UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018: Core legislation governing how personal information can be collected, processed, and stored during background checks. Requires explicit consent and transparent processing.

Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974: Regulates the disclosure of criminal convictions, distinguishing between spent and unspent convictions, and defines rehabilitation periods for different offenses.

Human Rights Act 1998: Ensures compliance with Article 8 (right to privacy) and requires background checks to be proportionate and necessary.

Equality Act 2010: Prevents unlawful discrimination in background checking processes and ensures checks are conducted fairly across all protected characteristics.

Employment Rights Act 1996: Governs employment-related background checks and establishes rights of individuals in employment contexts.

Police Act 1997: Particularly Part V, which governs criminal record certificates and regulations around DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks.

Modern Slavery Act 2015: Relevant for right to work checks and preventing forced labor through proper background verification.

Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006: Establishes requirements for background checks when roles involve working with vulnerable people or children.

ICO Guidelines: Information Commissioner's Office guidelines providing practical guidance on conducting compliant background checks.