Upon completing the enrollment for current students, I was shocked to read the information regarding criminal convictions, cautions etc. in line with LJMU policies. I believe that in asking for this information regarding all convictions, cautions etc. including those that are spent despite the majority of courses not including the involvement of the vulnerable, elderly and children- LJMU are  disregarding the government policies in place for fair treatment of rehabilitated individuals holding this information would therefore be in breach of the Data Protection Act of 1998. Any breach of this act would lead to an investigation and a subsequent fine aswell as defiling human rights of individuals. I am contacting the student union on behalf of the individuals who are discriminated against for their past and those that fear retribution, despite the government and law enforcements trying to aid in their rehabilitation and overlooking their past spent crimes. Charitable organisation Unlock, a charity with people with convictions in mind, have launched a pledge targetting universities on  behalf of these students to explain laws, fair use of information gathering and essentially methods to aid in the  transformation of their lives. Many universities have already signed this pledge including our neighbouring university, University of Liverpool. Please find more information in the link provided (https://www.unlock.org.uk/projects/unlocking-students-with-conviction-2/fairchancepledge/).

I hope LJMU can take a stance alongside people with criminal conviction to not ostracise but include in the improvement of our society.