Widening participation should include those with a criminal record

Drugs offence? Should have applied to 'ter where the University refused to deal with active drugs dealing by a London dealer student in halls until multiple over dose events putting fellow students in hospital led to the Police being called in by the hospital... The reality is Universities have a duty of care to students and staff and wider society, some convicted offenders will always be a risk, as with the DBS check there's no guarantee a person who appears to have not offended won't, or won't again. The balance has to be struck and it's not an easy thing to do, even the 'professionals' get it wrong, supporting potential older students with convictions via the Open University however would be a sensible option. It would also avoid the issue of conflict with overseas governments not wanting to send students to Universities who have openly accepted known criminals, younger students with a minor non custodial conviction and nothing since then who present no risk when assessed should not be disadvantaged. Lets not forget a student may well have to undergo a Enhanced DBS check which may preclude them working with children or vulnerable adults, so social work and medicine along with many others, including University outreach activities in schools, may not be available to them.