Whatever the sector you work in, job adverts may state “background screening” required, or have some other phrase around vetting or checking. This sort of checking can take many forms. If you’re applying for a new job, checks usually have to be completed before you can start work. But what sort of checks can you expect to come across?
Checks on Nationality
All employers in the UK have to make sure that the people working for them are in the UK legally, and have the right to work. If companies employ illegal workers, they can be fined up to £20,000. It’s standard practice to ask people to bring their passport to interview to prove their nationality. A UK passport confirms right to work. Other passports might also prove someone’s right to work in the UK depending on where the person is from, and their immigration status.
Other Forms of Employment Background Checking
If you’re applying for jobs in security, for the government or in finance, there may be a further level of checking. Each organisation has their own way of doing this. They might ask about your financial history, criminal record, or ask you to provide several references. Government checking is the strictest, and it you’re applying to work in sensitive roles, you might have to give details of your family members too. Employers and governments design these checks to weed out people who could be a security risk. The types of risk will depend on the business. Answer all questions with as much detail as you can.
DBS Checking
The other main type of checking done is through the Disclosure and Barring Service, or DBS. If you’re living in Scotland you’ll deal with Disclosure Scotland, and in Nothern Ireland, AccessNI does the checks. Whatever the body, only certain types of jobs qualify for a DBS check. There are also three different levels of check – basic, standard and enhanced. The type of check you have done will depend on the role you will be doing.Enhanced checking, the most detail type of check, is usually reserved for people who are going to be working with children or vulnerable adults. Basic or Standard checks are for jobs in banks, airports or for admin staff in hospitals.
Issues with Background Screening
Legally, employers can’t offer you a job if you don’t have the right to work in the UK. Everything else is open to negotiation and explanation. Employers usually have someone in the HR department whose job it is to check the vetting forms and make employment decisions. It’s always best to be open and honest about your past. If you have a minor conviction from many years ago, this might not go against you, if you explain what happened. However, if the employer thinks you’re trying to hide things from them, they might have concerns about your honesty.
If incorrect information appears on a DBS check form, then you can challenge it. This usually involves going to the police station to give your fingerprints, which can be compared to those on record.
