What is a Criminal background check?
What is a Criminal background check?
Ensuring the safety and security of your workplace is critical to the HR function. Whether you’re hiring new employees, consultants and other key stakeholders to your business, or even onboarding volunteers, conducting a comprehensive criminal background check is essential. With the advent of technology, criminal record checks can now be done online, providing expedited access to vital information that can help you make informed decisions.
DBS – Criminal Record Checks
The field of criminal justice has evolved dramatically, and so have the methods of conducting background checks. Employers that solely rely on references and/or personal recommendations increase risk within the business. Today, with the Disclosure and Barring Service, you can review the criminal history and character of your potential hires, giving you a more accurate picture of who they are.
In this article, we will explore the benefits of conducting a criminal background check online with MyVetting.com. Whether you’re a business owner, a hiring manager, or want to protect the vulnerable people in your care, you will need to understand the pre-employment checks you need to conduct – the DBS Check.
Why Conduct a Criminal Record Check?
When it comes to recruitment, conducting a criminal background check is an essential step to mitigate risk. Criminal convictions can have a significant impact on the safety and security of your environment. By conducting a thorough background check, you can minimise the risks of potential harm and make more informed decisions.
One of the primary reasons to conduct a criminal background check is to identify any individuals with prior criminal convictions, as the convictions may be in conflict with the role you are considering for them. This information is especially crucial if you’re hiring new employees or considering someone for a position of trust or responsibility. By knowing this history, you can assess any potential risks and make an informed decision based on that information.
What’s the Barred List?
In addition to criminal convictions, checking for sex offender records is equally important. These individuals may pose a significant threat to the safety and well-being of others, especially in environments where they may have access to children or vulnerable adults.
Conducting a background check that includes sex offender registry searches can help ensure that you’re creating a safe environment for all involved. These checks are called the Barred List, formerly known as List 99.
In the UK, criminal record checks are conducted through the Disclosure and Barring Service and are called a DBS check. DBS checks provide information about an individual’s criminal history. Depending on the level of DBS check, you will access information that includes spent and unspent convictions, warnings and cautions.
A DBS check provides comprehensive information about an individual’s criminal history, and – with a Barred List check – you will also be able to access information held by the local police.
The Importance of Thorough Criminal Background Checks
In today’s competitive job market, employers are faced with numerous challenges when it comes to making hiring decisions. One of the most crucial steps in the hiring process is conducting thorough criminal record checks for employment.
Criminal checks provide employers with valuable information about the criminal history of potential hires. This includes details about any past convictions and cautions. By obtaining this information, employers can make informed decisions and reduce the risk of hiring individuals with a history of violent behaviour or fraudulent activities.
Protecting Your Business
Conducting thorough criminal background checks can help companies protect their reputation and avoid any legal liabilities. Hiring an individual who has a criminal record without performing due diligence can lead to devastating consequences. Not only can it put other employees at risk, but it can also damage the reputation and trust of the company in the eyes of clients and customers.
The Rehabilitation of Offenders
While it is important to respect individuals’ right to rehabilitation and reintegration into society after serving their time, it is equally essential for employers to prioritise the safety and security of their workplace. By evaluating the criminal backgrounds of job applicants, employers can make responsible and well-informed hiring decisions that foster a safe and productive work environment.
How Does a Criminal Background Check Work?
A criminal background check is a crucial part of the hiring process that many employers utilise to ensure the safety and security of their workplace. This process involves assessing an individual’s criminal history and checking if they have any previous convictions or charges. It is done to mitigate any potential risks or liabilities associated with hiring someone who may have a criminal record.
To conduct a criminal background check, employers typically rely on various sources of information. This includes accessing public records such as court records, arrest records, sex offender registries, and even driving records. These records provide critical insights into an individual’s past activities, helping employers make informed decisions about their suitability for a particular job.
A criminal background check is an essential tool that employers use to ensure the safety and integrity of their workforce. By assessing an individual’s criminal history, employers can make informed decisions and protect their organization from potential liabilities. It is important to remember that a criminal background check should always be conducted in compliance with local laws and regulations to maintain privacy and fairness
What Information is Included in a Criminal Background Check?
A criminal background check is a crucial tool used by employers and organisations who want to ensure the safety and security of those they work with. But what exactly does a criminal background check entail? Well, it’s more than just a casual glance at someone’s criminal record.
First and foremost, a comprehensive criminal background check involves verifying a person’s identity. This includes confirming their name, date of birth, and National Security number. Once their identity is established, the background check moves on to searching police records, to look for any criminal records or convictions. This type of search may uncover information about warnings, cautions and reprimands.
Additionally, a criminal background check may also include a sex offender registry search. This can identify if the person being checked is a registered sex offender. This information is especially important for employers or organisations that work closely with vulnerable people, such as children or the elderly. Some background checks may also include a search for civil judgments and bankruptcies, which can provide insight into a person’s financial stability and character.
How to Choose the Right Provider for Your Criminal Background Check
When it comes to conducting a criminal background check, choosing the right provider is crucial. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide which provider to trust with such an important task.
You will only be able to carry out DBS checks with a Home-Office approved company, like MyVetting.
The speed and ease of obtaining the results should also be taken into consideration. In today’s fast-paced world, waiting for weeks to receive the information you need is simply not practical.
Typically, DBS checks were paper-based and could take weeks to go through the system. MyVetting has harnessed the power of digital to run DBS checks from their DBS portal, where you can buy, manage and track checks. Our process is fully-GDPR, ISO9001 and ISO27001 compliant. MyVetting’s user-friendly platform offers quick turnaround times and affordable prices that work for your budget.
