§ Lord Hyltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether it is their intention that the Northern Ireland Civil Service should recruit a reasonable proportion of former offenders, subject to the usual safeguards of suitability for particular posts. [HL2874]
§ Baroness AmosThe recruitment policies of the Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS) determine that all eligible persons shall have equal opportunity for employment and advancement in the NICS on the basis of their ability, qualifications and aptitude for the work.
All those appointed to positions within NICS must satisfy certain servicewide requirements for appointment. One requirement includes meeting a standard in relation to the absence of certain unspent criminal convictions. Very minor unspent convictions do not preclude applicants from appointment.
The aim is to ensure as far as possible that the business needs and reputation of the NICS are considered alongside best practice in terms of the rights of former offenders. It is the intention of Her Majesty's Government that all appointees (including former offenders) to the NICS will continue to be assessed in the above way.