Making informed decisions about who you bring into your organisation is important. Especially in the highly competitive job market created by the pandemic. So, while employment background checks aren’t new, they’ve become a true cornerstone of the recruitment process.
These checks offer valuable insights into a candidate’s qualifications, history, and suitability for a role. But what exactly do these checks entail? Are they just about verifying credentials, or is there more beneath the surface?
What Are Employment Background Checks?
Employment background checks are a series of investigations that employers conduct to verify the information job applicants provide and assess their suitability for a position. That’s why these checks are also known as pre-employment screening or background screening.
Why Are Employment Background Checks Important?
Background checks are a vital part of the recruitment process for several reasons:
- Risk mitigation – They help employers identify risks associated with hiring a potential employee, such as criminal history or fraudulent qualifications.
- Compliance – Many industries have specific regulatory requirements that mandate certain background checks.
- Workplace safety – Thorough background checks contribute to creating a safer work environment for all employees.
- Quality of hires – By verifying qualifications and employment history, employers can ensure they hire genuinely qualified individuals.
- Protection of company assets – Background checks can help safeguard an organisation’s financial and intellectual property.
What Types of Background Checks Are Available in the UK?
Employers in the UK have access to various types of background checks. The specific checks conducted may depend on the nature of the job, industry regulations, and the level of responsibility associated with the position. Here are some common types of background checks used in the UK:
Right to Work Checks
Right to work checks are mandatory for all employers in the UK. These checks verify that a candidate has the legal right to work in the country. Employers must check original documents that prove an individual’s right to work, such as a passport or residence permit.
Criminal Record Checks
Criminal record checks reveal information about an individual’s criminal history. In the UK, these are primarily conducted through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). There are three levels of DBS checks:
- Basic DBS Check – Shows unspent convictions and conditional cautions.
- Standard DBS Check – Reveals spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and final warnings.
- Enhanced DBS Check – Includes all information from a Standard check, plus any relevant information held by local police forces.
Enhanced DBS checks are typically required for positions involving work with children or vulnerable groups.
Employment History Verification
This check involves contacting past employers to confirm the candidate’s work history, including job titles, dates of employment, and reasons for leaving. It helps identify any discrepancies in the information provided by the applicant.
Education and Qualification Checks
Education checks verify the academic qualifications and professional certifications claimed by the candidate. This may involve contacting educational institutions or professional bodies to confirm the authenticity of degrees, diplomas, or licenses.
Credit Checks
Employers may conduct credit checks for positions involving financial responsibilities to assess a candidate’s financial history and identify potential risks.
Social Media Checks
Some employers may review a candidate’s social media profiles to gain insights into their character and behaviour outside of work.
Reference Checks
Contacting professional references provided by the candidate can offer valuable insights into their work ethic, skills, and performance in previous roles.
How Do Employment Background Checks Work in the UK?
The background check process typically follows these steps:
- Obtain consent – Employers must obtain written consent from the candidate before conducting any background checks.
- Determine necessary checks – Employers decide which checks are necessary based on the job role and industry requirements.
- Collect information – The employer gathers relevant information from the candidate, such as employment history and qualifications.
- Conduct checks – The employer or a third-party screening provider performs the necessary checks.
- Review results – The employer reviews the results of the background checks and assesses their implications for the hiring decision.
- Make a decision – Based on the results and other factors, the employer decides whether to proceed with the job offer or withdraw it.
What Legal Considerations Should Employers Be Aware Of?
When conducting employment background checks in the UK, employers must adhere to various laws and regulations:
Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR
These laws govern how personal data should be collected, processed, and stored. Employers must ensure they have a lawful basis for processing personal data and inform candidates how their information will be used.
Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974
This act allows certain criminal convictions to become ‘spent’ after a specified period. Employers cannot discriminate against individuals with spent convictions unless the role is exempt from the act.
Equality Act 2010
This legislation protects individuals from discrimination based on protected characteristics. Employers must ensure their background checking processes do not unfairly disadvantage any group.
Employment Rights Act 1996
This act outlines employees’ rights and employers’ responsibilities, including those related to recruitment and hiring practices.
What Are the Best Practices for Conducting Employment Background Checks?
To ensure a fair and effective background checking process, employers should consider the following best practices:
- Create a comprehensive background check policy that outlines which checks will be conducted for different roles and how the information will be used.
- Apply the same level of scrutiny to all candidates for a particular role to avoid discrimination claims.
- Clearly communicate to candidates what checks will be conducted and obtain their written consent.
- If outsourcing background checks, choose a reputable provider with experience in UK employment screening.
- Only conduct checks that are relevant to the specific job role and responsibilities.
- If negative information is uncovered, allow candidates to explain or provide context before making a final decision.
- Ensure that all information obtained through background checks is confidential and only shared on a need-to-know basis.
- Periodically review your background checking processes to ensure they remain compliant with current laws and best practices.
How Can Advanced Vetting Help with Employment Background Checks?
Advanced Vetting specialises in providing comprehensive pre-employment screening and vetting services tailored to meet the specific needs of UK businesses. Our expert team can assist you with:
- Conducting thorough and compliant background checks
- Navigating complex regulatory requirements
- Streamlining your recruitment process
- Mitigating hiring risks
By partnering with Advanced Vetting, you can ensure that your employment background checks are conducted with the utmost professionalism, accuracy, and attention to detail.
Building a Strong Workforce Through Background Screening
Employment background checks are an essential component of the modern hiring process. They help employers make informed decisions, mitigate risks, and create safer work environments. By understanding the types of checks available, legal considerations, and best practices, organisations can implement effective background screening processes that contribute to their overall success.
Remember, the key to successful employment background checks lies in striking the right balance between thorough screening and respect for candidates’ privacy and rights. With the right approach and expert support from specialists like Advanced Vetting, you can build a workforce of integrity and excellence, setting your organisation on the path to long-term success. Contact us today.
