UK Criminal Record Checks
As one of the UK’s largest criminal records check provider, we process over 797,000 applications every year. First Advantage offer all levels of UK criminal records checks as registered body with Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), Disclosure Scotland (DS), and Access NI. We offer basic, standard, and enhanced criminal record checks. In addition, for UK applicants who have lived or travelled abroad, we provide international criminal record checks.
Furthermore, once the initial check has been conducted, you can monitor the individual’s DBS criminal record to ensure that you have visibility when updates are made that may indicate that new convictions, cautions, reprimands, or warnings have been added. This cost-effective method of tracking your employees’ criminal records, available via our KnowYourPeople customer platform, helps your organisation to manage risk and maintain a safe and trusted workforce.
Different Types of UK Criminal Records Checks
Basic Criminal Record Check
The Basic criminal record check is the most commonly conducted type of check and applies to a wide array of positions and purposes, such as to support a Visa application.
England & Wales: A Basic DBS check is available to any individual applying for, or already employed in, a position. The Basic DBS contains details of convictions (and conditional cautions in England and Wales) that are considered to be unspent under the terms of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA).
Northern Ireland/Scotland: A basic check can also be used for any purpose and contains details of unspent convictions.
To refer to country-specific information relating to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act:
Standard Criminal Record Check
For each country in the UK, the Standard Disclosure can only be used for specific roles.
England & Wales: England & Wales: The Standard DBS Check discloses details of relevant spent convictions and all unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and warnings on the Police National Computer (PNC).
DBS Update Service Monitoring: Only applicable within England & Wales for Standard and Enhanced DBS checks, this status check, available via our KnowYourPeople platform, allows organisations to check whether updates to police records were made since the DBS certificate was last issued.
Northern Ireland: In NI, this contains details of spent and unspent convictions, informed warnings, and other non-court disposals from the PNC.
Scotland: This level of disclosure contains details of unspent convictions, relevant spent convictions, and unspent cautions, although also extends to information from the Sex Offenders Register. This may include roles such as solicitors, accountants, or for those services providing care according to the Scottish government.
To refer to country-specific information relating to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act:
Enhanced Criminal Record Check
In general, for an Enhanced check, an individual must meet certain eligibility criteria.
England & Wales: While an Enhanced level DBS check is used for specific purposes such as for those working with vulnerable children or adults, this type of DBS check contains the same Police National Computer (PNC) information as the standard level certificate, but also includes an additional check of information held by the police forces if this is deemed relevant. An Enhanced DBS check can also include a check of the Child and Adult Barred lists if the role is eligible.
DBS Update Service Monitoring: Only applicable within England & Wales for Standard and Enhanced DBS checks, this status check, available via our KnowYourPeople platform, allows organisations to check for updates to police records since the DBS certificate was last issued.
Northern Ireland: Similarly, while only applicable to certain roles such as those in vulnerable circumstances, an Enhanced Check contains details of spent and unspent convictions from the Police National Computer (PNC), cautions, informed warnings, and other non-court disposals from the PNC, along with information held by the Disclosure and Barring Service (for positions in regulated activity) and information held by the police that is relevant to the role being applied for. Some older or minor convictions and non-court disposals on a criminal record may be filtered. If the role is eligible, this can also include a check of the Child and Adult Barred list.
Scotland: Disclosure Scotland includes the details of unspent convictions, relevant spent convictions, unspent cautions, inclusions on children’s or adult’s list if it’s relevant to the job, or other relevant information held by the Police information from the Sex Offenders Register. This may be appropriate to check the suitability of those looking to adopt or apply for certain gaming or lottery licenses.
PVG Scheme: PVG stands for Protecting Vulnerable Groups and applies to those doing regulated work with children and protected adults in Scotland. It details all unspent and certain conviction information, as well as any other non-conviction information that the police or other government bodies think is relevant. Disclosure Scotland keeps a close eye on the PVG Scheme members’ records for vetting information such as criminal convictions that may affect the suitability of individuals to work with vulnerable groups.
To refer to country-specific information relating to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act:
Learn more about UK DBS Checks
First Advantage’s UK criminal records checking services provide our customers with the following features and benefits:
- Digital ID verification aligned with the UK Digital Identity and Attributes Trust Framework and DBS guidelines to enable faster, more efficient identity checks, and more thorough and accurate criminal record checks based on accurate identity details.
- Easy access to the UK’s national network of Post Office branches, for applicants who would prefer to verify their ID in person.
- Self-service for applicant registration available via our KnowYourPeople platform
- Online payment mechanism provides both our customers and applicants with payment options – Available on our KnowYourPeople platform.
International Criminal Record Checks
The process when applying to access criminal records can vary significantly, both in the UK and throughout the world. However, whether applicants are working in regulated industries, providing delivery services, or any activities requiring the employer to conduct criminal record checks, First Advantage’s services and teams of specialists help to support employers across the globe in conducting the relevant checks for roles, according to local country requirements.
What is it?
Our UK and international criminal records checks search both local and national jurisdictions for the applicant’s criminal records history. Records may be made available via a national criminal database held by police or justice services or may involve court record checks.
What do I get?
When utilising our UK and international criminal records check service, you will receive a full, easy to navigate audit trail of the applicant’s criminal records check history, including timelines. Depending on local country processes, data returned may include confirmation of a clear criminal record with associated ‘clearance certificate,’ or confirmation of criminal record outcomes.
What are the benefits?
Leveraging technology to drive your UK and international criminal records check process vastly reduces turnaround times by quickly providing you with indicative results. This enables employers to make smarter and faster recruitment decisions, without compromising wider safeguarding protocols. Employers have options to deliver both self-service and online payment facilities to their applicants. In addition, as a founding member of the Criminal Records Trade Body (CRTB), First Advantage will keep you informed of the latest market developments.
DBS Update Monitoring
Monitor your employees’ DBS criminal records to help maintain a safe and trusted workforce.
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