End of sentence
If a person has complied with their sentence and post-sentence requirements, the sentence is successfully completed and ends. However, disclosure of past convictions has a major impact on a person’s access to employment, education and volunteering opportunities.
People who have ‘ done their time’ whether in prison or in the community often find that the disclosure system, designed to protect the public, can also prevent people from moving on. A CJS report, “Punishment in Instalments: Understanding and Navigating the Disclosure and Conviction Process” is a case study on a person’s experience of navigating the current disclosure system, in particular the removal of a spent conviction. It includes some recommendations which CJS hopes will inform future policy development on disclosure and has been shared with colleagues at Disclosure Scotland.