Personal Background Check Services

Compliant, confidential, and comprehensive screening solutions for employers and individuals

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Discreet, Accurate Background Checks for Relationships, Dating, and Personal Safety

When you’re unsure about someone close to you, a new partner, a housemate, or someone entering your life, a professional background check gives you the clarity to move forward with confidence. At UK Private Investigators, we offer fully confidential personal background checks to help you verify identity, history, and intent, all handled legally and discreetly by experienced private investigatorsWhether you're concerned about a new relationship, worried someone isn’t being honest, or simply want to protect your personal safety, we provide fast, lawful background checks services you can rely on.

What’s Included in a Personal Background Check?

Every background check is tailored to the reason for your enquiry. Our investigators use trusted sources, combined with specialist tools, to uncover the facts you need, quickly and lawfully.
Checks may include:

● Full name and alias verification
● Date of birth and address history
● Marital status and known relationships
● Employment and financial red flags
● Criminal records (where legally permitted)
● Social media and online behaviour
● Undisclosed links to companies, court actions or property

You’ll receive a clear summary of findings, prepared by a licensed professional, not automated data or guesswork

When Should You Use a Background Check?

We’re contacted every day by people who are unsure about someone they’ve met, hired, or are involved with. Some situations just don’t feel right and rather than confront the person directly or rely on instinct, a background check gives you facts.
Common reasons include:

● Online dating or long-distance relationships
● Getting serious with someone new but unsure of their past
● Concerns about hidden partners or dishonesty
● Hiring domestic staff or carers in your home
● Letting a new tenant or housemate move in
● Involvement in a private dispute or legal issue
● Concerns about fraud or manipulation

In each case, we only ask for the minimum information needed to begin, such as a name, phone number, or partial address and we do the rest.

Are Personal Background Checks Legal?

Yes. Our investigators work within strict legal boundaries and all checks are carried out in compliance with the Data Protection Act, GDPR, and relevant legislation. We are fully registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and every case is handled in confidence. We never use illegal methods or access private data that would put you at risk. All evidence can be used for peace of mind or, where needed, in legal proceedings.

Our Background Check Recommendations

Not sure which service is right for your situation? Below is a breakdown of the most common background check services we provide, along with recommendations based on typical real-world scenarios.

Criminal Record & Legal History Checks

For employers, landlords, or individuals entering serious relationships, criminal record screening can be a vital step. We offer lawful and consent-based checks to uncover spent or unspent convictions where permitted. These checks are particularly valuable for:

● Hiring decisions in regulated sectors
● Tenant screening for landlords
● Verifying a partner’s history before cohabiting or marriage

We ensure compliance with UK legal standards, including the Data Protection Act and DBS check regulations. You’ll never be left unclear about what can and can’t be obtained legally.

Employee Screening & Pre-Employment Background Checks

Our background checks help you verify. An employment background check typically includes a review of the applicant’s education and work history, as well as any criminal convictions they may have. Employment background checks are often required for positions that involve
handling money or working with children, the elderly or disabled individuals. Hiring the wrong person doesn’t just risk productivity, it can damage your finances and reputation. Our background checks help you verify:

● Previous employment
● Academic qualifications
● Gaps or inconsistencies in CVs
● Fraudulent identity documents
● Basic DBS where appropriate

Whether it’s for junior roles or senior-level hires, background verification can be customised to your industry’s risk profile.

Personal Background Checks for Individuals

If someone new enters your life, a romantic partner, flatmate, or someone close to a loved one, it’s natural to want peace of mind. We discreetly investigate:

● Identity and address history
● Relationship status (marriage/divorce records)
● Known associations and past behaviour
● Financial issues or hidden past activity

We offer fast and confidential results to help you make informed personal decisions with confidence.

Online Dating Safety Checks

Online platforms make it easy for people to hide parts of their past. We can discreetly verify:

● Name and identity
● Known aliases or past fraud
● Criminal background (where permitted)
● Marital status and prior relationships
● Social media presence and discrepancies

Don’t rely on instinct alone, we help you protect yourself from romantic scams, emotional manipulation, or future regret.

Executive & Director Screening

If you’re hiring at board level or onboarding new partners, you need more than a standard reference check. Our due diligence for executive roles includes:

● Directorship history
● Company credit and insolvency records
● Conflicts of interest or known disqualifications
● Public reputation and litigation checks

It’s essential for investor trust, internal security and corporate governance.

Nanny & Domestic Staff Checks

Protecting your home and family means making sure anyone with access to your household is properly vetted. We can investigate:

● Identity and work history
● Right to work / immigration status
● Driving records
● Previous complaints or allegations
● Known associations

Mortgage Applicant & Tenant Checks

We help property owners, letting agents and financial providers screen:

● Credit history and outstanding debts
● Employment verification
● Public record court judgments
● Past evictions or rental history issues
● Identity mismatches or false documentation

Whether you’re renting out your property or issuing a large loan, our checks reduce risk and ensure you make decisions backed by reliable evidence.

Confidentiality and Accuracy of Our Background Checks

At UK Private Investigators, discretion and accuracy are at the heart of every background check we carry out. We understand that our clients are often dealing with sensitive situations, whether it's a personal concern or a business-critical decision. That’s why every enquiry is handled with the highest level of professionalism, privacy, and legal compliance.

Complete Confidentiality

When you contact us, your details and the nature of your enquiry are kept strictly private. We never share client information or case findings with third parties without your consent and no subject of an investigation is ever informed or made aware that a check is being carried out. All data is processed in line with the Data Protection Act and GDPR regulations, and our agency is fully registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

Whether you’re requesting a check on a partner, a potential employee, or a business associate, you can trust that the investigation remains fully discreet from start to finish.

Verified & Accurate Information

We don’t deal in guesswork or speculation. Every background check is based on verifiable data and legally sourced records. This can include information from open-source intelligence, public records, lawfully obtained databases, and consent-based checks when required (such as DBS screening).

The reports you receive are clear, well-organised, and designed to support practical decision-making, whether for personal reassurance, business risk management, or legal documentation.

If a check returns no actionable concerns, we’ll confirm that too. You’ll always get a straightforward answer, with no unnecessary jargon or vague assumptions.

How Much Does a Personal Background Check Cost?

The cost depends on the type of check required and how much information you already have. Our rates start from £29.50 per hour, and we always provide a clear estimate before starting any work. Some checks can be completed within a few hours. More complex investigations may require tailored pricing, especially if they involve surveillance, tracing, or in-depth analysis. We never add hidden charges or push unnecessary services. You'll get a full breakdown of what’s involved and what you can expect.

Why Choose UK Private Investigators?

We are an established agency with over 28 years of experience and a proven track record of results. Our team of over 200 investigators work across the UK and internationally delivering facts with full discretion and professionalism.

● 98%+ success rate
● Fully ICO registered & legally compliant
● All checks handled in-house
● Hundreds of verified 5-star reviews
● Transparent costs – no pressure, no hidden fees

We don’t take shortcuts, and we don’t make false promises. You’ll speak directly with a qualified investigator, and get honest advice from the very first call.

Contact UKPI today to arrange your Background check investigation

Frequently asked questions

What’s the best way to run a background check on someone?

The best way is to use a professional investigator who can access reliable, up-to-date, and legally sourced information. Online searches and free tools often miss key records or return outdated data. At UK Private Investigators, we use verified sources, discretion, and lawful methods to give you accurate results you can act on.

What is the most intense background check?

Enhanced DBS checks are among the most in-depth legal checks available, typically used for roles involving children or vulnerable adults. Outside of that, a full private investigation background report, including financial checks, legal history, social media, and associations is the most detailed personal check you can commission privately.

Can I check someone’s background without their permission?

Some information is accessible without permission (e.g. publicly available data), but sensitive records such as criminal history or DBS checks require legal grounds and/or the person’s consent. We’ll always advise you on what’s possible and what’s legal.

Can I do a background check on my boyfriend/girlfriend in the UK?

Yes, many clients come to us for reassurance about someone they’re dating or considering a relationship with. We can discreetly verify identity, past relationships, financial history, and more, without alerting the person.

Can I get an enhanced DBS check for myself?

No, you can only apply for a basic DBS check on yourself. Enhanced and standard DBS checks must be requested by an employer or sponsoring organisation. If you need to see more about your history, we can help you explore what’s legally possible.

How long does a background check take in the UK?

It depends on the type of check. Basic background reports may take 24–72 hours. More detailed investigations (e.g. dating or business checks) can take several days. We’ll give you an accurate timescale before we begin.

What shows up on a DBS check?

A basic DBS shows unspent convictions. A standard or enhanced DBS may show spent convictions, cautions, warnings, and information relevant to working with vulnerable people.
We can advise which level of check applies to your situation.

Can someone run a background check on me without permission?

Only certain public information can be accessed legally without consent. Anything sensitive, such as criminal history, financial data, or employment records, typically requires permission or legal grounds. All our checks are compliant with UK data protection law.

How do I get a criminal record check for free in the UK?

You can request a Subject Access Request (SAR) from the police, which may show any information held about you on the Police National Computer. It’s free but limited. If you need broader checks or faster results, we offer low-cost options with fast turnaround times.

We are here to help, 24/7 - 365 days of the year