Request A Callback From An Investigator

How Long Do Background Checks Take UK?

When most people contact a private investigator to provide them with a background check, they usually don't have all the time in the world. Whether it's an employer looking to recruit someone new or a landlord screening a tenant, they'll need the services provided in a timely manner to avoid missing out on a good tenant, employee or business deal. However, this is easier said than done.

Private investigator background checks can involve many different individual checks. Although some checks can be done instantly, others may require several weeks to complete.


What Types Of Background Checks Are There?

Before looking into how long a background check can take, it's important to first get an idea of how many different types of individual checks are there.

Some of the checks that a private investigator may be asked to perform include:

  • Identity checks
  • Driving Record
  • Credit history checks
  • Employment history checks
  • Residential address check
  • Criminal record checks
  • Marriage history
  • Medical history etc.

Getting the results from some of these checks is quite straightforward. Others may need more time and effort.


How Are Background Checks Conducted?

A background check will start by contacting a private investigator and providing them with the basic details of the subject. This is usually their name, address and phone number.

Contact details are required for the next step which is the private investigator getting the person's consent to perform the background check. Without consent, the subject of the investigation could make a claim of harassment and invasion of privacy.

Once consent is obtained, the private investigator will make the necessary requests and go through the records as they are provided. After going through the records, they will present the information to the client.


How Long Does It Take For Each Type Of Background Check To Be Conducted?

There are certain checks that can be done with the results being availed immediately or within a few minutes. These include:

  • Identity checks
  • Credit checks
  • Marriage history etc.

On the other hand, there are other checks that are likely to take much longer.

For example, a criminal record request sent to the DBS can take anywhere from a few days to 8 weeks. Basic disclosures can be availed in two weeks or less. On the other hand, enhanced disclosures may take several weeks. Sometimes the requests are delayed if there is a huge backlog of requests at the DBS.

Confirmation of an individual's past residential addresses and employers can also take a short or long time depending on how quickly the other parties respond. Certain parties can take a long time to respond to the private investigator, resulting in unnecessary delays to the process.



Related Articles