--- title: Public Insights | Background Checks description: Run quick and affordable UK background checks using public records. Access vital information effortlessly without a subscription. image: https://publicinsights.uk/hubfs/Homepage%20Feature%20Social%202-1.png --- [![Public Insights](https://publicinsights.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Public_Insights_Logo_v2-removebg-preview.png?width=538&height=163&name=Public_Insights_Logo_v2-removebg-preview.png)](https://publicinsights.uk/?hsLang=en) Products Platform [Cradle Search 50M+ UK public records in minutes.](https://publicinsights.uk/cradle?hsLang=en) [Canvas Visualise relationships and uncover hidden connections.](https://publicinsights.uk/canvas?hsLang=en) [Dossier Automate due diligence research with AI.](https://publicinsights.uk/dossier?hsLang=en) [AI Assistant Automate intelligence collection and relationship analysis.](https://publicinsights.uk/ai-assistant?hsLang=en) [Background Checks Complete structured screening and due diligence.](https://publicinsights.uk/background-checks) [OSINT Stack Bring your preferred intelligence tools together.](https://osintstack.co.uk/) [API Integrate UK public-record data into your workflows.](https://publicinsights.uk/api?hsLang=en) Built for UK investigators ## Move from fragmented records to clearer intelligence. **52M+** Records **20+** Connected datasets **1,500+** Data sources **UK** Owned & hosted [Search now→](https://cradle.publicinsights.uk/accounts/login/) Pricing Pricing ## Plans built around how you investigate. Choose individual access or a shared plan for your wider team. [Individuals Flexible access for independent investigators and researchers. View individual pricing →](https://publicinsights.uk/pricing?hsLang=en) [Teams Shared access, higher allowances and support for organisations. View team pricing →](https://publicinsights.uk/teams-pricing?hsLang=en) Industries Public Sector [**Public Sector**Investigative research for public bodies.](https://publicinsights.uk/public-sector?hsLang=en) Corporate [**Security**Protect people, assets and organisations.](https://publicinsights.uk/security?hsLang=en) [**Insurance**Claims, fraud and investigation support.](https://publicinsights.uk/insurance?hsLang=en) [**Cybersecurity**Connect digital threats to real identities.](https://publicinsights.uk/cybersecurity?hsLang=en) Investigations [**Legal**Due diligence and litigation research.](https://publicinsights.uk/legal?hsLang=en) [**Private Investigation**Faster public-record research.](https://publicinsights.uk/private-investigation?hsLang=en) [**Journalism**Public-interest research and verification.](https://publicinsights.uk/media?hsLang=en) Resources [![UK Public Records Guide](https://publicinsights.uk/hubfs/Resource%20Guide.png) Featured guide UK Public Records Guide for OSINT A curated guide to finding people, assets and connections through UK public records. Explore the guide →](https://publicinsights.uk/uk-public-records-guide-for-osint?hsLang=en) Explore [**Resource Centre**Guides, case studies and product updates.](https://publicinsights.uk/resources?hsLang=en) [**Careers Hub**Navigate a career in OSINT and intelligence.](https://publicinsights.uk/osint-careers?hsLang=en) [**Platform Demos**See Public Insights in action.](https://publicinsights.uk/platform-demos?hsLang=en) [**About**Meet the team behind Public Insights.](https://publicinsights.uk/about?hsLang=en) [Sign Up](https://cradle.publicinsights.uk/register/) [Search now →](https://cradle.publicinsights.uk/accounts/login/) ![](https://publicinsights.uk/hubfs/Product%20Hero%20Background.png) UK PUBLIC-RECORD BACKGROUND CHECKS # Know more before you decide. Start with a person or business and search for potentially relevant UK public records. Receive a structured, source-linked report for £5, with no subscription required. [Run a £5 background check →](https://cradle.publicinsights.uk/investigations/new/) [See what’s included](https://publicinsights.uk/background-checks#background-check-includes) **£5** per report Source-linked results No subscription P **Public Insights**Background check report DEMONSTRATION DATA **Public-record report** **£5** **AI-assisted report** **£20** ME BACKGROUND CHECK**Maya Ellison**Bristol, United Kingdom **Report complete** **Expanding connected records** 3 / 4 tasks AI INVESTIGATION SUMMARY **A connected public-record picture** The subject is connected to two active companies and three historic addresses. One possible officer match requires independent confirmation before reliance. ✓ **Corporate relationships identified** Director and registered-address records connect the subject to two companies. ✓ **Historic address supported** Multiple public records reference an earlier Bristol address. ! **Possible officer match** A similarly named company officer should be verified before use. 01 **Electoral record** Strong match / Bristol address **Source** 02 **Company director** Strong match / Active appointment **Source** 03 **Planning applicant** Possible match / Review required **Source** **8**findings **5**follow-ups View full report **→** HOW IT WORKS ## From a subject to a source-linked report. Enter what you know. Public Insights searches across UK public records for potentially relevant matches and organises the results into a report you can examine source by source. 01 START WITH A SUBJECT ### Add what you already know. Begin with a name, then add a date of birth or location when it is available to help narrow the search. DEMONSTRATION SUBJECT *Fictional* Name **Maya Ellison** Date of birth **14 / 03 / 1986** Location **Bristol** 02 SEARCH PUBLIC RECORDS ### Bring possible matches together. The report checks relevant record collections and groups possible matches so you can review them in one place. PE **People and addresses** *Checked* CO **Companies and officers** *Checked* PR **Property and planning** *Checked* RI **Risk-related records** *Checked* 03 REVIEW THE REPORT ### See what may be relevant. Results retain their source and match context, giving you a clearer starting point for verification and further enquiries. PUBLIC-RECORD REPORT **Potentially relevant records** **£5** 01 **Electoral record** Bristol address *Strong match* 02 **Company officer** Active appointment *Strong match* 03 **Planning applicant** Name and location *Review* Potential matches should be independently reviewed. COMING SOON ### Add AI-assisted investigation when you need more depth. The planned AI-assisted report will expand connected records, analyse relationships, make uncertainty visible and recommend follow-up checks for investigator review. LAUNCH PRICE **£20** per report ![](https://publicinsights.uk/hubfs/Product%20Hero%20Background.png) PUBLIC-RECORD COVERAGE ## One report. A much wider public-record picture. Relevant information can sit across many disconnected sources. A background check brings potentially relevant records together while preserving the source and context needed for human review. **Sources remain visible** Every returned record can be examined before it informs a decision. RECORD COLLECTIONS **Explore what a report can search** Source-linked 01 ### People and addresses Identity, contact, household and historic-address indicators. Electoral roll Phone directories Wills and probate 02 ### Companies and ownership Corporate roles, control, ownership interests and restrictions. Company directors PSCs Shareholdings Disqualifications 03 ### Property and planning Connections to properties, applications, comments and licensing. Planning applications Planning comments HMO licensing 04 ### Financial and legal risk Public indicators that may warrant closer examination. Insolvencies Court records Crime records Sanctions and PEPs 05 ### Public roles and affiliations Appointments, donations, professions and declared affiliations. Political donations Charity trustees Professional registers School governance Important Records returned depend on the identifiers supplied, record availability and match strength. A possible match is not a finding of fact and should be independently reviewed. WHEN TO RUN A REPORT ## A clearer starting point for the checks that matter. Use a background check when you need to bring potentially relevant public records together before deciding what to verify, question or investigate next. 01 PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENING ### Know what may need verifying before someone joins. Search for potentially relevant address, company, insolvency and public-risk records before deciding which details require further checks or direct confirmation. Historic addresses Company roles Public-risk indicators ME **Maya Ellison**Candidate report *3 sources* **Electoral record***Review* **Company officer***Strong match* **Insolvency search***No match* 02 CUSTOMER & SUPPLIER DUE DILIGENCE ### Look beyond the information you were given. Identify possible company appointments, ownership interests, insolvencies and related public records that may deserve closer examination before a commercial relationship begins. Directorships Ownership interests Insolvency records ME Maya Ellison Consultancy Ltd Property Ltd Bristol address Record to review 03 FRAUD & CLAIMS ENQUIRIES ### Find public-record details worth comparing. Bring possible address, company and identity matches into one report, making it easier to decide where discrepancies or overlaps warrant further investigation. Address history Corporate affiliations Identity indicators A **Claim details**Information supplied COMPARE R **Public records**Potential matches ! **Different historic address**Review before relying on the match 04 PERSONAL & BUSINESS RESEARCH ### Start an enquiry with more of the public picture. Collect potentially relevant records about a person or business before conducting deeper research, contacting sources or moving the enquiry into Canvas. Public appointments Property indicators Source-linked records 01**Company director***Source* 02**Planning applicant***Source* 03**Political donation***Source* 04**Professional register***Source* BUILT FOR HUMAN REVIEW ### Potential matches are starting points, not findings of fact. Public records can be incomplete, outdated or relate to another person with similar details. Check the original source and obtain any additional verification required for your use case. [![Public Insights Favicon](https://publicinsights.uk/hubfs/Public%20Insights%20Favicon.svg) **Discover Cradle with a 7-day Free Trial** Experience unlimited access to public records and 20 free electoral roll searches. Start your free trial today!](https://cradle.publicinsights.uk/accounts/signup) ### What’s included in a background check Each background check searches relevant UK public records based on the name and location provided, returning matching data points in a clear, structured report. Results depend on public availability and relevance, so not every report will contain every data type. Reports may include: - **Electoral roll addresses** - **Company roles** - Directors - Persons with Significant Control (PSC) - Minority shareholdings (where available) - Disqualifications - **Insolvency records** - **Planning permission applications** - **Landlord and HMO licence registers** - **Mortality records** - **Sanctions data** - **Crime records** - **Charity trusteeships and appointments** ![Homepage Feature Nov](https://publicinsights.uk/hubfs/Homepage%20Feature%20Nov.svg) ### A simple, proportionate way to check UK public records Our Background Check reports are designed for situations where a quick, proportionate view of UK public records is required, without the need for a full investigative platform. Common use cases include: - Due diligence and risk screening - HR and recruitment checks - Journalistic research and story vetting - Preliminary investigative triage - Governance and conflict-of-interest reviews ## How it works ![Group 772](https://publicinsights.uk/hubfs/Group%20772.svg) Search ![Group 774](https://publicinsights.uk/hubfs/Group%20774.svg) Process ![Group 773](https://publicinsights.uk/hubfs/Group%20773.svg) Results ### Run a Name Search Enter a person or company to scan 50M⁺ UK public records at once. ![Screenshot 2026-01-02 121520](https://publicinsights.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Screenshot%202026-01-02%20121520.png?width=2000&name=Screenshot%202026-01-02%20121520.png) ### Uncover UK Public Records We query multiple public registers and collate matching data points based on the information provided. ![Data Loading](https://publicinsights.uk/hubfs/Data%20Loading.svg) ### Receive a Structured Report Results are presented clearly so you can understand what was found and where it came from. ![Data Loading](https://publicinsights.uk/hubfs/Data%20Loading.svg) ### Public data, clear boundaries, responsible use This background check service is built using lawfully available UK public records only. ![Group 754](https://publicinsights.uk/hubfs/Group%20754.svg) #### Transparent Sources Every record links back to its original UK public database for verification. ![Group 753](https://publicinsights.uk/hubfs/Group%20753.svg) #### Public Data Cradle only aggregates records that are legally published publicly. ![Group 752 (1)](https://publicinsights.uk/hubfs/Group%20752%20(1).svg) #### Purpose-Built for OSINT Every record is transparent, legal and verifiable. ### 19M+ Business Data Points ### 16M+ Consumer Records ### 9M+ Planning Requests ### 3M+ Phone Numbers ### 690K+ Sports Club Records ### 411K+ Professional Roles ### 165K+ Landlord Details ### 131K+ Charities & Trustees ### 75K+ Insolvency Filings ## Greater visibility, more time back. ![Complete Picture](https://publicinsights.uk/hubfs/Complete%20Picture.svg) #### Get the Full Picture in Seconds Find addresses, contacts, and property links in one search. ![Find Records](https://publicinsights.uk/hubfs/Find%20Records.svg) #### Access Unique Investigative Data Access planning PDFs, HMO licenses, PSCs & sports data not found in other OSINT tools. ![Unlock](https://publicinsights.uk/hubfs/Unlock.svg) #### Search Faster, Investigate Smarter Query hundreds of datasets simultaneously without jumping platforms. ## £5 per background check Simple, pay-per-report pricing #### Background Check ##### £5 One time payment [Run a background check](https://cradle.publicinsights.uk/investigations/new/) ### What you get - A UK public records background check - Structured report based on matching public data - Clear attribution to source registers - Suitable for one-off checks and due diligence Uses UK public records only. No subscription required. ## Data Sources for Comprehensive OSINT Investigations Leverage Cradle's trusted data sets to uncover critical publicly available information on UK people and businesses. ![Electoral Roll](https://publicinsights.uk/hubfs/Electoral%20Roll.svg) ###### Electoral Roll Access the opted-in voters' register to locate addresses linked to persons of interest across the UK. Ideal for verifying identities and finding hard-to-track individuals. ![Business Records](https://publicinsights.uk/hubfs/Business%20Records.svg) ###### Company Data Search company registrations to identify registered addresses and persons linked to a business, including directors, secretaries, and shareholders. ![Planning Records](https://publicinsights.uk/hubfs/Planning%20Records.svg) ###### Planning Records Find names from planning portals and attached PDFs to identify property links missed by other tools, even when the data is not listed in searchable fields. ![Insolvency icon](https://publicinsights.uk/hubfs/Insolvency%20icon.svg) ###### Insolvency Filings Extract personally identifying information from bankruptcy and insolvency records, while finding indicators of financial distress or potential fraud. ![Phone icon](https://publicinsights.uk/hubfs/Phone%20icon.svg) ###### Phone Numbers Retrieve landline and mobile numbers from telephone directories across the UK, supporting further OSINT activity to discover a subject's social accounts. ![Rental 2](https://publicinsights.uk/hubfs/Rental%202.svg) ###### Landlord Licences Search licensed rental properties to uncover properties connected to landlords by name or address, or flag unlicensed properties. ![Sports clus](https://publicinsights.uk/hubfs/Sports%20clus.svg) ###### Sports Teams Find memberships in football clubs, from professional leagues to local teams. Access rosters to connect subjects to areas and uncover their network. ![Free Tool Image](https://publicinsights.uk/hubfs/Free%20Tool%20Image.svg) ### Instant Lookup. No Account Needed. Run a free search to assess whether Cradle has the records to support your investigation. [Evaluate your subject](https://cradle.publicinsights.uk/free_search/) ### Run a UK background check Get a clear, proportionate view of UK public records for a specific individual, without committing to a subscription or full investigation platform. **£5 per report · No subscription · Public records only** [Run a background check](https://cradle.publicinsights.uk/investigations/new/) ![Public Insights](https://publicinsights.uk/hubfs/Criteria%20Text.svg) ## Stop Searching Registers One by One. Find It All in Seconds. Manual searches waste hours and still risk blind spots. Public Insights unifies 50M+ UK public records into one search, so you never miss an address, asset, or connection. 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