Allied Health Professions: disclosure guidance

15 Annex C – Personal Information Plan

The plan should include:

Name:

Placement interested in (if known):

Strengths and skills (paragraph 1):

These are some ideas to use with the applicant when considering strengths and skills:

• The applicant's own views
• Work matters
• Career Scotland website
• Personal affirmation exercises
• Worker role interview
• Work skills checklist

Identifying sensitive information (paragraph 2):

This should be written in the applicant's own words, but the following can be used to guide the process.

• Legally, the applicant does not need to give details of formal diagnosis however, it may be helpful to summarise by making a general statement e.g. 'I'm recovering from mental health challenges/difficulty/ have a learning disability' (in the person's words).
• Mention reason for disclosure in the letter
• Describe circumstances around the offence e.g. life events, unwell, use of alcohol or drugs etc.

If the post is covered by the PVG Scheme or a Police Act disclosure it is best practice to be honest about:

• Any previous offence as appropriate to the disclosure check to be carried out.
• Demonstrating commitment to a pro-social lifestyle e.g. describe feelings in relation to the offence, what has changed etc. When wording this, ensure it does not sound defensive and clearly demonstrates personal responsibility.
• Highlighting the positives, how things have changed.
• The letter is unique to the applicant and very personal. Take time over it. Be honest and be prepared to discuss content at interview. It may be useful to practise this in order to prepare.

Identifying what is needed to stay well (paragraph 3):

(Only include this section if mental illness / learning disability is being disclosed)

Assist the applicant to visualise being in the placement and what they would like or need from others to have a positive experience:

• Management of the pace/expectations e.g. breaks
• Receiving clear written /visual instructions
• Methods of offering support, providing feedback or supervision