What do Background Checks in the UK Include?
March 16, 2022 - Reading time: 10 minutes
Updated on: September 4, 2025

As a leading detective agency based in the UK, our clients often ask us to carry out background checks on individuals. Background checks are useful in a wide range of different circumstances, such as:

  • Pre-employment screening to check the suitability of prospective employees
  • Relationship background checks to examine your partner’s history
  • Checking a relative’s new partner
  • Investigating an ex-partner’s new partner to ensure they are safe to be around your children

What do background checks actually include?

Background checks come in various forms. In general, when you request a background check in the UK, it may include the following:

  • Verification of the subject’s personal details: This may include their full name, address, contact details, date of birth, marriage or death verification, national insurance number (if known), passport information (if known), and driving licence details (where provided). These checks help confirm that the person is who they claim to be.
  • Criminal history research: While it is not possible to obtain someone’s official criminal record without their consent, we may be able to identify relevant history through open-source intelligence (OSINT). This can include researching court appearances, media reports, and legal listings to flag any past involvement in criminal or civil proceedings.
  • Financial background checks: Bankruptcy and insolvency records, credit checks (where legally permitted), County Court Judgments (CCJs), and debt-related information. This helps assess whether the subject is in financial distress or appears financially stable.

Enhanced background checks

Enhanced background checks include everything in the standard checks, plus the following:

  • Social media and digital footprint check: Identification of online profiles and activity linked to the subject, including any concerning posts or connections.
  • International sanctions and watch list checks: Identification of any listings under international law enforcement, banking, or governmental bodies.
  • Business interests and directorship search: Are they involved in any UK or international businesses? We check Companies House and other business registers.
  • Reputation and negative publicity: Searching news archives and online platforms for press coverage or public allegations involving the subject.
  • Address history trace: Compilation of previously linked addresses and cohabitants where available, helping to establish residency patterns.

Online dating background checks

Introducing someone from an app into your life carries risk. Romance fraud, catfishing, and misrepresentation are common. A discreet online dating background check helps confirm identity and spot red flags before you invest time, emotion, or money.

What we can check

  • Identity and photo verification: Cross-check names, claimed age, and location against independent sources. Reverse image review to spot stock photos or borrowed pictures.
  • Relationship status indicators: Open-source checks for signs of a current partner or recent cohabitation. We never break into private accounts.
  • Court listings and news mentions: Publicly available civil or criminal court appearances, protective orders reported by media, and adverse press.
  • Employment and qualifications: Light-touch verification of claimed roles, companies, and education using lawful sources.
  • Financial risk markers: Insolvency, CCJs, and similar public records that can indicate vulnerability to, or patterns of, financial issues.
  • Digital footprint and social media: Presence across platforms, inconsistent personas, concerning posts, or multiple aliases.

Romance fraud red flags

  • Refuses video calls or in-person meetings after weeks of contact
  • Asks for money, crypto, gift cards, or “urgent fees”
  • Stories that change, pressure to move chats off the app, or secrecy demands
  • Photos that trace to models or unrelated profiles

If your gut says something is off, it usually is. We can assess risk quickly and confidentially. For a tailored dating safety check, get in touch.

If you would like a free quote for a background check, then please get in touch with us and let us know which exact checks you would like us to perform.

A woman reviewing documents with a pen, making handwritten notes

Why do people run background checks?

There are many reasons someone might want to run a background check on another individual. Whether it’s for personal safety, family reassurance, or business due diligence, background screening can play a key role in decision-making. In today’s world, it's simply wise to take precautions before allowing someone new into your life or organisation.

A background check can raise red flags that might not be visible on the surface. Or, it can offer confirmation that everything is as it should be. Either way, it provides valuable peace of mind.

Employment background screening

More and more UK employers are now using pre-employment checks to avoid costly mistakes. Employment background screening helps reduce the risk of hiring someone with a problematic history, and it also protects your company’s reputation.

Typically, this includes identity verification, previous employment checks, and criminal history research where permitted. Many companies also request social media checks and online reputation reviews to assess a candidate’s character and past conduct.

Personal background screening

If you’re concerned about someone new in your personal life, whether it’s a partner, friend, or your child’s new step-parent, a personal background check can offer vital reassurance. These are often used to check a partner’s past or investigate someone close to a loved one.

We are frequently asked to perform checks on individuals entering a client’s family circle — such as a daughter’s new boyfriend or a parent’s new partner. If you’re wondering how to check someone’s background in the UK discreetly, this service is for you.

Whether you’re acting on suspicion or just instinct, running a background check is often a responsible and proactive step. It can help safeguard those you care about.

Why choose PrivateInvestigators-UK for your background checks?

At PrivateInvestigators-UK, we provide a tailored and discreet background check service across the UK. We pride ourselves on close personal communication with every client. We listen to your specific needs and recommend the most effective, legal and affordable solution.

Please visit our homepage for more about us, or feel free to get in touch for a free background check quote today.

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