The Charity Commission granted a single waiver to a person with a criminal conviction who wished to hold a senior role at a charity in the past year, according to figures acquired by Civil Society.
Although the number is an increase on the previous 12 months, Unlock, a charity that supports people with criminal records, described it as “still very low” and said that more charities need to better understand the waiver process.
Under the commission’s current rules, people with unspent convictions for specific offences must apply for a waiver from the regulator, or face disqualification from being a trustee or holding particular senior roles in a charity.
A freedom of information request shows that in the year until 20 June 2024, the commission received two applications for a waiver, granting one, and declining none.
In the previous 12-month period, the commission received one application for a waiver, which it also declined.
The remaining application in the most recent year had an alternative outcome, meaning it was either no longer pursued or required, or the applicant was not subject to an automatic disqualification.
Unlock CEO: Figures ‘still very low’
Paula Harriott, chief executive of Unlock, said: “It is positive that there is a slight increase in the number of waivers granted by the Charity Commission for people with criminal records to take on senior management or trustee roles.
“But the overall number is still very low, which suggests more charities need to understand the process.
“We know that the success rate for waiver applications is generally good, which shows the commission appreciates the value that someone with a criminal record can bring to leadership posts.
“With over 12.5 million people in the UK having a criminal record – the skills and experience that they offer can be a huge benefit to any charity.
“But as well as a lack of awareness about the process, delays pose a real problem, with an FOI showing the average time for the process was three months, with one application taking 275 days.
“These kinds of delays will put people off applying for a waiver, especially for paid roles, where charities may not be able to wait that long for a decision.
“People with criminal records face many barriers to moving on with their lives and shouldn’t face unnecessary challenges when trying to make a difference.”
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