Confidence in every decision
Background Checks
Before you hire, invest, partner or trust, make sure you know who you are dealing with. Our background checks verify identities, employment histories, qualifications, criminal records and financial standing.
What we do
Background Checks explained
We verify the backgrounds of individuals and companies to help you make informed decisions. From pre-employment screening to corporate due diligence, our checks are thorough, lawful and delivered quickly. Every check follows DPA 2018 and GDPR requirements.
- Pre-employment, tenant and personal background checks
- DBS checks at basic, standard and enhanced levels
- International checks across 40+ jurisdictions
- Corporate due diligence on companies and directors
- Results within 24 hours for standard checks
How we help you
Background check scenarios we handle
Every case is different, but these are the most common reasons people come to us for background checks.
Pre-employment screening
You are hiring for a role that requires trust. We verify identity, qualifications, employment history, references and criminal records before you make an offer.
Tenant vetting
A prospective tenant looks perfect on paper. We verify their identity, employment, rental history and creditworthiness before you hand over the keys.
Nanny and carer checks
You are trusting someone with your children or elderly relatives. Enhanced background checks give you confidence in who is entering your home.
Online dating verification
You have met someone online and want to verify they are who they say they are. We check identity, marital status, criminal history and social media presence.
Business partner due diligence
Before entering a partnership or joint venture, we verify the other party's business history, financial standing, directorships and any adverse records.
Pre-marital checks
A marriage is a significant commitment. Background checks can reveal financial issues, undisclosed previous marriages, criminal records or other concerns.
Our specialist services
Explore our background checks
Select a service below to learn more about how we can help with your specific situation.
DBS Checks
Disclosure and Barring Service checks for positions of trust and regulated roles.
Request a DBS check about DBS ChecksEmployee Screening
Employee screening services. Pre-hire background checks covering identity, employment history, qualifications, references and criminal records.
Learn more about Employee ScreeningPre Employment Checks
Pre-employment checks for UK businesses. Verify identity, qualifications, employment history and criminal records before hiring.
Learn more about Pre Employment ChecksCriminal Record Checks
Criminal record check services for employers, landlords and individuals.
Learn more about Criminal Record ChecksReference Verification
Reference verification services. Confirm employment references are genuine, accurate and from real sources.
Learn more about Reference VerificationTenant Screening
Verify tenant identity, credit history, employment, and previous landlord references.
Screen a tenant about Tenant ScreeningCorporate Vetting
Corporate vetting services. Due diligence on companies, directors and business relationships.
Learn more about Corporate VettingNanny Carer Checks
Nanny and carer background checks. Enhanced DBS, identity, employment, qualifications and reference verification.
Learn more about Nanny Carer ChecksOur process
How a background check works
We keep you informed at every stage. No surprises, no jargon, no pressure.
Tell us what you need
Describe the check you require and the level of detail you need. We will recommend the right package and provide a clear quote.
Provide subject details
Share the information you have: name, date of birth, addresses, employer details. We handle everything with strict confidentiality.
We run the checks
Our analysts search relevant databases, verify documents, contact references and compile a detailed report.
Clear report delivered
You receive a professional report with verified findings, flags and recommendations. We are available to discuss the results with you.
Why choose UKPI
Why choose UKPI for background checks
Thorough and accurate
We go beyond basic database searches. Our checks include manual verification, cross-referencing and, where needed, field enquiries.
Fast turnaround
Standard checks are completed within 24 hours. Enhanced and international checks are typically returned within three to five working days.
Legally compliant
Every check complies with DPA 2018, GDPR and, for employment checks, the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
Registered DBS provider
We process basic, standard and enhanced DBS checks through official channels. Fast, reliable, properly administered.
International capability
Background checks across 40+ countries. Criminal records, company searches, qualification verification and sanctions screening.
Clear reporting
Our reports are written in plain English with clear findings and actionable recommendations. No jargon, no ambiguity.
Transparency
What we do not do
Our checks are thorough but lawful. We are clear about what we can and cannot verify.
- We do not access spent criminal convictions protected under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.
- We do not provide DBS checks directly. We verify DBS status through legitimate channels.
- We do not share results with anyone other than the commissioning party.
- We do not provide credit scores or financial standing assessments.
- We do not make hiring or tenancy recommendations. We supply the facts.
Real outcomes
Background check case examples
All names and identifying details have been changed to protect client confidentiality.
The qualified candidate
The challenge
A financial services firm was about to appoint a senior risk manager. The candidate had an impressive CV with qualifications from two universities.
Our approach
Our education verification revealed that one degree was genuine but the other had been fabricated. The university had no record of the candidate.
The charming tenant
The challenge
A landlord had a prospective tenant who presented well and offered to pay six months upfront. Something felt too good to be true.
Our approach
Our checks revealed the tenant had been evicted from two previous properties for non-payment and had three CCJs registered against them.
The online partner
The challenge
A woman had been in an online relationship for eight months. Before meeting in person, she wanted to verify her partner's claims about his background.
Our approach
Our checks confirmed his name and age were correct, but he was still legally married with two children. His claimed profession did not match reality.
Transparent pricing
Background check costs
We believe in honest pricing. You will receive a clear, fixed-fee quote before any work begins.
£195 to £375
We offer three levels of background check. The Standard check is £195 and covers identity, address, date of birth, aliases, property, CCJs and bankruptcies, relatives, employment history and business interests. The Enhanced check is £315 and adds press, media and internet history, recent and previous address searches, and professional capabilities. The Enhanced Plus check is £375 and adds international sanctions checks, reported criminal activity and personal assets. Standard checks are typically completed within 24 hours. Enhanced and Enhanced Plus checks are usually returned within three to five working days.
Factors affecting cost
- Type and depth of check required
- Whether DBS processing is included
- Number of individuals or companies to check
- Whether international jurisdictions are involved
- Turnaround time required
Common questions
Frequently asked questions about background checks
Identity verification, address history, electoral register check, CCJ and bankruptcy search, and a basic criminal record check. Enhanced packages add employment verification, qualification checks and reference verification.
For employment and tenant checks, the subject must give consent under GDPR. For personal checks such as dating verification, we use publicly available information, along with multiple official non-public sources and do not require consent.
Basic DBS checks are typically returned within two to five working days. Standard and enhanced checks take two to four weeks depending on police force processing times.
Yes. We conduct background checks across 40+ countries, including criminal records, company searches, sanctions screening and qualification verification.
Yes. All checks comply with DPA 2018 and GDPR. We process data lawfully, minimise data collection and securely destroy records after the agreed retention period.
Yes. Our reports are prepared to evidential standards and can be submitted as evidence in court proceedings, employment tribunals and regulatory hearings.
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Get in touch
Talk to us about background checks
You do not need all the answers before you call. Tell us what is happening and we will explain your options. Every conversation is completely confidential.
- Free, no-obligation consultation
- Response within 2 hours
- 100% confidential
- Available 24/7: 0800 043 1754
You do not have to figure this out alone
A confidential conversation can bring clarity and control. Call us today or request a free consultation online.
- Confidential by default
- Accredited and insured
- Court-admissible evidence
- Est. 1997