Background Checks
Background checks are investigations into a candidate's history, including criminal records, employment history, qualifications, and references, conducted before or during employment.
compliance
Category
intermediate
Difficulty
5 min read
Read time
2025-01-15
Updated
Definition
Short definition
Background checks are investigations into a candidate's history, including criminal records, employment history, qualifications, and references, conducted before or during employment.
Detailed explanation
Background checks, also known as pre-employment screening, verify information provided by candidates and check for any issues that might affect their suitability for a role.
Common checks include DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks for criminal records, reference verification, qualification checks, right to work confirmation, credit checks for financial roles, and social media screening.
The level of checking required depends on the role, industry, and regulatory requirements. Some roles legally require specific checks, such as enhanced DBS for working with children or vulnerable adults.
Practical guidance
How it works
After conditional job offers, employers (or third-party providers) request relevant checks. Candidates provide consent and information. Results are received and reviewed against role requirements. Offers are confirmed or withdrawn based on findings.
Best practices
Only run checks relevant to the role
Use registered DBS umbrella bodies
Have clear policies for handling disclosures
Ensure consistency and fairness
Legal context
Legal basis
Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, DBS Code of Practice, GDPR
Jurisdiction: UK
Key provisions
DBS checks available at basic, standard, and enhanced levels
Enhanced checks for roles with children/vulnerable adults
Spent convictions not always disclosable
Must comply with GDPR when processing check data
Official source
Frequently asked questions
What is a DBS check?
A DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check reveals criminal record information. There are three levels: basic (unspent convictions), standard (spent and unspent convictions), and enhanced (includes police information and possibly barred list checks).
When are enhanced DBS checks required?
Enhanced checks are required for roles involving regular contact with children or vulnerable adults, such as teachers, healthcare workers, and care home staff. Some roles also require barred list checks.
How long is a DBS check valid?
DBS checks are valid on the date of issue but have no expiry. Many employers request new checks every 1-3 years. The DBS Update Service allows continuous monitoring for a fee.
Related glossary terms
Right to Work
Right to work checks are mandatory UK employer checks to verify an employee is legally permitted to work in the UK before employment starts.
Onboarding
Onboarding is the process of integrating new employees into an organization, from offer acceptance through their first months, covering paperwork, training, and cultural integration.
GDPR
GDPR is data protection law governing how personal data including employee information must be collected, stored, and processed with individual rights and consent requirements.
Data Protection
Data protection is the practice of safeguarding employee personal information from unauthorised access, use, disclosure, or loss.