Background Checks on Nannies and Babysitters

[nannynick]

Was just chatting with an agency on Twitter and the subject of Background Checks came up.

Made me wonder what people actually thought a Background Check was. What it actually checks.

If an agency offered to do a Background Check for £15, what would you think that check actually covered?

Why don't you contact local childminders to see if they offer babysitting service. They will have all checks made by Ofsted (CRB and medical) plus they will have had first aid course. I don't know what checks will an agency make for £15 ... that wouldn't cover CRB fee so I guess that would be just references. Alternatively use sitters.co.uk they have very good background checking system and you won't be paying extra for that as it is standard procedure when they sign up a new sitter on their books.

I would imagine that a background check would involve Debrett's Peerage at the very least....

no idea

it wouldnt include a CRB so not much

perhaps just prove/ verfiy name and address and maybe date of birth with a bank statement and passport / driving license?

perhaps just prove/ verfiy name and address and maybe date of birth with a bank statement and passport / driving license?

I don't think it even goes that far. From what I can make out from Experian, is that it checks ID by using various credit reference databases and the Electoral Roll.

I'm not convinced that an ID check is really worth anyone paying for. Currently it is being marketed to nannies, to help prove who they are. My worry is that by calling it a 'background check' it could be rather misleading to parents.