Criminal record check - Whatever you wanted to learn!
A criminal record is the record of any individual’s criminal history and background. It is generally asked and used by the probable landlords or employers. It is kind of a report card to check the trustworthiness of a person. In UK, it is the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) department that issues the criminal records. An official criminal record check provides the safeguard against any criminal and fraudulent activity. It is helpful in the prevention of the possible loss of income, integrity and reputation.
Importance of criminal record checks:
• As per records, the fraud cases of employees costs UK business enterprise to lose about 12 billion pounds per year.
• In 2013, the rate of false employment applications increased by 70%. And by screening the criminal records of applicants 90% application fraud got unsuccessful.
• It was estimated that 27% applicants have given the false references and about 11% of the applicants falsely claim to have the higher degree.
• In the year 2013 the employment application- frauds were listed estimate 50% of all internal frauds recorded. By evaluating the above facts, it can be said that screening of criminal records can help in tracing many faults and frauds.
Types of disclosures:
Law has given provisions for eligibility of disclosure. And the level of criminal record check in UK depends on risk involved. Mainly there are three types of disclosures:
1. Basic check: Includes the detailed convictions of a person mentioned under the Rehabilitation of offenders Act 1972.
2. Standard Check: Is mainly for the people of certain professions like legal and accountancy sectors. In computers of England, Wales Scotland and Northern Ireland, a wide check of information is done.
3. Enhanced Check: Is the additional level of checking criminal records in UK. The need for an enhanced check is for the roles involved in caring, training or supervising of vulnerable people and children. This check may contain the non-conventional local police force information also.
Online Criminal Records Check:
As the name itself explains, this facility helps in checking criminal records online without submitting paper application form. It is more efficient, faster and cost effective process. Where on papers it takes average 4 weeks to complete action on applications by DBS, in online applications check the procedure is completed within 8 to 10 days.
Reference check:
These checks are used to confirm candidate’s previous employment history and educational background. This can easily certify the character and ability of the applicant. There are numerous types of reference checks; education reference, employment reference, professional and technical membership reference, etc. are some of them.
How to get a Criminal Record Check:
o Firstly, the employer gets an application form from the DBS or any umbrella body which is registered under DBS.
o Then the employer needs to get this application form filled by applicants along with his reference and identity documents.
o The filled application and other documents are then sent to DBS or its umbrella body.
o Finally, DBS issues the certificates and sends it to the applicant. Employer can then ask the applicant to see this certificate.
For more information, visit our website http://www.criminalrecordchecks.co.uk.
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