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Overseas FAQs

• Can I check out applicants from overseas?
• I recruit overseas staff how can I check their police record for their country of origin?
• I live overseas and need to get a CRB check for my new job in the UK . How can I apply for one?
• Do the CRB check overseas criminal records if an overseas address is put on a CRB application form?
• Is a certificate of good conduct/overseas criminal record check the same as a Standard or Enhanced CRB check?
• Can I submit an application whilst an applicant is still overseas?

Can I check out applicants from overseas?

Yes, however If you are recruiting people from overseas and wish to check their overseas criminal record, a CRB Check may not provide a complete picture of their criminal record which may or may not exist. This is because the CRB cannot currently access criminal records held overseas; however in a small number of cases overseas criminal records are also held on the Police National Computer and these would be revealed as part of a CRB check. The CRB does however provide an overseas information service that provides customers with information on how to obtain details of an overseas criminal record

I recruit overseas staff how can I check their police record for their country of origin?

The CRB provides information on how an individual can obtain a copy of their own certificate of good conduct or criminal record from a number of countries. This information can be found on the CRB overseas page. For information about any country not listed you should contact that country’s representative in the UK. Contact details can be found on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office web site at http://www.fco.gov.uk/ (new window).

I live overseas and need to get a CRB check for my new job in the UK . How can I apply for one?

You will need to speak to the person who told or asked you to apply for a CRB check. They will be able to let you know when and how to make the application. Organisations that require CRB checks as part of a job or licensing application must be registered directly with the CRB or use the services of an organisation that is registered with the CRB.

Does the CRB check criminal records held overseas if overseas address is put on a CRB application form?

No. If you are recruiting people from overseas and wish to check their overseas criminal record, a CRB Check may not provide a complete picture of their criminal record which may or may not exist. This is because the CRB cannot currently access criminal records held overseas; however in a small number of cases overseas criminal records are also held on the Police National Computer and these would be revealed as part of a CRB check.

Is a certificate of good conduct/overseas criminal record check the same as a Standard or Enhanced CRB check?

No, but it is good recruitment practice where possible to obtain a certificate of good conduct and any other references from potential overseas employees. The standard of police checks varies from country to country. If you wish to establish the standard of a certificate of good conduct or overseas criminal record check, you will need to contact either the authorities in a particular country or their official representative in the UK. Contact details for Embassies and High Commissions in the UK can be found on the FCO web site at www.fco.gov.uk (new window).

How do I translate and check the validity of a certificate of good conduct or overseas criminal record check?

Either you or your employee should obtain a certified translation. A translation can be obtained by using the services of a translation company or the Embassy of the country concerned may be able to supply a translation. The Embassy should also be able to confirm the validity of the document.

Can I submit an application whilst an applicant is still overseas?

Yes. It is possible for a UK Registered Body to submit an application while the applicant is still overseas but the Registered Body must still verify the applicant’s identity. If the applicant is being appointed as part of an exchange programme, for example, a school in the UKrecruiting someone from a school abroad, the Registered Body may be able to confirm identity by liaising with another party or institution abroad as part of other checks made as part of the recruitment process, i.e. obtaining references.  Employers may also wish to undertake their own identity checks when the individual commences employment or placement.