When you think about criminal record checks the CRB springs to mind, or more correctly now the DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service). However, most employers requiring a check aren’t eligible for Standard DBS Checks or Enhanced DBS Checks as they are only intended for particular occupations that work with children or adults who are considered vulnerable.
Therefore, jobs such as teachers, nurses and dentists would be eligible. However, what if your role is not one of these but you still want your applicant to be checked? Help is at hand with a Basic Criminal Record Check.
In this blog, we’ll cover the basics of a Basic Criminal Record Check: what it reveals about someone’s criminal history, its implications for job opportunities, and how to apply for one.
What is a Basic Criminal Record Check?
A Basic Criminal Record Check, also known as a Basic Police Check, Basic Disclosure, or Basic CRB, is the lowest level of Disclosure. It is not a basic DBS check, but a different level of criminal record check offered by another governing body.
What shows up on a Basic Criminal Record Check?
A Basic Criminal Record will include details of all current unspent convictions an applicant has on record in the Police National Computer (PNC).
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.
Can an employer request a Basic Criminal Record Check?
With the applicant’s permission, any employer can request a Basic Criminal Record to assist in the recruitment process. Jobs that require a Basic Criminal Record include:
- Contractors working on behalf of the council or housing associations
- Pubs and bars
- Cinemas
- Theatres
- Nightclubs
- Late-opening cafes
- Takeaways
- Village and community halls
- Supermarkets
Please contact us on 0300 140 0022 if you require any help with eligibility for DBS Checks or the merits of Basic Disclosures.
Can an individual request a Basic Criminal Record Check?
Yes, they can. Individuals living or working in England and Wales can apply for a Basic Criminal Record Check using uCheck’s simple online application form.
Applicants from Scotland will need to apply directly to Disclosure Scotland to get their Basic Individual DBS Check. If you’re living or working in Northern Ireland you will be able to obtain a Basic DBS on yourself from AccessNI.
However, it’s important to remember that any individual who requires a Basic Criminal Record 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.
Does a criminal record affect getting a job?
It’s a common question because over 11 million people in the UK have a criminal record. Having a Basic Criminal Record Check can be useful when applying for jobs, as it can demonstrate either a clear record, or allow the job applicant to be open and honest and explain any records they have to prospective employers.
However, a criminal record doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t be able to get a job. It all depends on the nature and severity of the offence you committed and its relevance to the role you’re applying for.
Will my offences show up on a Basic Criminal Record Check?
Criminal convictions become ‘spent’ after a certain amount of time. This means that, under the terms of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, the conviction can effectively be ignored.
The length of time it takes for the conviction to become spent – known as the ‘rehabilitation period’ – depends on how severe the penalty was. Until this rehabilitation period is complete, the conviction is ‘unspent’.
Some jobs may require your potential employer to apply for a DBS Check on your behalf. If you have unspent convictions, they will show up on any level of Disclosure.
If you have spent convictions, they won’t appear on a Basic Criminal Record Check but will show up on a standard or enhanced DBS Check – unless they’ve been protected or filtered in line with current guidance.
‘Filtering’ is the term the DBS uses to describe the process which identifies and removes protected convictions and cautions so they’re no longer disclosed on a DBS certificate.
Enhanced or standard DBS Checks are required for jobs that involve working with children or vulnerable adults, or in positions of responsibility like law and accountancy.
To find out more as to whether DBS Checks show cautions, read our blog.
Do I have to disclose my criminal record when I apply for jobs?
If you have any unspent convictions, you are legally required to disclose them.
When else would you need a Basic Criminal Record Check?
Apart from the pre-employment screening process, there are other 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 do I apply for a Basic Criminal Record Check?
The quickest and easiest way to get checks as an employer is to use our online system. Basic Criminal Record Checks take a few minutes to request, and with the very latest processors, the result typically comes back in under 48 hours. A paper certificate confirming the result will follow a few days later.
For individuals, you can find more information on how to apply for your check and what you’ll need, here.
For more details about the uCheck’s very latest Basic Disclosure processing system, call 0300 140 0022. Similarly, if you would like information about our DBS/CRB rapid online system, please call us now on 0300 140 0022.
