Privacy Notice

1. Who We Are

The Background Checker Limited (“we”, “us”, or “our”) is a company registered in the United Kingdom. We provide background and screening services to organisations (our “Clients”). In doing so, we may process the personal data of individuals (e.g. candidates or referees) on behalf of our Clients.

Data Protection Role:

We act primarily as a Data Processor on behalf of our Clients, who are the Data Controllers. In certain cases (e.g. where we process personal data for our own operational purposes), we may act as a Data Controller.

2. Personal Data We Collect

We may process the following categories of personal data:

• Identity Information: Full name, date of birth, national insurance number, passport number, etc.
• Contact Details: Email address, phone number, home address.
• Employment Information: CV, employment history, references.
• Education History: Academic or professional qualifications, institutions attended.
• Criminal Records (if applicable): Information from DBS or equivalent sources.
• Financial Records (if applicable): Credit history or insolvency data.
• Right to Work/Immigration Status: Copies of relevant documents.
• Other Background Information: Publicly available or third-party data relevant to the checks requested by our Clients.

3. How We Collect Personal Data

We may obtain data from:

• You directly (e.g. through application forms or email)
• Our Clients (your prospective or current employer)
• Public records or regulatory bodies
• Referees or educational institutions
• Third-party verification providers (e.g. credit bureaus, DBS)

4. Legal Bases for Processing

We rely on the following lawful bases under the UK GDPR:

• Consent
• Contractual Obligation
• Legal Obligation
• Legitimate Interests

5. How We Use Your Data

We use your personal data solely for the purposes of conducting background checks as requested by our Clients. We do not use your data for marketing or profiling purposes.

6. Data Sharing

We may share your data with:

• Our Clients
• Referees, educational institutions, former employers
• Government agencies (e.g. Disclosure and Barring Service)
• Credit or identity verification agencies
• Our service providers and partners

7. International Transfers

In limited cases, your data may be transferred outside the UK or EEA. When this occurs, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place.

8. Data Retention

We retain your personal data only as long as necessary:

• Candidate data: Typically 12 months
• Client data: Typically up to 6 years

9. Your Rights

Under the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), you have the following rights in relation to your personal data:

• Right of Access
  You have the right to request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.

• Right to Rectification
  You may request that we correct any inaccurate or incomplete information about you.

• Right to Erasure (“Right to Be Forgotten”)
  You have the right to request the deletion of your personal data where there is no compelling reason for us to retain it, subject to certain legal exceptions.

• Right to Restrict Processing
  You may request that we limit how we use your data if you have concerns about its accuracy or how it is being used.

• Right to Object to Processing
  You can object to the processing of your personal data in certain circumstances, particularly where the processing is based on our legitimate interests.

• Right to Data Portability
  You may request to receive your personal data in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format and have the right to transmit that data to another organisation.

• Right to Withdraw Consent
  If we rely on your consent to process personal data, you may withdraw that consent at any time. This will not affect the lawfulness of any processing carried out before the withdrawal.

• Right to Lodge a Complaint
  If you are unhappy with how we handle your data, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the UK’s supervisory authority:

  Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)
  Website: https://www.ico.org.uk
  Phone: 0303 123 1113

10. How to Exercise Your Rights

To exercise your rights, contact:

Email: privacy@thebackgroundchecker.co.uk

Postal Address: The Background Checker Limited, 7 Harrow Place, 1st Floor, Spitalfields, London, E1 7DB, United Kingdom

Phone: +44 (0)208 496 9258 or +44 (0)7434 770191

11. Updates to This Notice

We may update this notice from time to time. The latest version will always be available on our website.