On 28 August 2025, the BBC reported a serious DBS data breach involving Access Personal Checking Services (APCS). The breach exposed highly sensitive personal data submitted as part of criminal record checks – including passports, driving licences, and utility bills – across a wide range of industries. To be absolutely clear – this breach did … Read more
In the government’s latest report on illegal working penalties, 321 UK employers were fined between as of 29/08/25, racking up over £5 million in civil penalties. The report, published by the Home Office, names every business penalised for employing individuals who did not have the right to work in the UK. The message is clear: … Read more
Introduction – Why Safeguarding Is Important Safeguarding is more than a set of policies. It is a shared responsibility that ensures people, particularly those who are vulnerable, are protected from harm and treated with dignity. Whether you work in education, healthcare, or the voluntary sector, safeguarding sits at the heart of a safe and supportive … Read more
Big changes are on the horizon with Employment Law Changes 2026, thanks to the new Employment Rights Bill. Whether you run a small business or manage HR for a larger organisation, getting ahead of these changes is essential to stay compliant, protect your business, and support your employees effectively. Here’s everything you need to know … Read more
One mistake. A £60,000 fine. A potential jail sentence. That’s the cost of getting compliance wrong. It only takes one missed check to cause serious damage: costly delays, legal penalties, or long-term reputational harm. Take Right to Work checks, for example. Hiring someone without valid documentation can result in civil penalties of up to £60,000 … Read more
Getting a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) application right the first time can save you enormous amounts of time and effort. Whether you are an individual or an organisation arranging DBS checks for your staff, understanding how the process works is vital. In this in-depth guide, we will cover absolutely everything, so your application is … Read more
The difference between spent and unspent convictions is that spent convictions are treated as if they never happened after a set time, while unspent ones are still relevant. All convictions start as unspent, and some serious offences may never become spent. What Are Unspent Convictions? Unspent convictions are criminal records (convictions, final warnings, and/or reprimands) … Read more
When you’re hiring new staff, ensuring they’re the right fit isn’t just about their skills and experience – it’s also about confirming their eligibility for the role. That’s where pre employment checks come in. This process helps protect your organisation by verifying key aspects of a candidate’s background, from identity and qualifications to criminal history. … Read more
When you’re hiring someone in the UK, it’s not just about finding the best person for the job—you also need to make sure they’re legally allowed to work here. That’s where a share code check comes in handy. It’s a simple, government-issued code that lets you verify a candidate’s immigration status quickly and reliably. Below, … Read more
Hiring the right people is essential for any organisation, but it comes with challenges. Personnel checks are a crucial step in making sure your workforce is trustworthy, compliant, and suitable for the role. At Aaron’s Department, we make these checks simple, fast, and effective, offering a range of services designed to meet your organisation’s needs. … Read more