eCommerce Login
YOUR COMMON QUESTIONS, ANSWERED
Background screening FAQs answered by screening experts
Whether you are comparing screening providers, reviewing compliance requirements or managing an existing screening programme, these background screening FAQs answer the questions organisations ask most. Find clear guidance on DBS checks, global screening, data protection, timelines and how Security Watchdog supports safer, more confident hiring decisions.
Understanding background screening
Background screening helps organisations verify key information about candidates before they join the workforce. These background screening FAQs explain what checks can include, why they matter and how they support safer, more confident hiring decisions.
Background screening is the process of verifying key information about a candidate before employment. This typically includes identity, right to work, employment history, education, criminal records and, where relevant, financial background, social media and online behaviour checks.
This depends on the role and sector. Regulated roles may require DBS checks, financial checks or regulatory referencing, while other roles may focus on identity, employment and qualification verification. Screening should always be proportionate and role-specific. If you are unsure which checks are appropriate for your organisation, please contact our team to speak with one of our screening experts.
DBS checks and regulatory requirements
DBS checks play an important role in safeguarding, compliance and role suitability across many sectors. These FAQs cover the different levels of DBS checks, when they may be required and how Security Watchdog supports organisations with compliant DBS screening.
A DBS check is a UK criminal record check used to assess suitability for certain roles. Standard and Enhanced checks are only permitted for roles that meet strict legal eligibility criteria, such as working with children or vulnerable adults.
A Basic check shows unspent convictions. A Standard check includes spent and unspent convictions, cautions and reprimands. An Enhanced check includes the same plus additional information held by police, and where applicable, barred list checks.
Yes. Security Watchdog is one of the longest standing DBS Registered Bodies, authorised to process DBS checks for organisations and eligible self-employed individuals in line with DBS eligibility rules.
An approved DBS e-broker provides systems that allow Registered Bodies to submit DBS applications electronically. Security Watchdog provides secure, compliant platforms that support efficient, large-scale DBS processing.
Basic DBS checks are often completed within one working day. Standard and Enhanced checks typically take a few days but can take longer depending on police force response times and the complexity of the case.
Working with Security Watchdog
Choosing the right screening partner can make a significant difference to compliance, turnaround times and candidate experience. These FAQs explain how Security Watchdog works with organisations, from setting up screening programmes to delivering ongoing expert support.
A DBS check is a UK criminal record check used to assess suitability for certain roles. Standard and Enhanced checks are only permitted for roles that meet strict legal eligibility criteria, such as working with children or vulnerable adults.
A Basic check shows unspent convictions. A Standard check includes spent and unspent convictions, cautions and reprimands. An Enhanced check includes the same plus additional information held by police, and where applicable, barred list checks.
Yes. Security Watchdog is one of the longest standing DBS Registered Bodies, authorised to process DBS checks for organisations and eligible self-employed individuals in line with DBS eligibility rules.
An approved DBS e-broker provides systems that allow Registered Bodies to submit DBS applications electronically. Security Watchdog provides secure, compliant platforms that support efficient, large-scale DBS processing.
Basic DBS checks are often completed within one working day. Standard and Enhanced checks typically take a few days but can take longer depending on police force response times and the complexity of the case.
Global screening capability
International hiring can add complexity to background screening, especially when candidates have lived, worked or studied overseas. These FAQs explain how global screening works and how Security Watchdog helps organisations verify information across different countries and jurisdictions.
A DBS check is a UK criminal record check used to assess suitability for certain roles. Standard and Enhanced checks are only permitted for roles that meet strict legal eligibility criteria, such as working with children or vulnerable adults.
A Basic check shows unspent convictions. A Standard check includes spent and unspent convictions, cautions and reprimands. An Enhanced check includes the same plus additional information held by police, and where applicable, barred list checks.
Yes. Security Watchdog is one of the longest standing DBS Registered Bodies, authorised to process DBS checks for organisations and eligible self-employed individuals in line with DBS eligibility rules.
An approved DBS e-broker provides systems that allow Registered Bodies to submit DBS applications electronically. Security Watchdog provides secure, compliant platforms that support efficient, large-scale DBS processing.
Basic DBS checks are often completed within one working day. Standard and Enhanced checks typically take a few days but can take longer depending on police force response times and the complexity of the case.
Protecting data and ensuring compliance
Background screening involves sensitive candidate information, so data protection, security and compliance must be built into every stage of the process. These FAQs explain how Security Watchdog manages screening data responsibly and supports organisations with compliant hiring processes.
A DBS check is a UK criminal record check used to assess suitability for certain roles. Standard and Enhanced checks are only permitted for roles that meet strict legal eligibility criteria, such as working with children or vulnerable adults.
A Basic check shows unspent convictions. A Standard check includes spent and unspent convictions, cautions and reprimands. An Enhanced check includes the same plus additional information held by police, and where applicable, barred list checks.
Yes. Security Watchdog is one of the longest standing DBS Registered Bodies, authorised to process DBS checks for organisations and eligible self-employed individuals in line with DBS eligibility rules.
An approved DBS e-broker provides systems that allow Registered Bodies to submit DBS applications electronically. Security Watchdog provides secure, compliant platforms that support efficient, large-scale DBS processing.
Basic DBS checks are often completed within one working day. Standard and Enhanced checks typically take a few days but can take longer depending on police force response times and the complexity of the case.
Talk to a screening expert
Whether you’re exploring background screening for your organisation, already working with us, or completing checks as a candidate, we’re here to help.
Use the form to tell us what your enquiry is about. A few quick questions will help us understand what you need, whether that’s guidance on the right checks, support with an existing account, booking a demo of our platform, help with an in-progress screening application or something else.
Once submitted, your enquiry will be routed to the right person and a member of the team will be in touch.