Criminal record checks are an important aspect of potential background checks and can reveal whether an individual has been involved in activity which could pose a risk for the business. In some roles, criminal records checks are necessary from a legal or regulatory perspective particularly with regard to any Safeguarding requirements.
Establishing whether an individual has a criminal record is important in the process of risk assessment in bringing someone into your organisation. Results of a criminal background check to then assess the applicability of the record to the position’s level of responsibility, exposure to assets or customers, and other criteria.
In the UK, these checks are highly regulated and managed by the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) – Inkerman Screening is registered with the DBS Umbrella Body status.
A Basic Criminal Record Check / Basic Disclosure Check can be conducted on anyone, with their consent regardless of their position. It provides information on ‘unspent’ convictions.
An Enhanced Criminal Record Check / Enhanced Disclosure is used for posts in a regulated Activity as defined in the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 and as amended by the Protection of Freedom Act 2012 (examples include teachers, doctors, nurses, etc.).
A DBS Enhanced Criminal Record Check also includes an additional check to those carried out with the Standard Disclosure: a check on local police records for additional information that may be relevant to the post for which the applicant is being considered.
A Standard Criminal Record Check / Standard Disclosure is a more on-depth criminal record check than a basic one and can be issued for those individuals entering certain professions such as members of the legal, financial, security and health / social care professions – these categories of positions, professions, employments, activities and licences that are eligible are carefully regulated.
A standard DBS check highlights the criminal history of a person to potential employers or other organisations, to avoid unsuitable hirings or to protect vulnerable groups
A Standard Disclosure provides details of all ‘spent’ and ‘unspent’ convictions, as well as details of any cautions, reprimands or final warnings.
The barred lists allow the DBS to keep a record of people who are not permitted to work in a regulated activity with children and / or vulnerable adults. It’s a criminal offence for a person to work with a group from which they have been barred from working.
The barred list contains details of people who are barred from applying for, or working in, a regulated activity in relation to children and or Adults in England and Wales. The bar is imposed under the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006. The Barred List Check can be used to confirm a person’s appointment in a regulated activity by ensuring they are not prohibited from working with children and or Adults.
Inkerman Screening is able to get a criminal record check conducted in international jurisdictions – these checks are important to be conducted for any individual who has spent time in an international location during the screening period.
These checks differ to UK criminal record checks in that, as few countries have an organisation similar to the DBS to provide criminal record checks, these checks are dependant on accessing criminal records through the available sources, such as court records or police record certification.
We believe that with honesty and transparency come loyal relationships and tangible, long-lasting benefits. Let us help you on your way.
