Convictions For Violence

[nailit]

I have a number of convictions for violence (mostly against the police)
Im not proud of it. I have *NO* convictions against vunerable people...kids, women, elderly, disabled etc.. in fact I have been involved in charity/voluntary work with them (meals on wheels, minibus driving alzehimers patients around etc)
So why is it that I cant even get an interview, much less a job, in these areas?
I currently work at a foodbank warehouse where they have special needs people in for a day or two to do a bit, I work with them and help them around. Ive never been barred by a judge to work with such people.
So why is it that because Ive got a few issues with the police (police that have previously beat me up in the cells) that I cant even get an interview for a job that I know that I would be good at? (ive had 2 members of my family that were Downs syndrome, I cared for my disabled wheelchair father for the last years of his life and I virtually bought up my wheelchair spina bifida nephew)
But somehow im a t. wat when it comes to wanting a job where I have multiple experience with the less fortunate.

For f sakes, a few years ago, a charity shop even wanted a DBS check on me...

[Theland]

My heart goes out to you.
Have you tried care agencies? They also want DBS but it is informative and not decisive. It is up to the interviewer to listen to your side of the story.

[Theland]

How about advice from ex prisoners charities?

[Prudie]

Are you sure that's the reason you're not getting an interview, have you asked?

[retrocop]

Have you ever considered working on the dust? Have you got a driving licence which you could enhance to a HGV licence? Drive a dust cart. Work on a dust cart. Sweep the streets.. All those avenues are open in our local council and a membership of the CRO club does not disbar you from getting a HGV or PSV licence. You could drive old folks on a day out in a community centre mini bus for instance.

[kvalidir]

There are companies who are ex offender friendly but I don't know about in the care sector. My Dad always tried to employ ex offenders for the reasons you mentioned, and I know there are other companies who do likewise.

[nailit]

//How about advice from ex prisoners charities?//
Theland, A few years ago I was with NACRO (via probation services)
About as useful as a glass cricket bat.
Just sometimes get the feeling that all these organizations are just a front...
They don't actually do nothing apart from pass you on to another organisation....
And the cycle continues giving the IMPRESSION that something is been done!

[tonyav]

nailit, have you updated your CV and added the food bank, meals on wheels and mini bus driving the Alzheimer patients around.

[jourdain2]

I'm afraid it is the 'tick-box' mentality which prevails these days. You actually have a good work record. I'm not sure what to suggest - unless it is to ask for testimonials for the last year? Also, surely there are others who can put in a good word for you. I don't know the system - I'm sorry.

My best advice is to ask for really strong input from the people with whom you currently work. They know you and your commitment. I should go that way. Very best of luck - this is the problem with life today.

[Theland]

Yes. So many charities pay lip service to those they ste supposed to help.

[Mamyalynne]

We employed ex offenders too if they seemed willing and able to do the job, but then we weren't in the care sector but mechanical engineering and car sales.

[kvalidir]

Are you mentioning your offending on your CV Nailit?

[nailit]

Thanks for additional replies but the answer is yes, yes, yes and yes.

[nailit]

Perhaps I should say NO???

[tonyav]

Just a thought, nailit. Have you tried getting employment through any agencies.

[MallyJ]

Make sure that you have an unblemished record for several years, hold down the jobs that you currently have for a couple of years ( this will show your reliability) Get a couple of written testimonials from a couple of people who oversee your work and send them with an applications ( I sent the best one and said in the letter that I wrote with the forms that I had enclosed it) and send to those jobs you think yu are suitable for. If you are not the best at letters of application and filling in forms get advice...the job centre sent me on a course which was brilliant. I have no idea what the job situation is where you are but the better it is the more chance of work. They are advertising near me for temp xmas workers...these may well lead to full time employment. Oh and if you get an interview dress smartly..very important! Good luck! If the first suggestions I made are not possible then carry on with the other suggestions.

[kvalidir]

Well my thought is, you're a nice guy, I imagine you interview wel and warmly, I'd drop it from your CV but have an additional sheet of paper with your offences on which you disclose to them ( for the sake of honesty) after they've interviewed you when they get to the section 'Any questions?'

You'd a least get through the door then and people do judge you face to face better than some anonymous bloke on paper. x

[DarceyK123]

Have you thought about starting up your own business?

I thought you were good at painting and decorating?

That way you dont have to convince anyone to give you a job.
You will generate your own work.

[ladybirder]

Tonyav has suggested agencies. They are a good way getting from temporary jobs into full-time work. Also, you get to know whether this is someone you would like to work for on a permanent basis or not.

[twix123]

Hi Nails. Have you tried Timpsons the shoe repairers ? John Timpson often mentions in his column in the Telegraph that they employ a lot of ex prisoners. You may not like it, but it would give you another job to add to your CV. Good luck.

[pixie374]

As theland says, violent convictions don't automatically rule you out of a job, even when they need an extended dbs check. We had ex-offenders working in care homes. It depended how upfront they were about it, how long ago and what they had done since. Don't let it stop you applying, just make sure you tell them straight away, which I imagine you would anyway.