The Magic Circle is committed to providing a safe and respectful environment for all members, visitors, children and vulnerable adults. Safeguarding is a core responsibility of the Society.
1. Unspent Convictions
As part of your application, you are required to disclose any unspent criminal convictions in accordance with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. (An unspent conviction is one that is still within its rehabilitation period.)
2. Serious Offences (Spent or Unspent)
In addition, if you have ever been convicted of a serious offence relating to violence, sexual misconduct, safeguarding, terrorism, or any offence resulting in a custodial sentence of four years or more, you must declare this whether the conviction is spent or unspent.
Relevant offences include, but are not limited to:
- Murder
- Rape or serious sexual offences
- Kidnap
- Offences resulting in inclusion on the Sex Offenders Register
- Terrorism related offences
- Other offences involving safeguarding or public protection
These examples are not exhaustive.
3. Pending Charges or Investigations
You must also declare any current or pending criminal investigations, charges, or safeguarding concerns that may be relevant to the Society’s safeguarding responsibilities.
4. How your information will be used
Disclosure of a conviction does not automatically prevent membership. Each case will be considered individually, taking into account the nature of the offence, the time elapsed, evidence of rehabilitation, and the safeguarding responsibilities of the Society.
All information will be handled in strict confidence and processed in accordance with UK data protection legislation. Disclosures will be reviewed by the Society’s Safeguarding Lead and the Membership Committee.
Failure to disclose relevant information may result in refusal of membership or termination of membership if discovered at a later date.
If you are unsure whether a conviction or matter should be declared, you are strongly encouraged to disclose it in confidence to the Society’s Safeguarding Lead or designated officer before submitting your application.
If you have any queries regarding this matter, please contact us via secretary@themagiccircle.co.uk
