanced DBS checks. 

• If your role does require a higher level DBS check, you should seek guidance on how to approach disclosure appropriately. 

2. Seek Specialist Support 

• Organisations such as Offploy provide tailored advice on finding work with a criminal record including sexual offences. 

• The Prison Reform Trust has an excellent advice booklet which can be found here: Information-for-people-on-licence-for-a-sex-offence-March-2022.pdf 

  
  

3. Apply for Suitable Jobs 

• Focus on employers who are open to hiring individuals with past convictions. Some companies and charities actively support rehabilitation. 

• Consider industries that do not require Standard or Enhanced DBS checks, such as construction, warehouse work, or self-employment. 

• Generally with a sexual conviction it is advisable to avoid jobs which require regular and/or unsupervised contact with children and vulnerable adults. If you are on one or both of the Barred Lists (barring you from working with children / vulnerable adults) it is a criminal offence to even apply for a job working with the category of people you are barred from contact with. If you are unsure, you should seek advice from Probation, Police or a specialist advisor. 

  
  

4. Be Honest and Prepared 

• If required to disclose, be upfront and open while emphasising your rehabilitation efforts. 

• Prepare a positive narrative that focuses on your skills, qualifications, and personal growth. 

  
  

Whilst securing employment with a sexual conviction presents many challenges, understanding the law and your sentence, and seeking the right support, can make a significant difference. Rehabilitation is a legal right, and with the right approach, individuals with sexual convictions can move forward towards stable employment and a fresh start.