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Basic Criminal Record Checks: What Are They Useful For?

Basic criminal record checks are different from DBS checks. Here at uCheck, we’re often asked what this type of check is useful for.

So, let’s explore what basic criminal record checks are, and how they can be of use to you.

What are basic criminal record checks?

Basic criminal record checks are not basic DBS checks, but a different level of criminal record check offered by another governing body.

These checks can be requested by both individuals and employers, and will detail any unspent convictions an applicant has.

An unspent conviction is a conviction that hasn’t yet been declared spent under The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. As a result, unspent convictions are usually defined as anything recent or serious.

Any employer is entitled to ask an employee if they have any unspent convictions. For this reason, basic criminal record checks are available to anyone over the age of 16, and there are no eligibility requirements to be able to obtain one.

However, it’s important to remember that any individual who requires a DBS check for their job role won’t be covered by a basic check.

This is because the nature of their job will mean their employer has the right to see a more extensive version of their criminal record, which also includes spent convictions, as well as any cautions, warnings or reprimands that aren’t protected.

Applicants should always speak to their employer to confirm which level of check they need to have.

When does someone need a basic criminal record check?

Now that we’ve outlined what basic criminal record checks are, we can explore what they’re useful for.

There are some specific circumstances in which an individual will be required to obtain a basic criminal record check.

Personal licence

A personal licence gives an individual the right to sell alcohol, often as the registered owner of a business selling alcohol.

When applying for a personal licence, applicants will be asked to obtain a basic criminal record check to confirm whether they have any unspent convictions.

The results of the check will be taken into consideration when deciding whether that person should be granted a licence.

Visa application

People looking to move, study or get married abroad may require a visa to do so. Visa applications will often ask for a disclosure of the applicant’s criminal record.

Individuals in these circumstances should apply for a basic criminal record check to provide to the embassy in question.

How else are basic criminal record checks useful?

Even if a person is not applying for a visa or personal licence, basic checks are still considered an important and beneficial part of the pre-employment screening process.

As a result, having a basic criminal record check can be useful when applying for jobs, as it can demonstrate either a clear record, or give the job applicant an opportunity to be open and honest and explain any records they have to prospective employers.

How to request basic criminal record checks

Be sure to get in touch with us if you have any further questions. You can apply for a number of DBS Checks through our simple online platform – most checks are completed within 48 hours. Get started now.

Our blogs are advisory in nature and reflect uCheck Limited’s current thinking about best and common practice in the subjects discussed.

The information contained in our blogs have been provided for information purposes only. This information does not constitute legal, professional, or commercial advice. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the content is up to date, useful and accurate, uCheck gives no guarantees, undertakings, or warranties in this regard, or, for any loss or damage caused arising directly or indirectly in connection with reliance on the use of such information.

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