Criminal background checks are crucial for employers across various industries to mitigate the risks associated with hiring individuals who may pose threats to vulnerable groups, financial security, or organisational integrity. These checks provide a thorough review of an applicant’s criminal history, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory standards and promoting safe work environments.
In the UK, criminal record checks are tailored to the specific role and organisation. The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) manages these checks in England, Wales, Channels Islands and the Isle of Man, while Scotland, Disclosure Scotland take up the role, and Northern Ireland, AccessNI is in operation. Accurate screening is particularly important for roles involving children, vulnerable adults, or high-security environments.
Criminal background checks are a key component of safe hiring practices, ensuring that individuals in positions of trust are suitable for their roles. The DBS plays a pivotal role in facilitating these checks in the UK, helping employers, HR professionals, and organisations make informed decisions as to whether they should hire a candidate.
Understanding criminal background checks in the UK
Criminal background checks, often referred to as police checks or criminal record checks, and reveal an individual’s criminal record history. These checks are integral to safeguarding practices, enabling employers to make confident hiring decisions while ensuring compliance with UK laws.
There are three main types of checks to assess an individual’s criminal history: basic criminal record checks, standard disclosures, and enhanced disclosures. Enhanced disclosures may include checks against the child barred list, the adult barred list, or both, depending on the role. Additionally, international checks may be required for individuals who have lived or worked outside the UK. Understanding the purpose and scope of these checks is vital to ensure the right level of screening is applied to each role, thereby protecting your business from unnecessary risk.
Types of DBS checks
There are three types of DBS checks available in the UK: basic, standard, and enhanced. Each type is tailored to meet the screening needs of different roles and industries.
1. Basic DBS check
A basic DBS check reveals unspent convictions and conditional cautions under the terms of the Rehabilitation and Offenders Act 1974. This can include both minor and serious offences such as theft, fraud or assault. It is suitable for roles that do not involve regular interaction with vulnerable groups or high-security responsibilities. Employers often request this check for positions in retail, administration, and customer service.
2. Standard DBS check
The standard DBS check is more detailed, disclosing both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and warnings. This level of screening is typically required for roles in regulated industries such as finance, legal services, or healthcare, where trust and integrity are paramount.
3. Enhanced DBS check
An enhanced DBS check is the most comprehensive. It includes all the information provided in a standard check, along with additional information held by local police forces. For roles involving regular contact with children or vulnerable adults, such as teaching, caregiving, or social work, the enhanced DBS check also includes a check of the relevant barred lists, ensuring that individuals prohibited from working in these settings are flagged.
Eligibility and requirements for DBS checks
The eligibility criteria for DBS checks depend on the type of check required and the nature of the role you are doing the check for. Employers are responsible for determining the appropriate level of screening and must comply with legal guidelines to avoid misuse of the system.
Eligibility for basic DBS checks
Anyone over the age of 16 living and working in England and Wales, Channel Islands and Isle of Man can apply for a basic DBS check directly with DBS. But if you are an employer applying for a check on an individual’s behalf, you can do so, if you have approval, through a responsible organisation such as Reed Screening. There are no other eligibility requirements, and the check can be used for any position or purpose.
Eligibility for standard and enhanced DBS checks
Employers can request standard or enhanced checks only for roles that qualify under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. These roles often involve higher levels of trust or direct responsibility for safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. For Enhanced checks, roles must meet additional criteria outlined in the Police Act 1997.
Volunteer roles
Volunteers working in roles involving children or vulnerable adults may also be eligible for enhanced DBS checks. The DBS waives the application fee for eligible volunteer roles, making it easier for charitable organisations to implement safe recruitment practices.
How to apply for a DBS check
The application process for a DBS check varies depending on whether it is initiated by an employer or an individual. Below is a step-by-step guide to simplify the process:
Individual doing a check on themselves (Basic DBS only)
Individuals can apply for a basic DBS check online via the DBS website
Submit your proof of identity and address
Once the application is processed, the DBS will send the certificate directly to the applicant, which can then be shared with potential employers
Employer requesting checks (Basic, Standard or Enhanced) on an individual’s behalf
Complete the form on behalf of your candidate
Reed Screening reaches out to candidate for the correct documentation – dependent on the level of check
Reed Screening verify the applicant’s identity using government-approved documentation. (Standard and Enhanced only)
The completed application is submitted to the DBS by Reed Screening, and the certificate is issued to the applicant upon completion. Employers must request to view it directly from the applicant.
Processing time
DBS check processing times vary depending on the level of the check and the complexity of the application. While basic checks are typically faster, enhanced checks may take longer due to additional police record searches across different locations.
International criminal background checks
For individuals who have lived or worked abroad, additional international checks may be required to provide a comprehensive view of their criminal history. Reed Screening can collaborative with appropriate authorities in the relevant countries to obtain these records.
Criminal background checks are an indispensable part of responsible hiring in the UK. Whether you are an employer seeking to safeguard your workforce or an individual aiming to demonstrate your suitability for a role, understanding the different types of DBS checks, eligibility criteria, and application processes is essential. By prioritising thorough screening and adhering to compliance requirements, organisations can create safer workplaces while protecting their reputation and stakeholders.
For a fast and reliable solution, consider using Reed Screening’s criminal record check services, available to purchase online. With a seamless application process and dedicated support, Reed Screening ensures compliance and efficiency, making it easier than ever to conduct DBS checks and hire with confidence.