If you don’t know too much about background screening because you’ve never explored them too deeply, then this blog is for you. Background checking is important; though it can’t ensure that you are hiring the right person for the job, it can ensure that the person is at least a safe and verified option with the lowest level of risk.
Background checking might seem like a complicated concept, but it’s not. And to explain it, we have compiled a list of 10 important facts that you should know about so that you can make the best decision for your business or organisation when it comes to hiring a background checker service.
1. What is a DBS Check?
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is used to analyse a person’s past. Their legal record, such as convictions, cautions or reprimands, are brought to light in a DBS check. There are three different levels of a DBS check; basic, standard and enhanced. The analysis depth of a DBS check is decided by the level of the DBS check ordered. In some circumstances, a DBS check is also run against adults barred or children’s barred list.
2. What’s the difference between a CRB and a DBS Check?
There is none. A CRB and DBS check is the same thing. The CRB term is considered outdated, and the DBS check is considered the updated term.
3. What are the different levels of DBS checks?
As mentioned, there are three levels of DBS checks. And the level of check ordered depends on the job and responsibilities in question. Here are the three levels of disclosure:
- Basic Level: This is a non-specific check available to anyone. A basic level check is usually used for couriers, license holders and others.
- Standard Level: Though subject to eligibility, this check is more in-depth, and it is used for people applying in the financial or legislative sector or similar.
- Enhanced Level: Also subject to eligibility, this is the highest level DBS check and is used to vet people who are applying to work in the security sector or with vulnerable people/children.
4. How long does it take to run a DBS check?
Though it depends on the level of check that you have requested, there is a certain timeframe for every level that you can expect your check to return in:
- Five working days is the expected return date of 85% of all enhanced level disclosures submitted.
- Five working days is the expected return date of 95% of all standard level disclosures submitted.
- Ten working days is the expected return date of 80% of all basic level disclosures submitted.
5. Should my organisation consider screening its employees?
Though it used to depend on the kind of industry your business deals with, these days, it is recommended that all applications that you receive are put through at least a basic level of screening. As it can prove vital to securing the integrity of your business. Background checks allow you to clear out all the people from the candidate list that might have a negative impact on your business due to their legal, personal, or professional history.
6. Which jobs require a background check?
- Educational sector jobs
- Healthcare sector jobs
- Government sector jobs
- Financial service sector jobs
- IT sector jobs
- Child-care jobs
And more.
Though you can order a background check for just about any position in any industry, there are certain jobs or industries where at least a basic level of verification is required regarding the candidate’s past. Often this will be a contractual agreement for the specific position or specific to the companies hiring process for compliance purposes.
7. How long does a DBS check certificate last?
A DBS check isn’t permanent. And it is just an image of the person’ history up until the point when the check was requested. It is subject to change. Therefore, it can become outdated over time. As such, re-using or discarding a DBS check certificate is up to the employer. It is recommended to always request an up-to-date check.
8. Can I request a DBS check for myself?
Yes you can for a basic level check, however currently for the standard and enhanced check no, you cannot request a personal DBS check. They are designed to be requested by organisations and businesses for their hiring processes so that they can make the appropriate hiring decisions. As such, only the appropriate bodies can request suck checks.
9. Is social media searched in a DBS check?
No, not usually. These types of check would be a further in depth level of background screening process followed out to provide a higher level of information.
10. What happens if we find something that may be damaging to our company?
That is the time that you thank yourself for proceeding with a comprehensive background screening process. This information caught at the right time will not hold a level of risk to your organisation. The team here are on hand to offer first hand experience on how to proceed with certain information sourced in line with current laws and legislations.
Conclusion
Background checkers in the UK have become essential, and if you want to ensure that the candidates you are considering for a job are all safe options, then it is recommended you avail this option. So, contact us at Background Checker today, and let us handle the whole process for you.
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