Criminal Record Checks
At SVS, we provide comprehensive UK and worldwide criminal record checks as part of our wider security screening and vetting solutions.
Our Criminal Record checks include:
- Basic Criminal Record Disclosures DBS
- Standard Criminal Record Disclosures DBS
- Enhanced Criminal Record Disclosures DBS
- Level 1 Disclosure Scotland
- Level 2 Disclosure Scotland
- PVG Disclosure Scotland
What are Criminal Record Checks?
Criminal record checks, commonly known as the DBS check, play a crucial role in your company’s operation and the need to have a robust pre-screening solution is now more important than ever. This is especially true for companies that serve the most vulnerable among us, hold positions of trust, or have access to sensitive information. Our online DBS check system provides a simple and easy way to vet an individual’s criminal background, offering fast, reliable, and comprehensive results. Choose from four different levels of checks based on your requirements, and either manage the process yourself or let us handle it for you.
Common roles for Criminal Record Checks
- Retail, hospitality & customer service
- Transport & logistics
- Manufacturing, warehousing & construction
- Office, admin & professional services
- Security healthcare
- Education & child-related roles
- Charities, volunteering & community support
- Regulated activity roles
Our Criminal Record Checks service
Criminal record checks are a vital part of safeguarding your organisation, helping you verify whether candidates are suitable, trustworthy, and safe to place in roles of responsibility. This category covers a full range of UK and international criminal record checks, from entry-level disclosures to high-level checks for regulated or vulnerable roles. They help mitigate risks, including fraud, theft, safeguarding concerns, reputational harm, and regulatory breaches. Many roles require specific types of disclosures to meet legal, contractual, or industry-mandated standards, including DBS legislation, Disclosure Scotland requirements, and international vetting frameworks.
What our experts say about this service
“In an industry where precision and reliability are vital, SVS’s criminal record checks deliver exactly that. The dependable accuracy of these checks gives us confidence in our hiring decisions and adds an essential layer of assurance to our recruitment process.”
Michael, Criminal Record Check Manager
Our Criminal Record Check Process
Step 1
Choose which DBS check is needed
We will require the candidate’s basic details and initial documents, including identity evidence, Right to Work, address history and employment history. Your dedicated vetting officer will confirm what is needed and ensure everything is captured from the start.
Step 2
Submit and send the correct documentation
Your dedicated vetting officer will confirm what is needed and ensure everything is captured from the start.
Step 3
Receive a detailed report, outlining any relevant criminal history
Once screening is complete, you will receive a certificate of screening, written confirmation of compliance and a full pack containing all documents required for audits, inspections, accreditations or insurer validation. For urgent operational needs, we can also support Limited Screening to allow conditional employment.
Criminal Record Checks
Basic DBS
A Basic DBS check is the first level of criminal record disclosure provided by the Disclosure and Barring Service, it shows unspent convictions.
Enhanced DBS
Enhanced DBS check is the highest level of criminal record disclosure available from the Disclosure and Barring Service. It is for roles that involve contact with children and/or vulnerable adults.
International Criminal Record Checks
Conducting criminal record checks for overseas applicants provides an additional layer of reassurance, helping you make informed, confident hiring decisions.
Level 1 Disclosure Scotland
A Level 1 Disclosure Scotland check is the entry-level criminal record check available in Scotland. It shows unspent convictions.
Level 2 Disclosure Scotland
A Disclosure Scotland Level 2 check is for roles that require a higher level of trust or responsibility, but do not involve regulated work with children or protected adults.
Standard DBS
A Standard DBS check is a criminal record check processed by the Disclosure and Barring Service for eligible roles only. It discloses spent and unspent convictions.
PVG Disclosure Scotland
Protecting vulnerable Groups (PVG) is a mandatory 5- year scheme in Scotland, managed by Disclosure Scotland. It is for roles involved with regulated work, with children or protected adults.
SVS are experts in delivering comprehensive security screening services
From pre-employment background checks to ongoing compliance monitoring, our solutions ensure your workforce meets the highest security and regulatory standards.
With extensive experience in criminal record checks, digital identity verification, financial screening and right-to-work verification, we help businesses to stay compliant and make informed hiring decisions. We operate in a range of sectors including finance, healthcare, education, corporate, retail and government, providing tailored security screening solutions to meet industry-specific compliance.
Get in touch with our experts today
If you have a question or can’t find what you’re looking for, our friendly experts are on hand to answer any questions.
What our clients say
Why choose SVS Security & Vetting Solutions?
Fast Turnaround
We understand the importance of keeping recruitment and operational timelines on track. Our efficient systems, dedicated Vetting Officers, and streamlined digital processes enable us to deliver fast, reliable screening results without compromising on accuracy or compliance.
Dedicated Vetting Officer
Your candidates’ dedicated Vetting Officer tracks each application closely, providing regular updates and flagging any issues early. You’re kept informed at every stage, ensuring a smooth, efficient, and predictable screening process.
Industry Expertise
With deep knowledge of regulated industry screening, we tailor our processes to meet the unique compliance standards of each sector, ensuring every check is completed efficiently, accurately, and in line with relevant regulations.
Criminal Record Check FAQs
Is Security & Vetting Solutions allowed to process DBS and Disclosure Scotland checks?
Yes. As a registered and accredited body, we are authorised to submit DBS and Disclosure Scotland checks on behalf of others.
Do individuals need to give consent for a criminal record check?
Yes. An employer must have the individual’s permission to request a criminal record check.
Which organisations provide criminal record checks in the UK?
The UK has three official criminal record disclosure bodies. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) operates in England and Wales and provides Basic, Standard and Enhanced checks. Disclosure Scotland provides Level 1 and Level 2 disclosures, including barred list checks, under Scotland’s updated disclosure system. AccessNI is the disclosure body for Northern Ireland, offering similar levels of checks for roles based there. Together, these organisations ensure employers can verify criminal history appropriately, depending on where the role is located and the level of vetting required.
When should an international criminal check be carried out?
As best practice, we recommend conducting a check for any country where the candidate has lived for six months or longer. This helps ensure a consistent and thorough screening process.
Looking for Digital Identity Verification?
Digital Identity Verification fee from £6.50 per check (ex VAT)
Our fast, secure ID, address and Right to Work confirmation is completed directly by the candidate, reducing delays and protecting against fraudulent documentation.
Other Services
Security screening
Our main security services include: BS7858, SIA BS7858 BPSS, BS8406 Event, airside pass, FCA and bespoke screening.
Digital identity verification
Digital identity verification confirms a candidate’s identity quickly and securely, reducing fraud risk and supporting fully compliant remote onboarding.
Pre employment checks
We cover a range of checks including Global and financial sanctions, PEP, social media, International, driving licence and more.
Sectors we work with
Pre-employment and ongoing employee screening varies across sectors due to unique requirements. In highly-regulated industries like healthcare, education, and finance, rigorous background checks are essential for legal compliance and reducing risk.





















