A certificate of good conduct confirms part or all of a person’s criminal record history. Common names for these certificates are: Certificate of Good Standing, Police Clearance Certificate, Letter of Good Conduct, and Certificate of No Criminal Record. These certificates show if someone has committed crimes overseas, since DBS Checks only examine UK records.
Purpose and Usage
People may need a certificate of good conduct when applying for jobs, schools, loans, or other opportunities overseas. The certificate shows that authorities have reviewed the person’s background and criminal history. It signifies the applicant’s character.
Application and Legal Requirements
In some countries, getting the certificate involves legalizing forms or providing fingerprints. The process takes from two weeks to one month. Certificates eventually expire, with timelines varying by country. For example, certificates last one to five years depending on the type of crimes on someone’s record.
To apply, one needs to be 18 years old and possess identification cards. An eCitizen account is also required. The certificate is provided by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
Restrictions and Considerations
Employers cannot directly ask employees or applicants for their certificate. Doing so generally violates data protection laws about privacy. However, some employers try to circumvent this by requiring applicants to voluntarily submit their certificates during the hiring process.
School conduct certificates attest to a student’s behavior at school. They serve as a reference for enrollment at another institution. The school superintendent or principal issues these certificates.
Criminal courts may also issue certificates of good conduct to ex-convicts. These certificates may note if a person is still going through parole or other supervision. They can help ease the process of re-integrating into society after release.
Things to Look For in a Certificate
- Employer’s certificate of conduct
- School-issued certificate
- Documents required to apply
- Procedure for obtaining it