Criminal Records Check Consent form template

UK-specific • Editable • Instant download • 12 months' updates

Our Criminal Records Check Consent form template ensures seamless and compliant processing of applicant background checks.

Use our Criminal Records Check Consent form to gain written authorisation from an individual to conduct a background check for employment.

Criminal Records Check Consent form template
2026 Reviewed
Specifications
Access FREE, unlimited
Length 1 page • 167 words
Jurisdiction England, Wales and Scotland
Based on UK employment law, ACAS guidance
Last review 01/07/2026
Next review 01/01/2027
Delivery Instant download
Formats .doc · .xls · .txt · email
Template

Criminal Records Check Consent

I, [Applicant Name], hereby give my consent to [Company Name] to conduct a criminal records check as part of the recruitment process for the position of [Job Title].

  • I understand that the criminal records check will be conducted by a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) registered body and will include a check of the Police National Computer (PNC) and relevant barred lists.

  • I also understand that any information obtained as a result of this criminal records check will be treated as confidential and used solely for the purposes of assessing my suitability for employment.

  • I understand that the results of the criminal records check will be discussed with me before any decision is made on my employment.

I hereby declare that the information provided on this form is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge.

Name:  
Signed:  
Date:  

Version: [1.0]

Issue date: [date]

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What is a criminal records check consent form?

Criminal Records Check Consent form template preview

A Criminal Records Check Consent Form is a legal document used by employers in the UK to obtain an applicant's consent to conduct a criminal records check. A criminal records check is a process that involves checking an individual's criminal history and includes a check of the Police National Computer (PNC) and relevant barred lists.

By signing the form, the applicant gives their consent for the employer to conduct the criminal records check as part of the recruitment process. The form also outlines the purpose of the criminal records check, which is to assess the applicant's suitability for the job.

Example

Scenario: Criminal Records Check Consent Form at ABC Limited

ABC Limited, a reputable company in the UK, is in the process of hiring a new employee for a position that requires a criminal records check. HR Manager Sarah oversees the preparation and distribution of the Criminal Records Check Consent Form as part of the pre-employment screening process.

Background

ABC Limited is hiring a new financial controller, a position that involves handling sensitive financial information and interacting with clients and stakeholders. To ensure the safety and integrity of its operations, ABC Limited requires all candidates for this role to undergo a criminal records check.

Distribution and Collection

Sarah ensures that the Criminal Records Check Consent Form is included in the candidate's pre-employment documentation pack. The pack is sent to the candidate along with other relevant forms and information about the hiring process.

Upon receipt of the completed consent form, Sarah verifies that all required fields are completed accurately, including the candidate's signature and date. She acknowledges receipt of the form and proceeds with initiating the criminal records check process through the designated screening provider.

Compliance and Record-keeping

Sarah maintains strict compliance with regulatory requirements and company policies regarding the handling of sensitive personal information. She ensures that all consent forms are securely stored in accordance with data protection laws and company retention policies.

The wider HR process

Related HR resources and workflow

Explore the HR resources that may be relevant before and / or after using the Criminal Records Check Consent form, helping you understand the wider process, maintain appropriate documentation and follow a consistent approach.

Previous
Letters
Criminal Records Check Consent letter

Our Criminal Records Check Consent letter template simplifies obtaining employee consent for background checks, ensuring compliance and efficient record keeping.

This
Criminal Records Check Consent form

Implementation guidance

Use these best practice actions, recommended timescales and process stages to understand when and how the Criminal Records Check Consent form should be used, helping ensure each step is handled consistently and appropriately documented.

Step Description Responsibility Timing
1 Inform the applicant about the need for a criminal records check and provide them with the Criminal Records Check Consent Form. HR During Application
2 Applicant completes the Criminal Records Check Consent Form, providing necessary information. Applicant Before Employment
3 HR verifies the information provided and initiates the criminal records check process. HR After Receiving Form
4 Once the results are received, review and assess the criminal records check. HR, Management Upon Receiving Results
5 Based on the assessment, determine the suitability of the applicant for the role. HR, Management After Reviewing Results
HR considerations

UK employment law and best practice

This template is designed to support the process, but the document should be used alongside the relevant HR procedure and applied to the circumstances of the individual case.

  • The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974: This act sets out the process for determining when a conviction becomes "spent" and no longer needs to be disclosed.

  • The Data Protection Act 2018: This act regulates the processing of personal data, including criminal records, and sets out the rights of individuals in relation to their data.

  • The Equality Act 2010: This act prohibits discrimination on the grounds of a person's criminal record, except in certain circumstances where the offence is relevant to the job in question.

  • The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006: This act requires certain individuals, such as those working with children or vulnerable adults, to undergo an enhanced criminal records check before they can start work.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use this in my small business?

Yes. This template has been designed for organisations of all sizes, including small businesses, charities and growing employers. It follows UK employment law best practice and can be adapted to suit your organisation.

Is it compliant with 2026 UK employment law?

Our templates are developed with UK employment legislation, Acas guidance and HR best practice in mind and are reviewed and updated as relevant requirements change. However, every employment situation is different, so the template should be adapted to the circumstances and checked against the employee's contract and your organisation's procedures before use.

Can I customise it for my organisation?

Yes, we highlight the areas of the document that you need to update with your own details, and where you need to make decisions to suit your situation. This saves you time and ensures that you meet best practice.

Do I get instant access to it?

Yes. Once purchased, you'll be able to download it instantly. Templates are provided in editable format (such as .doc or .xls) so you can customise them easily, and in PDF format for easy sharing.

What if I need more help, not just this template?

If you're looking for broader support, we also offer toolkits and library bundles that include the Criminal Records Check Consent form template, along with other HR templates and policies for fully managing your situation. These may be more cost-effective if you need deeper advice.

Why should I use this Criminal Records Check Consent form template, and not AI to generate it?

AI can produce a document quickly, but effective HR documentation needs to be more than well-written words. It needs to reflect relevant UK employment law, HR best practice, practical considerations and the circumstances in which it will be used. These resources have been professionally developed around that wider HR context, drawing on extensive practical experience, rather than simply generating a generic document from a prompt.

How this content is developed and reviewed

The Criminal Records Check Consent form template is developed using a practical HR methodology that considers current UK employment legislation, ACAS guidance, CIPD good practice and the real-world HR process it supports. Templates are regularly reviewed and updated, with additional reviews triggered by significant changes to legislation, guidance or established HR practice, helping ensure each document remains practical, relevant and suitable for UK employers.

About the author

Darryl Horn, Chartered HR Director

Darryl is a Chartered HR professional with over 25 years' experience in senior HR and employee relations roles.

He has extensive practical experience of managing employee vetting processes and founded hrdocbox to provide businesses with practical, professionally developed HR resources grounded in UK employment law and best practice.

HRDocBox has been creating practical UK HR documents since 2009.

Executive recommendation

"Darryl provides support and advice with excellent judgement, and has a strong understanding of people, policies and UK employment legislation."

"He is someone I trust; consistent, dependable, and committed to doing things properly."

RB
Ruth Brock Chief Executive Officer The Hygiene Bank
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