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‘A positive future is achievable after hard times.’

Steve offers reassurance about having to disclose your record.

A close-up of a person

I felt it was now a good time to share my personal experience in the hope of providing others with confidence to move on positively with their lives after receiving a criminal conviction.

Between 2013 and 2014 my life was chaotic. I was heavily in debt, drinking a lot, ended up being banned from driving and convicted of theft. I lost my job which was a well-paid role in financial services. My life was turned upside down.

After cleaning up my life with the help of friends and family, in 2020 I decided to embark on a new career and a clean slate. I got my HGV license and I have never looked back.

The role initially required me to undergo a basic CRB check. By this time, the convictions had been spent as I had been doing various office or warehouse jobs in the interim period.

A year later, as my role then involved working on government sites, I was required to undergo a basic security clearance (BPSS) assessment, which I passed.

Another year on, I was required to undergo higher security clearance (SC). This requires you do disclose ANY convictions, spent or not. I was initially nervous about doing so.

I was entirely honest, and this proved to be advantageous. My clearance was approved. During the process, I was assured that honesty was the best policy, as they would do a thorough check either way.

Now it is 10 years since I sorted out my life. I love my job and I have started a family. I will never look back.

I hope my story will reassure and inspire others that a positive future is achievable after hard times.

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