Criminal record checks matched to the role you are hiring for

Criminal record checks reveal potential criminal history that may affect suitability for specific roles. In the UK, HirePass runs these through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

The level of check has to match what the role is eligible for. For most office and tech roles, only a Basic DBS check is allowed, and HirePass helps you request the right one.

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What's verified

  • Criminal convictions and cautions
  • Spent convictions, where legally permitted
  • DBS checks at the level the role is eligible for
  • Checks in other countries where the candidate has lived

How it works

  1. 1

    Send a personalised form

    Candidates receive a personalised onboarding form by email, which works on any device.

  2. 2

    AI pre-fills, candidates confirm

    AI reads their documents and pre-fills the details, so they verify and give consent in minutes.

  3. 3

    Track results in the HirePass Platform

    Follow every check in real time, resolve red flags with guided templates and download audit-ready reports.

Criminal records check questions

How are criminal records checked in other countries?

HirePass carries out international criminal record checks directly with the issuing authority and uses only government-issued records, such as those from the Disclosure and Barring Service, Disclosure Scotland and national ministries of justice. Going direct, rather than through intermediaries or web-based searches, makes the process faster and digital-first and gives candidates a better experience: all information is collected once in the initial onboarding form and stays encrypted throughout, and fees are lower because there is no intermediary.

How long does a DBS check take?

Basic DBS checks are often completed in minutes, and most return the same day. Enhanced DBS checks take a little longer because they need additional police force verification, but we monitor them closely so you know the moment a result is available.

Which DBS check should I request?

It depends on the role. For most office and tech roles only a Basic DBS check is allowed, and asking for a higher level than a role is eligible for isn't permitted.

What happens if something is found?

We'll notify you immediately and help you request further information from the candidate using our guided templates. Everything is logged in an audit-ready report.

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