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Background checks are carried out in different ways depending on the job role. However, those working with children will be subjected to stringent background checks. The following is an overview of the assessments made when becoming a teacher and why they’re carried out.

Identity Check

The identity of the person applying for a position must be confirmed before accessing other services. When checking the identity of an individual, documentation like passports will need to be verified.

The fastest way to do this can be via a document verification service. In addition to checking identity documentation like passports, schools, colleges and universities can also use it to confirm correspondence is genuine.

Teacher Services

Teacher Services is free and can be accessed via the Department of Education. Teachers Services will record whether a teacher induction has been completed and check the qualified teacher status. Teacher Services will also record details regarding any sanctions or restrictions.

Schools and colleges can access the service using a Department of Education login. Those without an account can ask an approver to create one on their behalf.

Enhanced DBS Check

Although commonly referred to as a List 99 Check, the service is now known as the Children’s Barred List. The Disclosure and Barring Service maintains the list and details those who are not permitted to work with children.

Schools and colleges can access the information via an Enhanced DBS check, which will also provide details of other convictions.

Are All Background Checks Carried Out?

Unlike other industries where detailed background checks aren’t always required, those applying for a teacher role must be aware that all checks are carried out. If you’re unsure whether the information is correct, it can be worthwhile to carry out the relevant checks before applying for a position.

The Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills (OFSTED) do not see the Enhanced DBS Checks for teachers when making an inspection, but it will need to see evidence that a check was carried out.

What If I’m a Private Tutor?

Parents and carers will always want to safeguard children, so private tutors will also be keen to show their credentials. Although this can be done, for the most part, carrying out an Enhanced DBS Check can be problematic.

When operating as a private tutor, many will operate via a private tutoring company that can complete Enhanced DBS Checks on their behalf, ensuring there are no limitations when applying for freelance positions.

Barred lists are operated by the Disclosure and Barring Service and allow employers working with vulnerable people or children to check on applicants for a job position involving either. However, alternate names can be used for these checks, leading to confusion.

The following is an overview of the barred lists currently used in the United Kingdom, as well as some further steps that can be taken to protect the business in every instance.

What Is a List 99 Check?

The List 99 Check was operated by the Department of Education and Skills and detailed those banned from working with children. However, this was renamed the Children’s Barred List as part of the Education Act and is now operated by the DBS.

Although the term List 99 Check is still used, the check will be an Enhanced DBS that details whether the person is listed on either list.

How Many Barred Lists Are There?

There are two barred lists. The aforementioned Children’s Barred List and the Adult Barred List. The Adult Barred List contains names of those who cannot work with vulnerable adults.

How Are the Barred Lists Checked?

The Barred Lists can only be checked by carrying out an Enhanced DBS Certificate. This will include details of any recorded crimes, cautions, and whether the person is present on either barred list.

Are People Informed When Being Placed on the Barred List?

When a person is convicted of an offence that makes them a risk to children or adults, the DBS will write to the person notifying them. As such, many people should be aware if they are present on either barred list. However, they will not be able to carry out personal checks themselves.

Other Methods of Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults?

Carrying out an Enhanced DBS Check is the best way of checking if someone is a potential threat in a job role, but some other steps companies should take to ensure the business is safeguarded at all times,

When receiving documents from job applications, it is advisable to take advantage of online document verification. Although rare, there can be instances when fake documentation is used as a means of hiding past crimes.

Fortunately, using online document verification allows businesses to ensure all paperwork is legitimate and enjoy some additional peace of mind when hiring new people.

In addition to verifying passports, bank accounts and driving licenses, online document verification can also help streamline the hiring process.

Each check made regarding online verification can be completed in seconds, allowing businesses to filter out names that have made fraudulent applications or failed to mention their presence on a barred list.

Although renting a property may seem straightforward, several checks are carried out before making a decision. These checks will depend on the landlord or letting agency but often involve the following.

Credit Checks

Although landlords will need permission to carry out a credit check, they are often part of housing applications. Although a good credit score is not essential, those with very low credit scores could find they are not suitable for some rental properties.

Guarantor Check

In instances of a low credit score, the landlord or letting agency will ask if a guarantor is available, who must be someone in ownership of their own home. If the person renting the property defaults on payments, then the responsibility will shift to the guarantor, which can be challenging to acquire in some instances.

Reference Checks

Those moving property will be asked to give their former landlords’ details. As with other checks, acquiring a reference ensures that letting agents and landlords can ascertain whether a tenant can maintain regular rent payments.

There can also be instances where candidates will need an employer’s reference to show that a job role listed is genuine and is not likely to end soon.

Identity Check

Identity checks are another standard part of renting a property, but landlords and agencies can carry out a series of checks to ensure documentation is genuine. Despite the advanced methods of fraud, more sophisticated means of identifying fraudulent documents ensure that fraud is minimised.

Online document verification is a fast and easy process that allows landlords and letting agencies to ascertain authenticity in as little as 30 seconds. As well as working with Government-issued documents, it can also be used to identify genuine letterheads and over 4000 documents globally.

Right to Rent Check

Letting agencies and landlords ask for a copy of a passport allows them to check whether the person is eligible to work in the United Kingdom. If there is no passport but you have a biometric residence card, then this can be used instead.

Those waiting for an immigration decision without documentation can also request the Home Office to carry out a Right to Rent Check. Responses are typically received in two working days but can take longer in some instances.

Will All Checks Be Carried Out by Letting Agents and Landlords?

How many checks are carried out will depend on the letting agent or landlord, but those wanting to rent a property should ensure that all information is up to date. If you still need some information, you should speak to the landlord or letting agency to discuss the issue to see if any alternative documentation can be accepted.

Those wishing to rent can also take advantage of document verification to speed up rental applications. After the documents have been verified online, users will be given a certificate which shows landlords and letting agencies the paperwork is genuine.

Background checks can be an essential part of any hiring process, but they are crucial when hiring a person to work with children. List 99 was started by the Home Office Consultancy Service in 1955. A similar list was also created in 1999, known as the Protection of Children Act.

In 2009, List 99 and other lists like it were replaced by the Children’s Barred List, which was created as part of the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 and managed by the Independent Safeguarding Authority, which would merge with the Criminal Record Bureau in 2012 and be known as the Disclosure and Barring Service.

What is The Children’s Barred List?

The Children’s Barred List is a check carried out by the DBS that allows employers to make safer hiring decisions regarding children and vulnerable adults. The list contains details of those not permitted to work with vulnerable people, ensuring that a business is safeguarding its clients at all times.

What Crimes Lead to Inclusion on The Children’s Barred List?

There is no one criminal offence that leads to inclusion on The Children’s Barred List, but it often means that a serious crime has been committed, often of a sexual or violent nature. Although some DBS checks will omit some minor offences, offences involving safeguarding and sexual offences will always be shown.

Are Barred Lists Included with a DBS Check?

Although there are several types of DBS checks, only an Enhanced DBS Check will include Barred Lists and other cautions and convictions. If someone is registered on a Barred List, it will be documentation on the DBS certificate.

Employers can only request an Enhanced DBS Check if the role requires the person to work with or near children and can only be carried out by employers.

In addition to aiding those wanting to check the Children’s Barred List, online verification can be used to authenticate over 4000 documents from the United Kingdom and abroad.

How Long Does an Enhanced DBS Check Take?

When carrying out an enhanced DBS check, it normally takes around 14 days, but there can be instances when it takes longer. For example, there can be a delay if several police forces are involved or if incorrect details have been given at the outset.

Further Measures That Can Be Taken to Ensure Vulnerable People Remain Safe

Some companies may carry out their own background checks, whereas others may ask potential candidates to perform an Enhanced DBS Check. When receiving documentation regarding background checks, it must be checked for authenticity.

Fortunately, those checking the Children’s Barred List can verify valid documents using a professional verification service. Simply upload the document, and a series of checks will be carried out to ensure it is genuine.

Although employers need to request an Enhanced DBS Check, those applying for positions will need to supply documentation like a passport, driving licence in addition to documentation proving their address,

All these documents and more can be verified online within one minute using complex algorithms that can highlight any irregularities straight away.

Although there are some instances when proving documents are genuine is straightforward, there can be times when further checks are needed to ensure your documents are authentic.

Valuing documents can be frustrating for some, but it is essential to remember the reason for these checks and the benefits they can offer businesses and customers. Furthermore, proving your documents are genuine does not have to be an expensive or laborious process, thanks to online document verification.

Why Has Online Document Verification Become So Popular?

Although the Internet has streamlined many laborious processes, it has introduced its own issues. Fraudulent documents have always been in production, but only recently do fake records look identical to their counterparts.

In addition to fake documents, there can also be instances when people try to obtain credit or apply for job roles using someone else details.

Although this sounds nefarious and makes people fearful of the online world, advancements are continuously being made to ensure that those using the Internet remain safe, and online document verification has gained a lot of momentum in this regard.

Businesses can use the service to verify documents and those wanting to show that their documents are genuine. The following is an overview of how online documentation verification can benefit users.

Online Verification Can Improve Your Credit Score

Most people can be confident that their credit score reflects their financial status, but this isn’t always the case. There can be instances when information is incorrect or outdated. Although credit reference agencies will strive to correct this information, having genuine documents to hand ensure the process is more manageable.

Of course, everyone will have their own circumstances when dealing with incorrect credit scores, so online document verification won’t always be the answer. However, those wanting to show their documents are valid will often find corrections and errors that are easier to amend, allowing you to obtain your actual credit score.

Be Prepared for Any Job Role

The way a business interviews candidates for a role has changed in recent years, and the process will be carried out online in most instances. Using online verification to show your genuine documents ensures that you are prepared for any job role and could even make the hiring process easier for employers.

Using documentation verification online also allows those with work visas their right to work in the United Kingdom. Online document verification ensures that you are ready for any job regardless of your circumstances or the position you’re applying for.

Speed Up Rental Applications

Looking for somewhere new to live can be time-consuming, especially when several documents need to be authenticated beforehand. Those wanting to speed up the rental application process can use a reputable provider of document verification and obtain a certificate that details the legitimacy of their records.

Carrying out a DBS Check is integral when hiring people and ensuring they are the right fit for a job. However, some considerations must be made to ensure DBS Checks remain valid.

The following is an overview of DBS checks and how often businesses and organisations should renew them.

How Long is a DBS Check Valid For?

There is no expiry date associated with DBS Checks, meaning they are only accurate when they are carried out. Whether a Standard or Enhanced DBS Check is carried out, there will be an issue date on the certificate. A renewal is advisable if it has been some time since the company carried out the last DBS check.

How Often Should a DBS Check Be Renewed?

Many recommend that a DBS check is carried out every three years, but employers can carry them out as often as needed. Those who are regulated may need to carry out DBS Checks at more frequent intervals, so the frequency can depend on the role and the company policy regarding background checks.

How to Renew a DBS Check?

Although the term renewal is used, each DBS check is a new search, regardless of whether it is a basic, Standard or Enhanced Check. Each certificate received from the Disclosure and Barring Service will have an issue date, allowing the employer to instil its own schedule regarding checks.

How Long Does a DBS Check Take?

In general, all forms of DBS Checks are completed within five days, but there can be instances when the process takes longer. This could be the case if a previous address needs to be listed or the person needs to give correct information.

As such, companies should verify all information to ensure there are no delays when processing DBS Checks. For example, companies and organisations can use online document verification when asking for identification, like birth certificates and driving licenses.

Verifying documents for a DBS Check is as simple as uploading the document and waiting 30 seconds for the advanced biometrics to confirm the documentation is genuine. Users can also obtain a certificate to establish a check was carried out, which is perfect for regulated businesses and organisations.

In addition to streamlining the DBS Check application, it can also give businesses peace of mind that all documentation has been validated, safeguarding customers, clients and other employees.

Using a professional platform for online document verification ensures that there are no limitations regarding checks, as companies and groups can use it to identify over 4000 documents from the UK and worldwide.

The guidelines for DBS checks can vary between different job roles and industries. However, they will be carried out for all job roles in most instances. However, only specific positions will require an Enhanced DBS Check.

Although checks should be made every three years, those who are concerned can implement their own schedule to give customers and employees confidence they are in a safe environment, and the business is protected against fraud, theft and other serious crimes.

Although the hiring process has evolved recently, some manual aspects of interviewing, such as gathering references, remain popular. Online checks and interviews can tell a lot about a person but obtaining references can help employers find the right fit for a role.

Despite the good intent of many job applicants, there will be those applying for a position using nefarious methods, including the falsification of documentation, including references.

Fortunately, some steps can be taken to ensure references are genuine, allowing for a streamlined hiring process in every instance.

Carry Out the Reference Check Yourself

Although there are ways of obtaining references that don’t require a lot of work, it could mean that you are not receiving the full context when instructing someone else to obtain the documentation.

Checking the references yourself ensures that all the details given are correct, and you can speak to someone who has worked with the candidate directly, allowing for a realistic overview of their skills.

Check More Than One Reference

Although only using one reference may seem more efficient, it can mean a company needs to be given a complete overview of candidates that could bring several benefits to the business.

As such, it is advisable to reach out to two or three past employers when asking for references. This allows you to build a better profile of potential candidates and confirm whether they are the right fit for the business.

Keep It All Confidential

When carrying out reference checks, there will be times when discussion needs to be had with others in the business. However, everything discussed should be limited to those involved in the hiring process.

Discussing with other employees or outside the business could mean Data Protection is breached, which could lead to a series of legal ramifications. Keeping information restricted to those involved in the hiring process ensures that those applying for job positions have peace of mind their personal information is safeguarded.

Although there is no obligation to do so, it can be worthwhile notifying the candidate when seeking references, as it allows them to ensure all contact details given are correct.

Use Online Document Verification

Although carrying out the reference check yourself can help ensure the authenticity, there will be times when references are posted or sent via email. Although this can speed up the hiring process, some businesses can be concerned about the authenticity of references.

At best, it could mean a company hires someone unsuitable to fulfil a job role. At worst, it could mean customers and other employees are at risk. Fortunately, there is an easy way of checking documents are authentic.

Verifying background checks is as easy as uploading a document and allowing an advanced algorithm to carry out a series of checks that human eyes alone may miss. Whether a signature looks incorrect, or a logo doesn’t seem genuine, online document verification can establish the authenticity of references within 30 seconds in most instances.