Understanding your background check

Starting your journey as an independent courier with Just Eat is an exciting step, and we're here to guide you through every part of the process including your background check.

We know that background checks can feel a bit daunting, but we're committed to making this as straightforward as possible. This article will walk you through what to expect, which records matter, and how to prepare.

What is a background check and why do we need one?

A background check helps us create a safe and trusted community for everyone, couriers, customers, and restaurant partners alike. In the UK, we conduct two key checks:

1. DBS Check (Disclosure and Barring Service)

This is a standard background check that also looks at your criminal record history in the UK. For courier roles, we require a Basic DBS check, which shows any unspent convictions.

2. Right to Work (RTW) check

We also verify your legal right to work in the UK. This is a legal requirement and you cannot work without it.

Who carries out the background check?

There are two ways you can provide us with your background check. 

If you have an existing valid background check, you can upload it directly in the application portal. If you do not have an existing valid background check, you can complete one for free through our trusted partner First Advantage within the application process. 

How does a background check with First Advantage work?

Step 1: Navigate to the background check step in your application 

When you are completing the application process, you can navigate to the background check step. You can either upload your own background check, or navigate to the website of First Advantage, our screening partner, and fill in the necessary information.

Step 2: Submit your information online

You'll be asked to provide some basic personal details and upload the necessary documents. The online portal is straightforward and guides you through each field you need to complete.

Step 3: Verification process

First Advantage will verify your information with the relevant authorities. For the DBS check, this involves checking your details against police records. For the Right to Work check, they'll verify your documents against government databases. This stage also includes a biometrics check completed with our partner Yoti.

Step 4: Review and approval

Once your checks come back clear, you'll move forward to the next stage of onboarding.

What documents do you need for your background check?

Being prepared with the right documents will help speed up your background check. Here's what you'll typically need:

For your DBS check:

• Proof of identity – A valid passport or UK driving licence

• Proof of address – A recent utility bill, bank statement, or council tax bill (dated within the last 3 months)

• National Insurance number – You'll need to provide this as part of your application

• Address history – Be ready to provide your addresses for the last 5 years

For your Right to Work check:

You'll need to provide documents that prove you're legally allowed to work in the UK. The specific documents depend on your circumstances:

UK or Irish citizens:

• Passport (current or expired within the last 2 years), or

• Birth or adoption certificate (showing you were born in the UK, Channel Islands, or Isle of Man) plus an official document with your National Insurance number. 

Non-UK/Irish citizens with settled or pre-settled status:

• A share code from the UK government's online service, or

• Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), or

• Valid visa in your passport

What records matter in your criminal history check?

To provide your delivery services as a courier on the Just Eat network in the UK, your Basic criminal history check must come back completely clear. We cannot accept applications from individuals with any criminal record, regardless of when the offence occurred.

This applies to:

• Unspent convictions

• Spent convictions

• Conditional cautions

• Any other criminal records

This policy helps us maintain the highest safety standards for our couriers, customers, and restaurant partners.

Ensuring you're on the road as soon as possible 

The faster you complete your background check, the faster you'll be delivering and earning. Check your email regularly if First Advantage reaches out for more information, respond as quickly as possible. Many delays happen simply because applicants don't check their inbox or act on requests promptly. Your speed determines when you start, so make it a priority.