Employers in the UK are legally allowed to carry out DBS verification on an individual's criminal record, regardless of the position they are applying for. However, not all background checks are free of charge. Unless you are an employer, you are limited to the background checks you can perform on someone. If you are an employer, you have the right to carry out all ten background checks on a candidate or employee, provided you have their consent and a valid reason. It is important to note that some of these checks may incur a cost, such as a DBS check.
If you are looking to check your partner's criminal record, you should consult the Clare Act and Sarah's Law (see “How to check your partner's criminal record in the UK”, below). You can also use social media to perform background checks on someone, as the information is public* and there is no cost associated with using most social media platforms. However, some users may block certain information from being posted online, making this method unreliable. You must also not try to access private profile information illegally. The most commonly processed background check is the basic criminal background check, which applies to a wide range of positions and purposes, such as supporting a visa application.
There are three levels of criminal record searching in the UK: Basic, Standard and Enhanced. This level of DBS verification may also include a review of the lists of excluded children and adults to determine if the position is eligible. After right to work checks, which are mandatory for all UK employers, criminal background checks are the most frequently performed background checks. For people who want to check their partner's background, they should check the Clare Act and Sarah's Law (see “How to check your partner's criminal record in the UK”, below). In England (26% Wales), these verifications are processed by the Disclosure and Prohibition Service (DBS), while in Northern Ireland, Access NI carries them out, and in Scotland, Disclosure Scotland. Some background checks can be processed instantly, such as right to work checks, credit checks in the UK, DVLA verification and international sanctions.
The cost of a background check in the UK will depend on the type of verification being carried out and who is requesting it. When it comes to understanding how much a background check costs in the UK, it is important to consider what type of verification is being requested. For example, if an employer is looking for a basic criminal record search for a potential employee or candidate, then this will be free of charge. However, if they require an enhanced DBS check or any other type of verification that requires additional information or access to databases then there may be a fee associated with this. The cost of a DBS check will depend on who is requesting it and what type of search they require. For example, if an employer is looking for an enhanced DBS check then this will cost more than a basic criminal record search.
Additionally, if an individual is looking for a basic criminal record search then this will be free of charge. It is important to note that some employers may require additional verifications such as credit checks or DVLA verifications which may incur additional costs. Additionally, if an individual is looking for international sanctions or any other type of verification then this may also incur additional costs. In conclusion, understanding how much a background check costs in the UK depends on what type of verification is being requested and who is requesting it. Employers may require additional verifications which could incur additional costs while individuals may be able to access some verifications free of charge.
