We know pre-employment screening can sometimes feel detailed, especially when you are asked to provide documents, address history, employment information or personal declarations.
Security Watchdog’s Candidate Help Hub is here to guide you through the process, explain what information may be needed and help you complete your screening as smoothly as possible.
Your background checks are requested by the organisation you are applying to work with. The information we ask you to provide will depend on the checks they have requested, your role, the industry you are working in and any regulatory or compliance requirements that apply.
Our aim is to help your screening progress as quickly and smoothly as possible. To do that, it is important that the information you provide is accurate, complete and submitted as soon as you are able.
Providing the right information first time helps reduce delays and means we are less likely to need to contact you again later in the process.
The most helpful thing you can do is provide accurate, complete information as soon as possible. Small errors or missing details can slow the process down, especially where references, documents or address history need to be checked.
Some checks require specific documents to confirm your identity, right to work, address history or other information. Our acceptable documents guide explains what you can provide and how to make sure your documents are clear and valid.
Before your screening can begin, we will ask you to complete an online application form. This gives us the information needed to complete the checks requested by your prospective employer or organisation. You will only be asked for information that is relevant to the checks being completed.
You may be asked for details such as your full name, date of birth, contact details, nationality or other identifying information.
This helps us make sure checks and references are requested for the correct person. Some questions may also be required for specific checks.
You may need to provide a continuous history of the addresses you have lived at for a set period of time. The length of history required will depend on the checks requested.
Address history can be used for financial probity and criminal record checks. It may also help previous employers, academic institutions or other organisations locate your records if needed.
Many employers need to confirm your activity over a set period of time. This may include employment, self-employment, education, unemployment, travelling, career breaks or other gaps.
Providing a complete history helps us request the right references and avoid delays caused by missing information.
Depending on the checks requested, you may be asked to provide declarations about your financial or criminal background.
These declarations help your prospective employer assess information relevant to the role and any screening requirements that apply.
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Security Watchdog complies with the principles of UK GDPR. We will only ask for information that is directly linked to the checks requested by your prospective employer or organisation, and where your consent has been provided.
You can find more information about how we collect, use and protect personal information in our Privacy Policy.
Background checks are requested by the organisation you are applying to work with. They help confirm information relevant to your role, such as identity, right to work, employment history, references, qualifications, criminal record checks or other requirements.
No. The information you are asked to provide depends on the checks requested, the role you are applying for, the sector you will work in and any regulatory or compliance requirements that apply.
If information is missing or does not match what is needed, we may contact you to confirm or correct it. Providing accurate information first time helps reduce delays.
Address history may be required for checks such as criminal record (DBS) or financial probity checks. It can also help organisations locate records when references or other information need to be verified.
The documents you need will depend on the checks requested. Our acceptable documents guidance explains which documents may be accepted and how to upload them correctly.
Timescales vary depending on the checks requested, how quickly information is provided and how quickly third parties, such as referees or institutions, respond.
