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What is the result of an application?

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'Clear' disclosures

If the disclosure is clear (i.e. no recorded information has been detected in the checks) then a letter will be sent to you the verifier stating that there is no information to prevent the applicant serving in the chosen role (although other recruitment checks such as interview, references and supervision are still required). The applicant may also choose to show you a copy of their disclosure. It is essential that you do not rely on the applicant's disclosure alone but wait for the CAS letter. This is due to the fact that in a small number of cases the police may reveal information of a sensitive nature to the Registered Body (the Churches' Agency for Safeguarding) which does not appear on the applicant's disclosure.

'Unclear' disclosures

What if there is something on your disclosure?

  • The first thing to happen will be that the CAS will write to you to ask whether you can confirm the contents of your disclosure. You will be given a stated period of time to respond, as we do not want to delay dealing with these matters. 
  • The CAS will also pass, in an anonymous way, the information that they have received toh the BYM Safeguarding Officer (currently Michael Booth).

Normally when a disclosure is passed to us for decision, it will come with a brief report of the CAS’s contact with the applicant. This report normally takes the form of a sentence of two about the circumstances surrounding the conviction or allegations, sometimes with additional information about the applicant’s life and behaviour since then.

This information is often sufficient when making straightforward decisions.

If, in order to reach a decision, it is felt that more information is required from an applicant then we arrange for a letter to be sent via the CAS offices to the applicant and their verifier. The letter is worded to try to reassure the applicant that we are not passing judgement on their convictions, and also that we will respect their privacy as far as we are able. It also invites the verifier or the meeting to send in statements that might assist us in reaching a decision. A period of one month shall be allowed for a response.
Any responses will be shared with those members of the Quaker Life Approvals Panel that make the decision, but (and this is noted in the letter) any details that could identify the applicant will be removed – this might include email addresses or names and events that could reveal the applicants identity.

Do note that offences that have resulted from the appropriate expression by an individual in living out our Quaker testimonies where the nature of the witness is clearly in accordance with them will not prevent anyone from working with children, young people or vulnerable adults.

There is a mechanism in place for any applicant to appeal against the decision of the Quaker Life Approvals Panel.