The Number of Criminal Record Checks Carried Out in the UK is Increasing
In the UK, it is the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) who are responsible for conducting criminal record checks. These are often referred to as DBS Checks. Since the DBS launched in 2012, the number of DBS Checks processed has increased every year*. Since 2017, the number of checks carried out annually in the UK has risen by 1.7 million.
Last year the DBS processed nearly 6 million DBS Checks. That would be enough checks to cover around 15% of the UK’s working population.
Basic DBS Checks have seen the biggest yearly increase of the 3 types of DBS Check. Basic DBS Checks are the lowest level of check available in the UK. They reveal any unspent convictions, cautions or reprimands on someone’s record. In the past 5 years, the number of Basic DBS Checks processed has increased over 500%.
These checks are becoming increasingly common as employers start to understand the benefits of carrying out criminal record checks.
The Benefits of Criminal Record Checks
Standard and Enhanced DBS Checks are a statutory requirement in a number of industries. However, there is a growing trend for businesses with no requirement to conduct DBS Checks to include them as part of their recruitment.
This increase is likely in response to increased safeguarding initiatives across the UK. Conducting DBS Checks are beneficial in a few different ways:
Deter bad hires: If criminal record checks are advertised as part of your recruitment practice it can deter people aping who may have negative intent towards your business.
Increase safety: Having comprehensive information on who you’re hiring can help you make safer recruitment decisions. This helps protect your employees, clients and the public.
Improve staff retention and turnover: Implementing a safer recruitment policy can help you recruit the right people into your business. Having the right group of people working for you can do wonders for your company culture and boost your retention rates.
While conducting criminal record checks is definitely recommended, there are certain things to be aware of.
Being an Inclusive Employer
Data from the Ministry of Justice shows that 27% of working-age adults have a criminal conviction. This increases to 33% when just looking at men. However, a 2016 survey, commissioned by the Department of Work and Pensions, found that 50% of employers wouldn’t consider employing someone with a criminal conviction.
Ignoring such a large portion of the workforce is bad for business. The UK is in the middle of a huge labour shortage. In the past year we have seen records broken for the number of job vacancies multiple times.
Taking this stance ignores the wide range of convictions that may appear on someone’s record. You could be excluding the perfect candidate for arbitrary reasons.
For more information about how you can incorporate criminal record checks into your recruitment, speak to an expert. Get in touch with our team today on 01254 355688 or drop an email to letstalk@personnelchecks.co.uk. We'll be able to tailor a solution that works for you.
Alternatively, submit a contact form here.
*The 2020/21 financial year saw a drop of 0.1% from the previous year. This can be attributed to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. However, the number of Basic and Standard DBS Checks carried out by businesses increased during this time.