ARRO'S ALL FOR EDUCATION CAMPAIGN AND ACCESS TO EDUCATION FOR EX-OFFENDERS

That this House supports ARRO's All for Education campaign to give ex-offenders a fair chance in access to educational courses and also access to the professions in the UK; calls for reform of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and a reconsideration of the manner in which old, irrelevant or first time offences are disclosed under the Exemptions Order so that applicants to courses have access to both employment and the professions, particularly those in which a diverse range of persons with varied experiences can make a positive impact on society; and recognises the need to embrace the contribution of reformed offenders with rights to gain skills and experience and to join a work force where difference and diversity are valued in making a beneficial contribution to a competitive national economy.