Guidance notes for applicants
Safeguarding and Criminal Record Assessment Policy for Self-Employed Members
Purpose
Viewber is committed to operating fair, transparent and responsible engagement practices while prioritising the safety, security and trust of our clients and the wider public.
The services provided by Viewber frequently require self-employed members to enter private residences, attend vacant properties, manage access arrangements, and interact directly with members of the public. In some circumstances, members may handle keys, lockboxes, alarm codes or other property access arrangements on behalf of clients.
Given the level of trust placed in individuals undertaking work on behalf of Viewber, appropriate safeguarding and due diligence measures are essential.
As part of the engagement process, individuals seeking to undertake assignments as self-employed members must provide valid criminal record certification prior to undertaking work on behalf of Viewber.
Viewber accepts the following certifications:
• DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) certificate
• AccessNI certificate
• Disclosure Scotland certificate
This policy explains how Viewber considers criminal record information when assessing the suitability of individuals seeking to undertake work as self-employed members.
Scope
This policy applies to all individuals seeking to undertake assignments through Viewber as self-employed members.
Nothing within this policy creates or implies an employment relationship or worker status. Individuals undertaking work through Viewber do so as independent self-employed members. This document is intended to provide transparency regarding how criminal record information may be considered when assessing suitability for engagement.
Consideration of Criminal Convictions
Viewber may consider unspent criminal convictions when assessing applications. The presence of a criminal conviction does not automatically prevent an individual from being considered for engagement.
Each disclosure is reviewed individually and proportionately. When reviewing disclosed information, Viewber may consider factors including:
• the nature and seriousness of the offence
• the relevance of the offence to the work being undertaken
• the type and length of sentence imposed
• the time that has elapsed since the offence occurred
• any evidence of rehabilitation or subsequent conduct
This approach enables Viewber to balance fair consideration of individuals with its responsibility to safeguard clients, their homes, their property and members of the public.
Convictions That May Result in Non-Engagement
Due to the nature of the services provided by Viewber, certain offences are unlikely to be considered compatible with the responsibilities associated with the role.
These may include, but are not limited to:
• offences involving dishonesty, including theft, burglary or fraud
• violent offences, including assault, robbery or offences involving harm or threat of harm to others
• sexual offences or offences indicating a risk to vulnerable individuals or the public
• offences involving weapons or firearms
• offences involving criminal damage, where this may indicate a risk to property
• serious drug-related offences, particularly those involving supply or intent to supply
• driving offences involving alcohol or drugs, including drink driving, driving under the influence, failure to provide a specimen or dangerous driving
Where a disclosed conviction indicates a safeguarding risk or a potential risk to clients, property or the public, Viewber may determine that engagement is not appropriate.
Property Access and Security Considerations
Self-employed members engaged by Viewber may be required to enter private homes, attend vacant properties and manage property access arrangements on behalf of property owners, occupiers, estate agents, developers and other professional clients.
This may include situations where members:
• access properties where no occupier is present
• handle keys, lockboxes or access codes
• enter vacant or newly marketed properties
• represent clients when attending properties on their behalf
These responsibilities require a high level of integrity and trust. Viewber therefore takes a cautious and proportionate approach when assessing any information that may indicate a risk to property security, client safety or public trust.
Where the information disclosed indicates a foreseeable risk to property security, the safety of occupants or the protection of client assets, Viewber may determine that engagement is not appropriate.
Spent Convictions
In accordance with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, Viewber does not take into consideration any convictions that are legally spent.
Applicants are not required to disclose spent convictions and these will not form part of our assessment process.
Safeguarding and Risk Assessment
While Viewber seeks to provide fair opportunities wherever possible, safeguarding remains a fundamental consideration when assessing suitability for engagement.
Where a disclosed conviction presents a safeguarding, operational, security or reputational risk that cannot reasonably be mitigated given the nature of the work, Viewber reserves the right to decline engagement.
Trust and Client Confidence
The services provided by Viewber rely on a high level of trust from property owners, occupiers and professional clients.
Where Viewber reasonably considers that engagement may undermine client confidence, property security or the reputation of the service, Viewber reserves the right to decline or discontinue engagement irrespective of other factors considered during the assessment process.
Right to Decline Engagement
Providing criminal record certification, disclosure of convictions, or completion of the application process does not guarantee engagement with Viewber.
Following review of all available information, Viewber retains full discretion to determine whether an individual is suitable to undertake work on its behalf. Where Viewber reasonably considers that engagement may present a risk to clients, property, members of the public or the reputation of the business, Viewber reserves the right not to proceed with an application or engagement.
Accuracy of Information
Applicants are expected to ensure that all information provided as part of the engagement process is accurate and complete to the best of their knowledge.
Where information is found to have been withheld, misrepresented, or later comes to light that may affect suitability, Viewber reserves the right to withdraw an offer of engagement or terminate the engagement arrangement.
Confidentiality and Data Protection
Information disclosed through DBS, AccessNI or Disclosure Scotland certification will be treated with strict confidentiality and handled in accordance with UK GDPR and applicable data protection legislation.
Such information will be used solely for the purpose of assessing suitability for engagement and will only be retained for as long as necessary to fulfil that purpose.
Client Assurance
Viewber recognises the importance of maintaining the confidence of clients who entrust us with access to their properties. Our safeguarding and vetting processes are designed to support responsible engagement practices while helping ensure that individuals undertaking assignments on behalf of Viewber meet appropriate standards of trust and integrity.
These measures form part of our wider commitment to protecting clients, their properties and the reputation of the services we provide.