SRA Handbook

Rehabilitation

Back to version 21

Version 6 of the Handbook was published on 01/01/2013. For more information, please click 'History' Above

8: Rehabilitation

8.1

It is for you to demonstrate that you have undergone successful rehabilitation, where relevant. The individual circumstances you put forward must be weighed against the public interest and the need to safeguard members of the public and maintain the reputation of the profession. However, we will consider each application on its own merits.

8.2

If the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended) is applicable to your occupation, profession or role, you must declare all convictions and cautions, even if they are deemed to be spent in accordance with the Act.

8.3

In accordance with paragraph 2 above (disclosure), if you fall within the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 and you fail to disclose information about convictions and/or cautions for criminal offences, whether they are spent or unspent, we will consider this as amounting to prima facie evidence of dishonest behaviour.

Guidance note

(i)

The provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (as amended) and the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended) will be taken into account by us in considering any application you make.

(ii)

If you fall within the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended), the fact that the conviction is spent, and the time that has passed since the conviction was given, together with any other material circumstances will be taken into account by us when determining any application made by you.

(iii)

A period of rehabilitation, particularly after we have decided to refuse your application, will not in itself result in automatic admission/authorisation. We need you to show, through a period of good behaviour, that you have taken steps to rehabilitate yourself by your own volition.