In general, that means that they do not have to declare the conviction and cannot be prejudiced by it. Sections 4(4) and 7(4) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 allow subordinate legislation to be made that excludes or modifies the application of, or makes exceptions to, the regime for rehabilitation of offenders under the 1974 act.The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975, as amended, is made under sections 4(4) and 7(4) of the 1974 act.