Businesses are all about people – and hiring the right employee is crucial for any business. A poor hiring decision can lead to financial loss, reputational damage and even legal issues. That’s why conducting a thorough background check is essential to ensure you’re bringing in trustworthy and qualified individuals.
There are several ways to check a worker’s background, from reviewing their employment history to conducting criminal record checks. However, for the most reliable and comprehensive results, working with a professional private investigator like M19 Solutions is the best approach.
Why background checks matter
A CV and interview can only tell you so much about a candidate. While most applicants are honest, some may exaggerate their qualifications, hide past employment issues or even have a criminal record they don’t disclose.
Background checks help employers:
- Verify the accuracy of a candidate’s claims
- Identify potential risks before hiring
- Protect company assets, employees and clients
- Comply with legal and regulatory requirements
Now, let’s explore the different ways to conduct a background check on a worker.
1. Verify employment history and qualifications
One of the most basic background checks is verifying a candidate’s employment history and educational qualifications. This ensures that the applicant has the experience and skills they claim.
How to do it:
- Contact previous employers to confirm job titles, dates of employment and reasons for leaving.
- Reach out to universities or professional bodies to verify degrees and certifications.
- Check for any discrepancies between their CV and what references say.
While this step is straightforward, candidates can provide fake references or forged documents. That’s why deeper background checks are often necessary.
2. Conduct criminal record checks
A criminal background check can reveal whether a candidate has a history of criminal activity that could pose a risk to your business.
How to do it:
- Employers in the UK can request a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which provides details on a person’s criminal record.
- Different levels of DBS checks exist, depending on the job role and industry. For example, enhanced checks are required for roles involving children or vulnerable adults.
- For positions outside the UK, international criminal checks may be needed.
However, accessing criminal records legally can be complex, especially if the individual has lived in multiple locations. A private investigator can help navigate this process.
3. Check financial and credit history
For roles involving financial responsibility, such as handling company funds or working in the banking sector, a credit history check can help identify potential risks.
How to do it:
- Credit reference agencies can provide reports on an individual’s financial history, including unpaid debts, bankruptcies or CCJs (county court judgments).
- Look for signs of financial distress, which could increase the risk of fraud or theft in the workplace.
Employers must have the candidate’s consent to conduct financial checks and they should only be used when relevant to the job role.
4. Review social media activity
Social media screening is an increasingly popular tool for assessing a candidate’s character and behaviour. It can highlight red flags such as inappropriate conduct, hate speech or even violations of company policies.
How to do it:
- Review public social media profiles on platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, X (Twitter) and Instagram.
- Look for any content that could indicate unethical behaviour, criminal activity or workplace misconduct.
- Verify whether their professional online presence aligns with their CV.
However, social media checks must be handled carefully to avoid bias and discrimination. That’s why working with experts like M19 Solutions ensures compliance with privacy laws and fair hiring practices. Read our article on social media background checks for more insights.
5. Conduct identity and address verification
Ensuring that a candidate is who they claim to be is a fundamental part of background screening.
How to do it:
- Request official identification, such as a passport or driving licence and verify its authenticity.
- Use address verification tools to confirm their current and previous residences.
- Check for any alias names or suspicious inconsistencies.
M19 Solutions offers professional identity verification services, ensuring that individuals are thoroughly vetted before employment.
6. Hire a private investigator for a thorough check
While employers can conduct some background checks on their own, a professional private investigator offers a much deeper level of scrutiny.
Why use M19 Solutions?
- Comprehensive checks: We verify employment history, financial records, criminal background and more.
- Discreet and legal investigations: Our team follows all legal guidelines to ensure compliance.
- Confidentiality guaranteed: The subject of the check will never know they are being investigated.
- Expert analysis: With backgrounds in law enforcement and military intelligence, our investigators provide highly accurate reports.
Whether you’re hiring a new employee, taking on a business partner or screening a tenant, our background check services give you the full picture before making a decision.
Shedding light on the truth
Hiring the wrong person can be costly and damaging. By conducting thorough background checks, you can make informed decisions and safeguard your business.
At M19 Solutions, we specialise in discreet and effective background investigations. Contact us today on 
0161 706 0057 or 
info@m19solutions.co.uk for a confidential consultation.
