This Practice Notes summarises the pre-employment checks that a prospective Employer should consider, and the main issues relating to them in respect of applicants for employment.

While the application form and interview process will give a prospective employer some assurances as to a candidate's suitability for a vacant position, some additional Verification or vetting of the candidate will be necessary.

The prospective employer will need to establish that the candidate has the Right to work in the UK (see: Establishing the right to work in the UK below). In addition, the employer may need to:

1. •

   obtain references from the candidate's current and previous employers (see: References below)

2. •

   where appropriate, apply to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) for a Criminal Record Certificate or Enhanced Criminal Record Certificate (see Criminal records—asking questions and DBS checks below)

3. •

   seek a pre-employment medical report on the candidate (see: Health questions below)

4. •

   carry out pre-employment due diligence or screening for ‘high risk’ posts, in relation to matters such as money laundering, financial sanctions, bribery and tax evasion facilitation (see: Staff due diligence