Criminal Records Check Consent form template

Document

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]

Use

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.

The Criminal Records Check Consent form template should be actioned / delivered included in a package of other pre-employment forms and documents provided to the employee upon acceptance of a job offer or conditional offer of employment.

It is sent / delivered by a candidate to an employer / HR team.

Workflow

Check which resources should be implemeted before and/or after the Criminal Records Check Consent form template, to understand the workflow.

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.

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Criminal Records Check Consent form

Timing

Follow these best practice actions to get the most from the Criminal Records Check Consent form template, guiding you before, during, and after implementation:

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

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.

Legal Insights

Compliance

This Criminal Records Check Consent form template incorporates relevant UK laws and HR standards, including those listed below:

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.

UK employment law guidance for Criminal Records Check Consent form template

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use this in my small business?

Yes. The Criminal Records Check Consent form template is designed to be flexible and suitable for organisations of all sizes, including small businesses and charities. It follows UK employment law best practice, so even if you don't have an in-house HR team, you can confidently apply it.

Is it compliant with 2026 UK employment law?

Absolutely. As with the Criminal Records Check Consent form template, all of our templates are drafted with the latest ACAS guidance and UK employment legislation in mind. We review and update them regularly, so you can be confident they remain compliant.

Can I customise it for my organisation?

Yes, we highlight the areas of the Criminal Records Check Consent form template 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 the Criminal Records Check Consent form template instantly. Templates are provided in editable Word or Excel format 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?

The risk of using a free AI-generated template 'without review' includes your legal exposure, missing context, and no awareness of the wider process, whereas purchasing the Criminal Records Check Consent form template from us mitigates that risk.