UK Background Checks are not just about criminal records - they also cover other important aspects such as financial history, health history and education history.
A check of an applicant's background may include their education or employment history, criminal record, financial and credit history, as well as proof of identity and right to work. But background screening isn't limited to these checks; certain industries have specific checks that all companies must carry out.
5. How far back do background checks extend? It depends on the role and the nature of the business, but you should expect checks to go back at least five years.
Areas covered by background checks
Background screenings cover a number of different areas. The exact things that an employer looks at usually depend on the nature of the business and the role you've applied for. Areas that your background check may cover include: employment history.
Yes. In 2008, the UK government passed the Employment Background Check Act which requires employers to conduct criminal record checks, reference checks, and even credit checks before they start the onboarding process.
Basic checks take up to 14 days. Enhanced and standard checks usually take around 8 weeks. It may take shorter or longer, depending on: the type of check.
If you have a criminal record or are facing a criminal conviction, you might be wondering whether it will be possible for you to get a job and enjoy a fulfilling career now or in the future. Don't panic: the answer is yes. People get criminal records for all kinds of reasons, and it is not our place to judge you.
Employers will attempt to verify your employment history using the references you provide. They may find out your work history through platforms such as LinkedIn.
If you're confident you can provide all the information required and that there's no reason you wouldn't pass these checks then it is advisable to resign as soon as possible after signing and returning the written contract. However, if you have any concerns about the background checks, it might be better to wait.
Pre employment screening checks are a way for employers to confirm the background of a potential employee, that they satisfy the preconditions of the role and to identify potential risks associated with employing the individual, such as a criminal history or having no UK right to work.
You can check qualifications by asking to see the candidate's certificates. Alternatively, you can check with the awarding bodies or use one of the checking services. The Council for Curriculum Examinations & Assessment (CCEA) has details of the qualifications it accredits.
How do employers check degrees? During the hiring process, it is common for the hiring manager to ask you to present a copy of your diploma or submit a sealed transcript. These will be kept in your file. These are the methods to verify your education from you.
Enhanced checks will show all the convictions, cautions and reprimands which appear on the standard disclosure checks but also can include “any other information held”. This other information might include details of times when you've been arrested but without any charges being brought.
The easiest and cheapest way to find out your criminal record is to apply for a copy of your police records from the Police. You're entitled to exercise your rights to obtain information that is held about you under the Data Protection Act 1998. This process is known as a Subject Access Request.
Yes, you can. In fact, it is not uncommon to consider resigning when you are facing disciplinary allegations, but this is a very tactical situation and one that ideally you should take legal advice on before you make any decision. The benefits of resigning on the face of it are clear.
You don't have to give a reason for your resignation. However, if you're resigning because of something your employer did, you should say this in the letter. This will give you evidence if you decide to take legal action against them.
If you've been in your job for less than a month, you don't have to give notice unless the contract or terms and conditions require you to. If you've been in your job for more than 1 month, you must give at least 1 week's notice. It's best to resign in writing, so there's no argument about when you did it.
Some employers may request information about your separation from the previous employer, while others don't ask. If an employer doesn't ask you directly, you're not legally required to disclose details about your previous termination.
answers to questions from the employer requesting the reference. details about your skills, ability and experience. details about your character, strengths and weaknesses relating to your suitability for the new role. how often you were off work.
Most new employers will ask for references before confirming a job offer especially from your most recent employer but what if you were dismissed from your previous role, can your old employer tell your new employer that you were dismissed? The simple answer is yes but it must be factually correct.
In most cases, if you have a criminal record the police will retain this information for your entire life. However, as long as the offence isn't considered a specified offence, a criminal record check could come back clear after 6-10 years. The answer to this question is entirely circumstantial.
Sadly, the answer to the above question is yes and this article explains why it is becoming more common.
Can I get a security clearance with a criminal record? Every application for clearance is treated individually and will consider how serious the offence was, how long ago the crime was committed, the age of the offender at the time and various other factors.