Students with Criminal Convictions: Policies and Practices in Social Work Education

In light of the Bichard Inquiry, this paper considers the vetting practices that apply in relation to those students with criminal convictions who apply to undertake social work education in England or Wales. The paper is organized primarily around the lessons that can be learnt from two case studies, and descriptions of how a range of social work programmes in England and Wales assess individuals with criminal convictions. It explores some of the reasons why the assessment of individuals with previous criminal convictions is important, some of the issues that might arise in relation to how it is currently carried out and what might constitute best practice in this area.