1. Identity Check

The purpose of this check is to confirm that you are who you say you are. Generally, you’ll be asked to provide photo ID, such as a current passport, photo driving licence, or some other document that features a recognisable photo of you. You may also be asked for a bank statement and utility bill to prove that you live in the UK.

2. Employment History

Generally, an employer will check that you’ve worked for the businesses listed on your CV by contacting the work references you provide. This is why it’s important that you keep your references up to date and relevant.

3. Academic Achievement

To confirm that you have the qualifications stated on your CV, an employer may ask you to provide official transcripts, diplomas, or certificates, for instance, a university degree certificate. They may also contact your school, college, or university.

4. Professional Registration

You may also be asked to provide evidence of professional registration. Some occupations are regulated in the UK, such as Social Work, Art Therapy, Psychiatry, or Clinical Psychology and require registration by law for you to use a Protected Title.

Others occupations are self-regulated in the UK, but to ensure you meet the training and ethical standards to practice, employers may request that you provide evidence of being listed on a PSA Accredited Register for roles in Counselling, Psychotherapy, Play Therapy or wider Psychological Wellbeing.

5. Right to Work

UK businesses are required by law to carry out a Right to Work check before employing you. This background check makes sure that you are legally allowed to work in the UK. You will be asked to provide documents such as your passport, birth certificate, or immigration status document.

6. Criminal Record

For certain jobs, the employer will check whether you have a criminal record in the UK. This is called a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Many mental health jobs require a DBS check to ensure the safety of vulnerable people, including children and adults at risk. The level of check depends on the job role and setting:

• Enhanced DBS with Barred Lists: If working with children or vulnerable adults
• Standard DBS: If the role involves direct care
• Basic DBS: For admin or low-risk roles

You can apply for a DBS check yourself through the gov.uk website. In some cases, the employer may arrange, and/or pay for, this for you.

7. Safeguarding and Child Protection

In addition to a DBS check, you may be asked to provide evidence of safeguarding and child protection training. This is essential for anyone working with children, young people, or vulnerable adults, especially in mental health, education, and social care roles.

In the UK, this training is often mandatory for mental health workers to ensure they understand their responsibilities under the law and can spot and act on signs of abuse or neglect.

It’s training designed to help you:

• Understand your duty of care
• Recognise the signs and symptoms of abuse, neglect, exploitation, and harm
• Know what to do and who to tell if you have concerns
• Respond appropriately to disclosures or incidents
• Understand your legal responsibilities under UK safeguarding laws.

If you have not completed this training prior to starting employment, you may be asked to completed it during your induction and training for the role.

8. DVLA Check

For jobs that involve driving or outreach work, a DVLA check will be carried out. The purpose of this background check is to confirm your driving record, including any penalty points, disqualifications, and the types of vehicles you’re allowed to drive.

You’ll generally be asked to create a code on the DVLA website so the employer can access your driving licence information.

9. Drug and Alcohol Screening

In jobs where safety is important or employees handle sensitive tasks, drug and alcohol screening may be used to check for recent drug use. However, the employer must have your consent to carry out a these tests.

Screening tests are typically required for mental health roles that involve:

• Direct patient care
• Access to controlled substances
• High levels of responsibility or safety
• Work in secure or high-risk environments

10. Social Media

While this isn’t an official ‘background check’, the employer may investigate your social media presence to get a better sense of who you are, especially for roles involving mental health, counselling, or working with vulnerable people. While it's not guaranteed, it's becoming increasingly common as part of informal background checks or professional vetting.

As a business based platform, LinkedIn is probably the most common place to start, but they may also look for you on Facebook, Instagram, or other social media channels.

Original content source: https://joblookup.com/explore/top-10-employment-background-checks-for-uk-job-seekers/