Criminal Record Check
What is a criminal record check?
A criminal background check can be defined as a police check, criminal history check or several names depending on the country it is run. In the UK this is know as a DBS check (formerly CRB) and is split into different types which vary depending on the purpose and in turn the legal capability of the role you are applying for.
Types of Criminal Check
Basic Criminal Disclosure (Basic DBS Check)
The basic disclosure can be used for any position or purpose. A basic certificate will contain details of convictions and cautions from the Police National Computer (PNC) that are considered to be unspent under the terms of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974.
Standard Criminal Disclosure (Standard DBS Check)
The standard disclosure is available for duties, positions and licences included in the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975, for example, court officers, employment within a prison, and Security Industry Authority (SIA) licenses.
Enhanced Criminal Disclosure (Enhanced DBS)
The enhanced check is available for specific duties, positions and licences included in both the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions Order 1975) and the Police Act 1997 (Criminal Records) regulations, for example, regularly caring for, training, supervising or being solely in charge of children, specified activities with adults in receipt of health care or social care services and applicants for gaming and lottery licences.
An enhanced level certificate contains the same PNC information as the standard level certificate but also includes a check on information held by police forces.
An enhanced check often includes the barred lists which correlate to the specific role. These would be Adult’s first check, formerly known as a POVA or ISA (For people working with adults), or a children’s barred listed formerly known as a List 99 (for people working with children). The can also be requested as separate checks when the enhanced process is underway.
International Criminal Checks
The Background Checker is able to offer International Criminal Record Checks whilst constantly checking all 192 countries data laws and Criminal Check processes.
The process, turnaround time and costs will vary from each country. For more information on International Criminal Record checks please contact us.
Why do you need to this check?
Finding out whether a candidate has a criminal record is a vital step in assessing the risk of bringing that person into your organisation.
In addition to creating a safer environment, criminal record checks can also produce other important benefits, such as:
- Identifying risks in the hiring process
- Help maintain your organisation’s reputation
- Protecting organisational assets
- Maintaining trust among current staff
The Background Checker works closely within the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and Disclosure Scotland ensuring we offer the appropriate level of online Criminal Background Check for any employment position.
Our committed team of experts will assist in determining the correct level of Disclosure for your candidates in line with their position (Basic, Standard or Enhanced in the UK)