Criminal Records Check Consent form template
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.
- 1 page / 167 words
- Instantly download as Word / PDF / plain text
- Suitable for United Kingdom use only
- Includes 12 months’ access, with all updates to this page provided free of charge and notified to you.
Criminal Records Check Consent form
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].
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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.
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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.
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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]
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.
Direction:
Compliance
Compliance
This Criminal Records Check Consent form template incorporates relevant UK laws and HR standards, including those listed below:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Flowchart
Flowchart
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.
Timings
Timings
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 |
Practical example
Practical 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I use this template 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.
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Is this template compliant with 2025 UK employment law?
Absolutely. 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.
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Can I customise it for my organisation?
Yes, we highlight the areas 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.
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Do I get instant access?
Yes. Once purchased, you'll be able to download it instantly. Templates are provided in editable Word or Excel format so you can customise them easily, and in PDF format for easy sharing.
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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 this template, along with other HR templates and policies for fully managing your situation. These may be more cost-effective if you need deeper advice.
