How to Check Criminal Records (UK): Essential Information
March 11, 2024 - Reading time: 7 minutes
Updated on: April 6, 2025
There are many situations in which you may need to check someone's criminal convictions in the UK. For employers, checking criminal records is crucial to ensure a candidate's suitability and safety for a role. Individuals might also want to review their own criminal records, or check someone else's history, particularly regarding violence or offences involving children.
This guide provides essential information on checking criminal records in the UK, covering who can perform these checks, the types of checks available, and the process involved. We’ll also discuss the benefits of conducting thorough background investigations.
How to Check Someone’s Criminal Record in the UK
A criminal background check is an essential tool for assessing someone's past behaviour and trustworthiness. In the UK, these checks are primarily carried out by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
Commonly referred to as a DBS check (which replaced the older CRB check), it reveals an individual’s criminal record, focusing on unspent convictions. Depending on the purpose, you can request different levels of checks. Whether for personal knowledge, employment, or vetting job applicants, a DBS check can be requested.
Personal Checks: Understanding Criminal Records
Generally, personal criminal record checks are not permitted unless you are an employer considering a candidate. However, there are exceptions. If you need to check if an individual poses a risk to children or your partner has a history of violence, you can access specific information by contacting the police directly. Always make sure you follow legal protocols when requesting sensitive information.
How to Check Your Own Criminal Convictions
If you wish to check your own criminal record, you can apply for a basic DBS check. This check reveals any unspent convictions and conditional cautions. It’s useful when applying for jobs and helps you understand what might show up on an employer’s background check.
You can request this check online via the GOV.UK website, where you’ll need to authenticate your identity and provide your address history. The process is straightforward, ensuring that you have full control over your own criminal history information.
Employers Checking a Candidate’s Criminal Record
Employers often perform criminal record checks to safeguard their workforce, comply with regulations, or assess risk. A basic DBS check is available for employers to ensure that applicants have no unspent convictions.
For certain roles, more in-depth checks may be necessary. Standard DBS checks provide details on spent convictions, cautions, and warnings. Enhanced DBS checks are more thorough and can uncover additional relevant information held by the police.
For roles involving children or vulnerable adults, employers can check whether an individual appears on the DBS barred lists, indicating whether they are legally prohibited from working with these groups.
For further information on the appropriate DBS check, visit the GOV.UK website where you can learn which type of check is suitable for a given role. If you are an employer, you can also make requests through authorised DBS organisations.
Inquiry for Child Sex Offenders
Under the Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme (CSODS), also known as Sarah’s Law, you can inquire with the police about an individual’s history related to child sex offences or their potential risk to children.
This service is open to anyone concerned about the safety of children, whether or not they are directly related. Applications can be made online through your local police force, via the 101 number, or by visiting a police station. This ensures the safety of children by allowing individuals to make informed decisions regarding the people they interact with.
Inquiry Into a History of Violence or Abuse
The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (Clare’s Law) allows you to formally inquire with the police if an individual has a background of violent or abusive behaviour. This scheme can be used by individuals concerned about their own safety or that of someone they care about.
In such cases, the police’s response will depend on the nature of the relationship between the requester and the individual in question. Information may include details of violent crimes, sexual offences, harassment, or other forms of abuse. For urgent cases, it’s important to call 999 immediately.
Background Checks from Private Investigators
While criminal record checks such as DBS provide specific information about convictions, they are not comprehensive in assessing a person’s full character. For a broader understanding, especially when dealing with an employee, partner, business associate, or tenant, you may want to consider a more detailed background check service.
Private investigators can access publicly available data to provide a more thorough analysis of an individual’s background. For example, court records searches may uncover prior court appearances, even if no conviction was made.
Investigators can also use social media checks and facial recognition technology to reveal a person’s history, which may include links to adult content or dating sites, offering a deeper insight into their character. It’s important to note that accessing publicly available data is generally not subject to the same restrictions as DBS checks, making it possible for investigators to gather information that clients may not otherwise have access to.
For any concerns regarding criminal records or background checks, Private Investigators UK is here to help. Visit our homepage to learn more or request a free quote.
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