Criminal record checks
Whether you are in England and Wales (DBS), Scotland (Disclosure Scotland) or Northern Ireland (AccessNI), criminal record checks are essential for ensuring a safe workplace.
At Reed Screening we are proud to have a submission error rate of 0.01% vs the 10% national average, meaning you can rest assured your checks are being performed accurately.
Our digital solution offers industry-leading turnaround times, and we can supply checks in over 200 countries, head to our overseas criminal record checks page to learn more.
England & Wales
The DBS has a strict eligibility criteria to obtain a criminal record check in England and Wales (incl. Guernsey, Jersey and Isle of Man). If these criteria are not met, our team may contact you. To determine the appropriate type of DBS check for your employee, you can use the DBS eligibility tool.
If you require a DBS check for a volunteer in a role that would qualify as exempt for the DBS fee, please contact our team directly.
Basic (DBS)
The Basic check requires no specific eligibility and will reveal any convictions, cautions or reprimands that have not been filtered and are considered unspent.
Standard (DBS)
A Standard check is mandatory for individuals in high-responsibility roles, such as lawyers, accountants, or those with access to sensitive medical information. This check is crucial for mitigating risks to your organisation, employees, and customers.
Enhanced (DBS)
An Enhanced check is the most comprehensive level available and can include a Child and/or Adult Barred List check. It is mandatory for roles specified in the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975, particularly those involving direct care or guidance of children or vulnerable adults.
*AssuredID: If your candidate has an in-date British or Irish passport (or Irish passport card), you can use our Digital ID checking platform (AssuredID) instead of obtaining documents.
Scotland
Basic (DS)
The Basic (DS) check requires no specific eligibility and will reveal any convictions, cautions or reprimands that have not been filtered and are considered unspent.
Standard (DS)
A Standard (DS) check is mandatory for individuals in high-responsibility roles, such as lawyers, accountants, or those with access to sensitive medical information. This check is crucial for mitigating risks to your organisation, employees, and customers.
Enhanced (DS)
An Enhanced (DS) check is the most comprehensive level available and can include a Child and/or Adult Barred List check. It is mandatory for roles specified in the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975, particularly those involving direct care or guidance of children or vulnerable adults.
Northern Ireland
Basic (AccessNI)
The Basic (AccessNI) check requires no specific eligibility and will reveal any convictions, cautions or reprimands that have not been filtered and are considered unspent.
Standard (AccessNI)
A Standard (AccessNI) check is mandatory for individuals in high-responsibility roles, such as lawyers, accountants, or those with access to sensitive medical information. This check is crucial for mitigating risks to your organisation, employees, and customers.
Enhanced (AccessNI)
An Enhanced (AccessNI) check is the most comprehensive level available and can include a Child and/or Adult Barred List check. It is mandatory for roles specified in the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975, particularly those involving direct care or guidance of children or vulnerable adults.
Need checks for 50 or more people?
Enterprise-scale businesses often require a bespoke package to screen a larger number of candidates, find a cost effective, robust solution that suits your needs.
Why choose Reed Screening?
When it comes to criminal record checks, Reed Screening is in the DBS’s top 50 registered bodies to perform this background screening service. Our Director, Keith Rosser, is also Chair of the Criminal Records Trade Body (CRTB).
At Reed Screening we are proud to have a submission error rate of 0.01% vs the 10% national average, meaning you can rest assured your checks are being performed accurately. Our criminal record checks are available to be purchase online, as and when you require them, so you can get started right away. The average time for criminal record checks to be complete is between five and eight days.
What's required?
The required identity verification documents are listed below for Basic, Standard and Enhanced DBS screening, however please visit this government page for additional information.
Passport and driving licence, or
Passport and utility bill (dated within the last three months), or
Passport and council tax bill (dated within the last 12 months).
This check is for employers with a need to screen their candidate(s) and is for candidates based in the UK only. If your candidate requires international checks, please do not purchase this package. Get in touch with one of our experts to discuss your international requirements.
The average turnaround time for these checks is five days, but to ensure the process runs smoothly, please ensure that you have verified two eligible documents for your candidate(s). Note: third party checks can take up to 10-15 working days though this can be longer in certain circumstances.
Our refund policy
All screening packages and products offered by Reed Screening are for employers/organisations. If you purchase a product for yourself, we will arrange for the full cost to be refunded to you.
Unparalleled service
24/7, fast, safe and efficient
We’re the only team of UK-based professionals that deliver pre-employment and employee screening services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This allows us to provide you with a fast, efficient service you can rely on, and our dedicated team is only an email or phone call away.
Cutting-edge tech & experience
Our experience combined with access to the latest cutting-edge vetting technology and integrated client portal enables us to offer top-level security, optimum efficiency, transparency, and a seamless experience for you and those you are looking to hire.
Safe hiring pioneers
We collaborate closely with the UK government to drive change. As pioneers of safe hiring practices in the UK, we work to ensure screening processes are non-discriminatory and inclusive, efficient, and best for business and the economy.