Criminal Record Checks When Working Internationally

In the modern globalised economy, working across borders is becoming far more common. While a lot of international work can be carried out remotely, sometimes working on location is the only option. 

Many job roles require criminal record checks as part of the selection process. Usually, these checks are carried out in the country where you will be working. However, these checks will only reveal the history of any time spent in that country. This means they are inherently flawed. 

This is why the firm or organisation you are working for may want a criminal record check from your country of origin. 

DBS Checks and International Working 

In the UK, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) are the government body responsible for conducting criminal record checks. They carry out three different types of background check: Basic, Standard and Enhanced Disclosures. These are commonly known as DBS Checks. 

If you live in the UK and are planning on working abroad, you may well be asked to have a DBS Check carried out.  

In some instances, the requesting organisation may ask for the document to be ‘legalised’. This involves sending a document issued by a UK body, in this case the DBS, to the Legislation Office. The Legislation Office then inspect the document and attach a stamped official certificate (or ‘Apostille’) confirming the document is genuine. 

You can find full details on how to do this on the .GOV website here.  

Neither the DBS nor Disclosure Scotland can do this for you. 

Certificates of Good Conduct 

If you are planning on working in the UK, your organisation may ask you for something called a ‘Certificate of Good Conduct’. This will usually be conducted alongside a UK DBS Check. 

This is essentially a document from an overseas authority confirming a part or all of your criminal record history. They are various different names for these documents. Some of the common names are:  

• Certificate of Good Standing  

• Police Clearance Certificate  

• Letter of Good Conduct  

• Certificate of No Criminal Record  

These certificates are usually equivalent to a Basic DBS Check but can sometimes can into more detail. 

Getting a Certificate of Good Conduct can vary depending on where you have lived abroad. The process generally involves applying to your country's embassy online for a certificate and providing them with some personal identification.  

The Home Office have a complete list of how to apply for every country internationally. You can find the guidance here.