For many years the UK has lagged behind the US when it came to background screening. Looking at figures from the Disclosure and Barring Service, we’re starting to catch up. The number of criminal record checks carried out by UK employers has increased nearly every year since 2012.

DBS and CRB Checks are often confused. We’re regularly asked by our customers to explain the difference. In this guide, we’ve gone into detail about the key differences and which type of criminal record check you need for your business.

We’re pleased to announce that following a fee review, the DBS has proposed a fee reduction for all levels of DBS Checks. As long as it passes through Parliament, from April we will be able to offer reduced prices for all our customers.

Following recent announcements, the DBS is going to be the first government service making use of digital identity verification services. We sat down with Mark Sugden, Head of Identity at the DBS to get an overview of what the changes mean for candidates and hiring managers.

Following campaigning from several industry groups, the UK Government have confirmed that they will be beginning the rollout of digital identity verification as part of certain government services. This is a big step forwards for the UK when it comes to digital identity.

January is the best time to take stock of where things are when it comes to HR. It gives you a chance to recognise what needs to be done and get new things ready in time for the new financial year. In this guide, we look at the top 5 things HR need to be looking at to get ahead for 22/23

Councillors and other elected representatives are in a position of public trust. Many people are already under the impression that they are routinely vetted with DBS Checks, but this isn’t the case. Here we look at another proposal for mandatory DBS checks that has been rejected by councillors.

The FA and NSPCC have launched a joint campaign highlighting the importance of safeguarding children in football. Backed by major footballing institutions and clubs across the country the Play Safe campaign highlights the importance of listening to children when they voice any concerns

DBS Checks are a necessary part of recruitment but they can sometimes delay things. This is why we’re often asked if an existing DBS Check can be used when changing jobs. In certain cases you can, but there are certain rules that need to be followed.

When recruiting seasonal staff, you need to make sure you’re carrying out the right DBS checks. Whether it’s Santa, an elf, or just extra staff to help cover over the festive season, having the right DBS Checks in place can help protect you, your business and the public.

Tory councillors in East Devon have recently had their plans to change rules about DBS Checks rejected. For anyone who knows anything about DBS Checks this is not surprising at all. In this article, we look at exactly why they’ve failed to push their plans through.

Thanks to the pandemic, many people are looking to tutoring companies to help their children. Private tuition is a sparsely regulated industry but there are things to do that can help you stay ahead of the curve when it comes to best practice. In this guide, we look at the key things private tuition firms should pay attention to.

Flexible and hybrid working isn’t going away. Following the pandemic, office workers have realised that they are more than able to manage their work more flexibly than before. If you’re trying to adopt flexible or hybrid working on a more permanent basis, these tips can help

As a background screening company, we always come across the same questions about background checks. There is plenty of conflicting information out there so it’s understandable why there is confusion. This article answers 6 of the most common queries we get

Throughout the pandemic, the number of job scams reported grew astronomically but as things return to normal it doesn’t appear things are slowing down. In this article, we give you our top tips on how to spot fraudulent job postings and protect yourself from scammers.

In our ongoing commitment to provide comprehensive screening solutions for our customers, Personnel Checks are pleased to announce that we are now a fully registered Umbrella Body for Disclosure Scotland. We can now provide solutions for all levels of Scottish Disclosure Checks as well as applications to the PVG Scheme.

In recent weeks, a Birmingham transport firm have lost multiple council contracts after failings were discovered in their DBS compliance. Over 50 drivers were found to have not had the appropriate checks carried out despite regularly transporting SEND children to and from school.

Each year the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) publish figures of their annual performance including barring figures. Barring is a vital aspect of the DBS’ mission to safeguard the UK public from harm. In the report this year, they’ve revealed that the number of individuals on the barred lists has grown by over 4000.

Campaigners recently welcomed the news that a government review is to be launched into a legal loophole that allows sex offenders to change their names and effectively disappear from the eyes of the law. This means that previous offences might not be disclosed on DBS Checks, allowing dangerous individuals to work with children or vulnerable adults.