Certificates of disregard

You will need to complete the Application for a Certificate to Disregard a Conviction application form (ASC6005) and send it, along with all necessary supporting documentation stated on this page, to avsec.cod@caa.co.uk.

You will also need to send the original criminal record certificate to us (this will be returned to you) at:

Certificate of Disregard Team
Aviation Security
5th Floor
11 Westferry Circus
London
E14 4HD

Emailed applications may have quicker processing times, but you can also submit the entire application by post to the address above.

There is no charge for Certificate of Disregard applications.

You will need to provide the following information along with your application:

An original, valid criminal record disclosure certificate. To be valid the document should normally have been issued within 26 weeks of your certificate of disregard application being submitted.

A clear explanation of why, in your opinion, the disqualifying conviction(s) should be disregarded. This should include any information relating to the assessment criteria set out in “what else do I need to know”.

At least one character reference (although two or more is recommended). The reference should state:

• When they became aware of your conviction(s).
• Their experiences of your overall integrity, honesty and trustworthiness.
• Anything else that reflects upon your suitability to complete a background check and work in an aviation security role.

Any documentation available from the criminal trial(s) that resulted in the disqualifying conviction(s).

You may also include any other information that you consider relevant in demonstrating your good character before or since the conviction(s).

Optionally, in addition to the reference(s) required, you may also want to include letters of support from:

• A solicitor, trade union or other representative body.
• Your employer / potential employer.
• If you will be working at an airport, the airport ID card issuing authority.

Applications need to be submitted to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

We will check that all the necessary documents and information have been provided, engaging with you where needed to clarify any points or obtain missing information.

All complete applications are then passed to the Department for Transport (DfT). The DfT will then assess the application and make a decision based on the information provided.

The process is designed around two key questions:

• Does the conviction and the information provided suggest that the person is a threat to aviation security?
• Based on the information provided, does the applicant demonstrate honesty, reliability and trustworthiness sufficient to work in a role that requires an aviation security background check?

All applications are considered against the following assessment criteria:
Age of the conviction: recent convictions 'score' higher than older convictions. If the applicant has more than one disqualifying conviction on record, this will be based on the most recent conviction.

Seriousness of the offence: this is based on the sentence handed down for each conviction. Custodial sentences, including suspended sentences, score higher than small fines or short community service orders.

Nature of the conviction: this is based on what the conviction is and who the victim was, and takes into account the defendant's plea in court. For example, a conviction for grievous bodily harm on an innocent victim will score higher than minor theft or criminal damage.

Circumstances surrounding the conviction: any mitigating factors that the applicant puts forward (for example, provocation, misunderstanding, or immaturity) will be considered. Whether or not the applicant has a pattern of offending or multiple convictions will also be considered.

Character references: these will be assessed based on who they are from and the weight and depth of what is written. All character references submitted will be assessed on two factors: the repute of the person who has written the reference and what they say.

The person will ideally be someone who:

• Holds a position of suitable standing like a probation officer, police officer, lawyer, doctor, MP or councillor.
• You have known for several years.

If the reference comes from an employer, it should be from someone with direct management responsibility, and include how long they've known you and when you started work there.

If no additional information is required, we will aim to notify you of the decision within 28 days.

If additional information is needed, or if the decision might by delayed, we will contact you as soon as possible explaining the delay.

Where a decision is made to grant the Certificate of Disregard it will be issued by post. The certificate will list all of the disqualifying convictions it relates to and state that they can be permanently disregarded from aviation security background checks.

Where a decision is made not to grant a certificate the reasons for refusal will be provided in a determination letter. If you want to dispute the reasons for refusal you have the right to appeal to the Department for Transport (DfT) directly within 28 days of notification of refusal. Details of how to appeal will be sent at the same time as your determination letter.

Original copies of your basic disclosure certificate and any court papers will be returned after a decision has been made. Other information provided, such as references and application forms, will not normally be returned.

Once issued, a Certificate of Disregard does not expire. The criminal conviction(s) that are disregarded will remain disregarded for aviation security purposes permanently.