Employers in the UK are legally obliged to ensure safe recruitment practices, especially in roles involving children, vulnerable adults, or sensitive information. While a DBS Check provides details about a candidate’s criminal history within the UK, it may not show offences committed abroad. This is where Overseas Criminal Record Checks come into play, offering an additional safeguard for employers hiring candidates with an international background.
Why DBS Checks Alone Aren’t Always Enough
A standard or enhanced DBS check only covers criminal records held in the UK. If an applicant has lived or worked abroad, there could be gaps in the information provided. For example, someone who spent several years working overseas may have committed offences during that time that would not appear on a UK-only DBS certificate.
To close this gap, employers are encouraged – and in some sectors required – to request an overseas criminal record check from the relevant country alongside a DBS check.
What Is an Overseas Criminal Record Check?
An Overseas Criminal Record Check is an official document issued by a foreign authority confirming whether an individual has a criminal record in that country. The process varies depending on the nation: some issue police clearance certificates, while others provide specific judicial reports.
The UK Home Office often provides guidance on how to obtain these records, and applicants may need to liaise directly with foreign embassies or consulates.
When Are Overseas Checks Required?
Employers typically request overseas criminal record checks when:
-
A candidate has lived abroad for six months or more in the past five years.
-
The role involves working with children, vulnerable adults, or sensitive data.
-
Compliance with regulatory bodies (such as the CQC or Ofsted) requires additional checks.
By combining both UK and overseas checks, employers can build a more complete picture of a candidate’s history.
The Role of Employers in Ensuring Compliance
Employers have a duty of care to ensure thorough vetting of staff. Failing to request an overseas criminal record check when appropriate could expose the business to safeguarding risks and potential legal issues.
Services like ClearCheck simplify the process of applying for DBS checks online, but employers must also consider the additional steps needed when hiring internationally.
Challenges in Overseas Checks
-
Processing times vary widely depending on the country.
-
Language barriers may require certified translations.
-
Different legal systems mean that the scope of checks is not always consistent.
Employers should prepare for these challenges in advance to avoid recruitment delays.
Conclusion
DBS Checks remain the cornerstone of safeguarding in the UK, but when hiring internationally, Overseas Criminal Record Checks are essential to ensure full due diligence. Together, they provide a robust screening process that protects organisations, employees, and the public.
FAQs
Do Overseas Criminal Record Checks replace DBS Checks?
No, they complement DBS Checks by covering periods when a candidate lived outside the UK.
How can I apply for an Overseas Criminal Record Check?
You usually apply through the relevant country’s police or government authority, often with guidance from the UK Home Office.
Are overseas checks always required?
Not always, but they are strongly recommended (and sometimes mandatory) if the candidate has spent significant time abroad.
Do employers pay for overseas checks?
This varies. Some employers cover the cost, while others ask candidates to arrange and pay for them.
