At The OPRA Group, we know that finding the right person for the job is about more than just a great CV and a good interview. A thorough, compliant pre-employment screening process is essential to protect your business, your people, and your reputation.
The checks you need will vary depending on your industry, the role in question, and legal requirements, but each plays a vital part in building a safe, trustworthy, and high-performing workforce.
Here’s our guide to the most common types of pre-employment checks, and when you should use them.
1. DBS Checks
What it is: A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check looks into a candidate’s criminal record.
When to use:
- Basic DBS: for roles where you simply need to confirm if the candidate has any unspent convictions.
- Standard DBS: for positions of responsibility or trust, such as accountants, security staff, or certain financial roles.
- Enhanced DBS: required for jobs involving work with children or vulnerable adults, such as teachers, healthcare workers, or social care professionals.
Industries Include: Education, Healthcare, Social Services, Security, Financial Services.
2. Reference Checks
What it is: Speaking to previous employers to verify a candidate’s work history, job performance, and conduct.
When to use: Almost always! Reference checks are relevant for any role where past behaviour and performance can indicate suitability. They’re particularly important for senior positions, sensitive roles, or when assessing skills that are hard to measure in an interview.
Industries: All sectors.
3. Right-to-Work Verification
What it is: Legal confirmation that a candidate is entitled to work in the UK. This involves checking official documents such as passports, visas, or biometric residence permits.
When to use: For every new hire, it’s a legal requirement for all UK employers to confirm right-to-work status before employment begins.
Industries: All sectors.
4. Credit Checks
What it is: Reviewing a candidate’s financial history to assess their creditworthiness, including any County Court Judgments (CCJs) or bankruptcy records.
When to use: For roles that involve handling money, financial decision-making, or access to sensitive financial data.
Industries Include: Banking, Accountancy, Finance, Insurance, Senior Management.
5. Qualifications Verification
What it is: Confirming that a candidate has the qualifications, certifications, or licences they claim, and that they’re valid.
When to use: Any role where specific qualifications are a legal or professional requirement. This includes verifying degrees, vocational certifications, or industry-specific licences.
Industries Include: Healthcare (Nursing, Dentistry), Legal, Engineering, Teaching, Skilled Trades, Technical Roles.
6. DVLA Checks
A Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency check confirms if a candidate has the right driving licence, any penalty points, or driving bans.
Industries Include: Logistics, Transportation, Delivery Services, Roles with Company Vehicles.
7. Employment Referencing and Gap Verification
This check covers not only past employment dates but also verifies reasons for any gaps in work history, ensuring a complete and accurate timeline.
Industries Include: All, particularly where security and trust are critical, such as Care work, Finance, and Education.
8. Public/Social Media Checks
Reviews publicly available online profiles to assess a candidate’s professionalism, behaviour, and potential reputational risks.
Industries Include: Roles with public engagement, client contact, brand representation, and leadership positions.
9. International Sanctions
These checks ensure that a candidate isn’t listed on any global sanctions lists, protecting your organisation from legal or reputational harm.
Industries Include: Financial Services, International Trade, Legal, Government, and Regulated Sectors.
Why Screening Matters
Skipping proper checks can result in costly hiring mistakes, compliance breaches, and reputational damage. More importantly, robust screening helps ensure your workforce is safe, trustworthy, and aligned with your company values.
At The OPRA Group, our dedicated screening team delivers a fast, compliant, and candidate-friendly process. We tailor our checks to your particular or industry requirements, whether you’re hiring temporary staff, permanent team members, or senior leaders, ensuring peace of mind at every step.
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