In today’s data-driven world, employers must balance the need to vet staff through background checks with the responsibility of handling personal data lawfully. GDPR and DBS checks go hand in hand—when employers request a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, they must also ensure they comply with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). Understanding how to legally process this information is essential for maintaining trust, transparency, and compliance.
What is Dbs Update Service: How It Works and Why It Matters
When it comes to hiring or moving into a role that requires a criminal record check, time and efficiency are key. That’s where the DBS Update Service proves incredibly useful. But what is it, who can use it, and why should employers and applicants consider it?
This guide from ClearCheck.co.uk explains everything you need to know about the DBS Update Service, its benefits, and how it fits into the wider DBS checking process in the UK.
Are DBS Checks Transferable Between Employers?
When hiring staff or changing jobs, one common question is: Are DBS checks transferable between employers? The short answer is: not always. While there are situations where a previous DBS check might be accepted by a new employer, there are also many cases where a fresh application is necessary. Understanding the rules around DBS transferability can help both employers and applicants save time and ensure compliance.
What Is a Share Code? A Guide for Right to Work Checks in the UK
If you’re an employer in the UK or a non-UK citizen looking to prove your right to work, you may have come across the term “share code”. But what exactly is a share code, and why is it important?
The Importance of Employee Background Checks for UK Businesses
Hiring the right employees is critical for any UK business, but making the wrong decision can lead to financial losses, reputational damage, and even legal consequences. Employee background checks help mitigate these risks by verifying candidates’ credentials, work history, and criminal records. This article explains why these checks are essential and how businesses can implement them effectively.
What Shows Up on a DBS Check? Understanding Your Report
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is a crucial part of background screening in the UK, particularly for roles involving vulnerable groups or positions of trust. Whether you’re an employer or job applicant, understanding what appears on a DBS certificate helps ensure transparency in the hiring process.
Can You Work Without a DBS Check? Legal Considerations
In the UK, many jobs require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to ensure the safety of vulnerable groups, including children and adults at risk. But can you work without one? The answer depends on the role and legal requirements.
DBS standard or Enhanced check: Which One Do You Need?
The hiring process in the UK is a highly regulated one to ensure maximum safety in the workplace. Hence, DBS checks are a top priority for employers here.
Generally, a basic DBS check is enough for employers to cover matters of legal compliance in the UK. However, if the workplace involves children or vulnerable people, the equation is a bit different.
1 in 5 Healthcare Workers Fail Background Check
The proportion of candidates flagged as a “cause for concern” during background checks in the UK healthcare sector has doubled since 2023, according to new research data. Currently, one in five applicants fails to pass initial screening, representing a sharp increase from 10% the previous year. All employers in the healthcare sector are expected to be checking immigration status and legal right to work as a bare minimum, and many also ask for enhanced DBS checks. Employers may also fact check CVs or application letters, screen social media, or request copies of professional qualifications.
Increase in Arrests for Illegal Working
At the start of December 2024, The Home Office has reported a significant rise in arrests for illegal working following intensified efforts to target rogue businesses who are not doing identity checking correctly, or are turning a blind eye to applicants who might be the UK illegally. New figures reveal a 25% increase in arrests compared to the same period last year, highlighting the government’s focus on tackling illegal employment practices.
