Criminal Record Checks

Get fast and reliable criminal record checks

Carry out basic, standard or enhanced DBS checks with our digital platform

Criminal record checks, commonly known as the DBS check, play a crucial role in your company’s operation and the need to have a robust pre-screening solution is now more important than ever. This is especially true for companies that serve the most vulnerable among us, hold positions of trust, or have access to sensitive information.

Our online DBS check system provides a simple and easy way to vet an individual’s criminal background, offering fast, reliable, and comprehensive results. Choose from four different levels of checks based on your requirements, and either manage the process yourself or let us handle it for you.

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When should you get a criminal record check?

Hiring new employees or volunteers

Verify that candidates and volunteers are suitable for certain roles by confirming a clean criminal record.

Tenant screening

Safeguard your property and verify the identity of your tenants to ensure a trustworthy and reliable rental experience.

Adoption and fostering

Gain insights into the character and past behaviour of prospective parents, aiding in the assessment of their suitability for caring for children.

Licensing and certification

Meet necessary standards of trustworthiness and competence in order to achieve and maintain your licence and certifications.

Compliance with legal or industry standards

Ensure that you are meeting your legal obligations by conducting thorough criminal record checks, helping you maintain a compliant and secure operation.

What our experts say about criminal record checks:

Criminal record checks are a critical component of any comprehensive employment or security screening process. They provide employers and organisations with valuable insights into an individual’s background, helping to mitigate potential risks and ensure a safe working environment. By verifying an applicant’s criminal history, companies can make informed hiring decisions, protect their reputation, and ensure compliance with industry regulations.

In sectors where safety and trust are paramount—such as healthcare, education, and finance—thorough criminal background checks are not just recommended; they are essential to maintaining the integrity of the workforce.

Process of criminal record checks:

Our online DBS platform integrates seamlessly into your recruitment process, providing fast, efficient criminal record checks. Get started in three simple steps:

What is the process of getting criminal record checks? This helps your customers know what to expect. For example:

Stage 1 – Choose which DBS check is needed

Stage 2 – Submit and send the correct documentation

Stage 3 – Receive a detailed report which outlines any relevant criminal history

What information is included in a criminal record check?

A Basic disclosures details Unspent convictions.

A Standard disclosures details a person’s entire criminal record.

An Enhanced disclosure details a person’s entire criminal record, any Barred list information and relevant non-conviction information.

Who can request a criminal record check?

Basic disclosures have no access restrictions. 

Standard and Enhanced disclosures are restricted. You have to work in specific industry sectors, such as with vulnerable groups, to request an Enhanced disclosure.

How long are criminal record checks valid?

Technically a criminal record check is only valid on the day it is produced. However it is recommended that employers and organisations establish a policy for renewal based upon a risk assessment for their organisation.

What industries require regular criminal record checks?

Criminal record checks are essential across multiple industries to uphold safety, integrity, and compliance with legal and regulatory standards. SVS supports organisations and individuals across all sectors by providing comprehensive background checks to ensure that those in sensitive or critical roles meet the necessary requirements.

How do criminal record checks differ from other background checks?

Criminal record checks are produced straight from the Police National Computer which is an accurate database of all convictions. Convictions are managed in accordance with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act, which states that for certain conviction types they are no longer disclosed when a Basic criminal record check is produced.

What rights do individuals have regarding their criminal record information?

Criminal record history is protected under the Data Protection Act and therefore a person must give their written consent for a criminal record disclosure. Additionally the government has built in safeguards to enable a candidate to withdraw consent to share their record. 

How are criminal record checks handled internationally?

Criminal record disclosures in the UK are held on the Police National Computer (PNC) and this typically only records UK based convictions. Only the most serious internationally committed crimes may make it onto the PNC, however this is by no means guaranteed. Best practice dictates that when a candidate has spent a period abroad, a criminal record check is completed in that country of residence. 

Why choose SVS for criminal record checks?

Fast checks

We’ve invested heavily into our online security and vetting systems and processes to ensure that our clients can quickly get the answers they need in order to move forward with confidence.

Cost effective

Our streamlined procedures and advanced technology reduce administrative overhead and processing times, which translates to lower costs for you.

Simple and user-friendly process

Our forms are designed for ease and efficiency, making it quick and easy to apply for criminal record checks.

Experienced and professional

For almost twenty years, SVS have been providing fast and accurate vetting solutions to many different industries.

• Unlike our competitors you can speak to a real person who understands your account.
• Our team is all UK based.
• Your account manager will ensure the smooth and effective delivery of our service.
• When you sign up with us, we will guide you through the legislation helping you to ensure that you complete accurate and legal checks in compliance with the Data Protection Act.
• We are registered bodies for the Disclosure and Barring Service and Disclosure Scotland. This means that we are audited by them and approved for the purpose of submitting criminal record checks.
• We have been providing standard and bespoke screening solutions for over 19 years. We offer our clients a wealth of knowledge to help them secure accurate and compliant results.
• We listen to our clients and tailor our services to achieve their needs. Continuous improvement is always part of our thinking and we strive to ensure that we offer our clients the benefit of new technologies, processes and our experience.

Any other relevant information to criminal record checks:

For many of our new clients, starting to process criminal record checks can appear a little daunting. We support our clients with employer and candidate user guides, relevant criminal record disclosure policies and one to one training on how to use our criminal record disclosure processing portal.