Pre-employment screening
Criminal background checks in the UK: What recruitment agencies need to know
In the UK, criminal background checks are a vital part of the recruitment process, ensuring employers make safe and informed hiring decisions. For recruitment agencies, in particular, these checks are important to protect both their clients and candidates. Thankfully, with solutions, such as Access Screening & Onboarding software, this process can now be streamlined securely and safely.
This article explains the various types of criminal background checks, where they fit into the recruitment process, and how you can use screening and onboarding software to simplify these checks for your agency.
Table of contents
- What is a criminal background check?
- Types of criminal background checks in the UK
- How criminal background checks fit into the recruitment process
- How to request a criminal background check in the UK
- Streamlining criminal background checks with screening & onboarding software
- How to check your own criminal background (for candidates)
What is a criminal background check?
A criminal background check is used by an employer or recruitment agency to verify whether a candidate has a criminal record. In the UK, this typically involves searching the Police National Computer and other relevant databases for details of any previous criminal convictions, cautions, or warnings.
Criminal background checks are essential for recruitment agencies, as they help assess a candidate’s suitability for a role, particularly when working with vulnerable groups or in positions of trust.
What other checks should recruiters consider? Learn about social media checks to protect your clients from bad hires.
Types of criminal background checks in the UK
There are several different checks available, depending on the nature of the role:
Basic DBS Check:
- Covers unspent convictions
- Available for all job types
- Can be requested by the individual themselves or an employer
Standard DBS Check:
- Includes details of both spent and unspent convictions
- Suitable for roles that involve working with vulnerable individuals or other sensitive situations
- Professions may include; teaching, healthcare, legal, security, and social work
Enhanced DBS Check:
- The most detailed check, including all available information from the Police National Computer and local police records
- Required for jobs involving work with children and vulnerable adults, such as mental health professions
Overseas Criminal Record Checks:
- For candidates who have lived outside the UK, it’s important to check their criminal history in other countries.
- Agencies can request police certificates from overseas authorities.
Recruiters should check with clients what the required checks are before engaging candidates. Alternatively, you may have prior knowledge of the requirements based on your expertise in specific fields or industries – such as healthcare temp agencies, for example.
How criminal background checks fit into the recruitment process
Criminal background checks are a critical part of the recruitment journey. Here’s where they typically fit into the process:
- Pre-Interview Stage: Some agencies may ask candidates to complete a background check application before the interview. This ensures that checks are done early, reducing delays later.
- Post-Interview and Offer: After a job offer is made, but before a candidate starts, employers will conduct a criminal background check to verify the individual’s suitability for the role.
- Onboarding: Once the candidate passes the background check, it is integrated into the onboarding process, ensuring a smooth transition into the role.
How smooth is your application journey? See how the right recruitment CRM, powered by smart AI and automation, could help your agency eradicate unnecessary admin and bottlenecks.
How to request a criminal background check in the UK
Recruiters can request criminal background checks through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Here’s how the process works:
- Decide on the level of check needed (Basic, Standard, or Enhanced).
- Register with the DBS online service (if you haven’t already) or through a registered umbrella body.
- Collect the candidate’s details and consent to proceed with the check.
- Submit the application and pay the relevant fees.
- Once the check is complete, you’ll receive the results within a few weeks.
It’s important to follow the legal requirements when requesting background checks, ensuring that all necessary consents are obtained and that the process is managed with confidentiality.
Now that you know the key information about criminal background checks and where they fit into the application process for recruiters, you’re ready to discover how they can be managed most efficiently, and importantly, securely.
See how to ensure trust with reliable background checks
Streamlining criminal background checks with screening and onboarding software
Recruitment agencies can simplify and automate the criminal background check process using screening and onboarding software. At Access Recruitment, we’ve seen how seamless screening and vetting can help agencies cut their time to hire by 50%.
Here are some other key benefits:
- Efficiency: Automates the check request process, reducing manual tasks and saving time.
- Accuracy: Minimises errors and ensures that checks are carried out in compliance with legal requirements.
- Integrated Workflow: Software can integrate background checks directly into the candidate’s onboarding journey, reducing delays in hiring.
- Centralised Records: All screening data is stored in one place for easy reference, reducing paperwork and improving organisation.
- Customisation: Tailor the checks based on the role, ensuring that the right level of screening is carried out for each candidate.
By using recruitment software, agencies can ensure they’re compliant with the necessary regulations while also saving a great deal of time and effort – ultimately, helping their clients to fill key roles with top talent more quickly.
How to check your own criminal background (for candidates)
Criminal background checks can be requested by recruiters, hiring businesses, and candidates alike. If you're a candidate and want to check your own criminal background – which may help with your application - there are a couple options:
- Request a Basic DBS Check: This check shows any unspent criminal convictions. You can apply for this check directly through the DBS website.
- Apply for a Police Certificate: If you have lived abroad, you can request a police certificate from the relevant authorities in the country you lived in.
Conclusion
Criminal background checks are an essential part of the recruitment process, ensuring that both employers and candidates are protected. For recruitment agencies, using screening and onboarding software can make this process smoother, more efficient, and less prone to error.
Discover Access Screening to learn more about how our tools can help your agency.
Resources
A Guide to Evidencing the ROI from Screening Software
If you're thinking of making the switch from a manual or partially automated process to reap the benefits of an integrated screening solution, then you will likely need a documented business case to sell the advantages of screening software to your internal stakeholders.
'5 Steps to digitising your candidate compliance strategy’ eBook
A helpful guide to evolving your onboarding process and delivering a reliable compliance strategy through automation.
'The Need for Speed!’ Whitepaper: Unlocking successful candidate onboarding through digitisation
Discover Access Screening’s 2022 research in conjunction with In-House Recruitment, displaying the potential for screening opportunities.