Background checks are an essential part of the recruitment process in the UK, and the time it takes to process them can vary depending on the type of check being done. Basic checks can take up to 14 days, while improved and standard checks usually take about 8 weeks. On average, a basic background check can take between one and three business days, while a more comprehensive background check, including criminal background searches, employment and education checks, and reference checks, can take several days or even weeks to complete. International background checks may take longer due to the need to check records in other countries. At CBScreening, we offer an entry-level outreach service for background checks that are not specific to each position and can be used for any purpose.
Our average in the UK is 5.4 days for improved DBS control, and several thousand are returned in less than 24 hours every month. When conducting background checks on new employees, employers must consider several factors that can affect the delivery time of the results. These include the type of check being done, whether any aliases or variations of the name appear in identity searches, and if the person has spent time living outside of the UK. If someone is going to work with children, money, or vulnerable adults, a potential employer will perform a background check to make sure they are properly qualified for the position. Criminal background checks look for significant criminal activity, including convictions for serious crimes, violent or sexual crimes, in addition to detecting fraud and embezzlement. Employers enrolled in the E-Verify program use the website to check the details provided by you to verify that you are authorized to work in the US.
Once the search data is returned, the company is obliged to check and review all the results before presenting them to the candidate. It's important to be honest when applying for a job as a background check is likely to reveal any discrepancies between what you have stated and what is found in your records.
