Different types of Background checks carried out by employers and the basis of DBS checks.
We’ve all been there, applying for a job, desperate to impress and start work. It wouldn’t hurt to change the truth a bit. Is it possible to inflate your A-level grades a bit, make up something interesting to do as a hobby, and talk up your previous experience? There’s no harm in forgetting to declare a small fight outside a pub or a theft charge on the criminal record section.
FRAUD BY FALSE REPRESENTATION.
Lying on your CV or on a job application is a criminal offence, and falls under the banner of fraud by false representation, or presenting yourself as something other than you are. More than 300 people were prosecuted for lying in this manner. If you end up in a police cell for faking your exam grades, it’s something you should think about. It doesn’t get as far as prosecution when candidates lie. The employer will withdraw their offer of employment if you lie before you start work. When they discover the truth, the most likely consequence is that you’ll be fired immediately. Employers can check references and if there are concerns about your work or abilities, they can contact exam boards, professional bodies or Universities.
SPENT CONVICTIONS.
The onus is on the candidate to be honest, but there are times when you can make up things. Employers will often ask about criminal convictions, but a candidate only has to include convictions which aren’t considered spent. If the conviction happened many years ago or when you were under 18, it’s usually spent. There are different rules for when a conviction is spent in different parts of the UK. You can check with the police if you don’t know if a conviction is spent or not. Rules may change in the future about the length of time for a conviction to be spent, so keep an eye on the press if this applies to you.
DBS AND CONVICTIONS.
Police record checking through the Disclosure and Barring Service, Protection of Vulnerable Groups and Access are required for some jobs. Depending on the level of checks done, the police reports will reveal all of your criminal convictions and cautions, even though you might be able to consider them spent. Lying on an application form will result in you being found out. Declaring minor convictions or cautions in your distant past may not affect your chances of getting a job, so it’s always best to be honest with the employer.
Businesses can ask a number of questions when applying for a job. Companies are responsible for ensuring their work environment is safe for employees and the public, even though some of these can seem intrusive at times. There are different types of background checks carried out.
There are different background checks used by employees in the UK.
IDENTITY CHECK.
Employers often ask for photographic identification and proof of address when applying for a job. Although a person’s identity can be verified with other forms of background checks, businesses may need to run checks to make sure the documentation they’re given is genuine.
There are deficiency and ring service checks.
Also referred to as a criminal record check. A check can be considered a mixture of both. There are three levels of checks.
BASIC DBS CHECK.
It is possible for individuals and businesses to request a Basic DBS Check. Any convictions and cautions held on the Police National Computer will be shown on the certificate.
A basic background check will be used by many employers and can be combined with other background checks.
STANDARD DBS CHECK.
The details of unspent convictions in England and Wales and any condition in Northern Ireland and Scotland will be contained in a Standard DBS application.
People in positions of high responsibility will often need a Standard DBS Check, as will those applying for a role in financing.
ENHANCED DBS CHECK.
The information held on an Enhanced DBS Check is the highest level of background check. If a person is on the Children’s or Adult Barred List, it’s because of an Enhanced DBS Check.
CREDIT CHECK.
Further checks may be required to make sure a person is responsible for money. This is true for those giving financial advice.
I don’t know what type of background check is done.
Permission is required when making any form of background check. There will be an authorisation that needs to be signed for the checks to be carried out, and any checks made will be detailed in the application.
