In order to protect certain vulnerable groups within society, there are a number of posts and professions that are exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation Offenders Act 1974. These include posts where, in the normal course of their duties, successful applicants will have access to persons in receipt of health services.
If the post you have applied for falls within the above category, it will be exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitations Act by virtue of the Rehabilitations Act (Exceptions Order) 1975.
Applicants are therefore not entitled to withhold any information about convictions which for other purposes are "spent" under the provisions of the Act and in the event of employment/worker agreement, any failure to disclose such information will result in dismissal or disciplinary action by the company.
Any information given will be confidential and will be considered only in relation to posts to which the order applies.