Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974
(Exceptions) Order 1975

Criminal offences that are “spent” do not normally have to be declared on application forms or in answer to other requests for information about criminal convictions. There are exceptions for certain types of job which are covered in this order.

The types of job covered by this Order can be divided into 5 broad categories.

1) The professions e.g. medical practitioners, barristers, accountants, vets and opticians.

2) Those employed to uphold the law e.g. judges, constables, prison officers and traffic wardens.

3) Certain regulated occupations e.g. firearms dealers, directors of insurance companies, those in charge of certain types of nursing homes and taxi drivers.

4) Those who work with children, those whose work is concerned with the provision of care services to vulnerable adults and those whose work is concerned with the provision of health services.

5) Those whose work could put national security at risk e.g. air traffic controllers and certain employees of the Crown.

Please note that this is not a full list. A full explanation of the Order can be obtained from The
Stationery Office.

See Useful Addresses for contact details.