In today’s world, verifying the credibility of individuals is more important than ever. A background check is used to investigate an individual’s history, character, and reputation, providing a comprehensive understanding of their past.
This article delves into background checks, guiding you through the importance of background checks, the types conducted in the UK, and the benefits of hiring a professional background check company.
Background Checks: An Introduction
A background check is an essential process used to investigate an individual’s history, character, and reputation. It is usually conducted before employment, tenancy, or loan approval to ensure that the individual does not pose a risk to the individual or the company.
Ultimately, the purpose of a background check is to verify the accuracy of information provided by the applicant and to uncover any potential issues that may not have been disclosed.
Why is a Background Check Important?
Background checks are crucial when it comes to employment. There are several reasons why employers should conduct a background check on their prospective employees:
- Protection from potential harm – background checks can protect employers from harm that could result from hiring someone with a criminal record or other negative history. This could include theft, violence, or other harmful behaviours that could endanger co-workers or customers.
- Protection from potential legal issues – if an employer hires someone with a criminal record who goes on to harm someone, the employer could be held liable for negligent hiring. Conducting a background check can help protect an employer from potential legal issues and liabilities
- Protecting the job applicant’s reputation – background checks provide an opportunity for job applicants to clarify any issues that may show up on their record. It also ensures that their reputation is protected from any false accusations or misunderstandings that could come up during the hiring process.
It is important to note that employers should only conduct background checks that are relevant to the job in question and not discriminate against applicants based on their past.
Types of Background Checks Conducted in the UK
Background checks are a crucial aspect of the hiring process. Employers need to have a complete understanding of an applicant’s history to ensure that they are a good fit for the job and do not pose any potential risks to the company.
Here are the most common types of background checks carried out in the UK:
Criminal Record Checks
Criminal record checks are one of the most common types of background checks carried out in the UK. This type of check provides details of an individual’s criminal history and can be used to determine whether the applicant has a criminal record.
There are different levels of criminal record checks, and the level required will depend on the nature of the job and the level of responsibility involved.
Enhanced DBS Check
An Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check in the UK is the highest level of check to understand an individual’s criminal history. It is typically required for roles that involve regular unsupervised contact with children or vulnerable adults.
Credit Checks
Credit checks are another common type of background check used by employers. This type of check provides information on an individual’s financial history, including any bankruptcies, debt, or outstanding loans.
Credit checks are commonly carried out for roles involving access to financial information or handling sensitive data.
Employment History Checks
Employment history checks are used to verify an applicant’s employment history and ensure that the information provided on their CV or job application is accurate.
This type of check can also provide information about an individual’s job performance, reasons for leaving previous roles, and any disciplinary action taken against them.
Academic Qualification Checks
Academic qualification checks are used to verify an applicant’s educational history and ensure that the information provided on their CV or job application is accurate. This type of check can also provide information about an individual’s qualifications and the institution that awarded them.
Academic qualification checks are crucial for roles that require specific qualifications or skills.
Hiring a Professional Background Check Company
When it comes to background checks, it’s always recommended to work with a professional background check company. There are several advantages to hiring a reputable company, including:
- Access to complete background screening services
- Expertise in the field of background checks
- Reassurance that the screening complies with legal requirements
- Reduced risk of errors or omissions
Choosing the right background check company is crucial, as it can make a significant difference in the quality of the results. When looking for a background check provider, consider the following:
- Experience in providing background screening services
- The range of services offered and their suitability for your business needs
- The company’s reputation and customer satisfaction levels
- The cost and affordability of their services
Get a Background Check Today
Here at Global Investigations, we offer comprehensive background checks. Our checks are designed to provide valuable insights about an individual’s history, character, and reputation, which can be used for making informed decisions in both personal and business contexts.
In addition, our background check services are thorough and comply with all regulations and legalities, such as the Data Protection Act (DPA).
To find out more about our background checks, get in contact today and speak to our friendly team. We are here to help and support you every step of the way.
