Criminal Records Check Consent letter template
Our Criminal Records Check Consent letter template simplifies obtaining employee consent for background checks, ensuring compliance and efficient record keeping.
Use our Criminal Records Check Consent letter to seek permission from an individual to conduct a background check for employment.
- 1 page / 123 words.
- Last updated 22/09/2025.
- Designed for United Kingdom use.
- Suitable for use in other territories; check local laws first.
- Instantly download as Word / PDF / plain text, or send by email.
- Includes 12 months’ access, with all updates to this page provided free of charge and notified to you.
Criminal Records Check Consent letter
[Sender name]
[Sender address]
[date]
[Recipient name]
[Recipient address]
Dear [Recipient first name],
Request for Criminal Records Check Consent
As part of our recruitment process, we require all candidates to undergo a criminal records check. This check is necessary to ensure that we are providing a safe and secure working environment for our employees and
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The purpose of a request for consent to perform a criminal records check letter is to inform the job applicant that a criminal records check is a requirement for employment and to obtain their consent to carry out such a check.
This letter also serves as a formal request for the applicant's authorisation to perform a check of their criminal history.
By obtaining consent, the employer can verify that the candidate has provided accurate and truthful information in their application, and can assess any potential risks associated with hiring the candidate.
This process can help to ensure that the employer is providing a safe and secure working environment for their employees and customers.
It is usually delivered to the Candidate by the Employer / HR.
It should be actioned 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.
Compliance
Compliance
This Criminal Records Check Consent letter 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 letter template, to understand the workflow.
Criminal record checks policy
If you are undertaking criminal record checks as part of your onboarding process, this model policy provides you with a legal, effective framework.
Criminal Records Check Consent form
Our Criminal Records Check Consent form template ensures seamless and compliant processing of applicant background checks.
Timings
Timings
Follow these best practice actions to get the most from the Criminal Records Check Consent letter template, guiding you before, during, and after implementation:
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| Step | Description | Responsibility | Timing |
| 1 | Identify employees requiring criminal records check consent. | HR | Ongoing |
| 2 | Prepare Criminal Records Check Consent letter with employee details. | HR | Before sending |
| 3 | Obtain employee's signature on the associated form. | Employee | During meeting |
| 4 | Submit the signed consent letter for the records check. | HR | After signature |
| 5 | Keep a copy of the signed consent letter for records. | HR | Ongoing |
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 letter 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.
