Pre-employment checks or verification, are a crucial part of any recruitment process. They help employers to verify the information provided by candidates, assess their suitability for the role, and mitigate the risks of hiring the wrong person.
One of the most effective ways of conducting pre-employment checks is by hiring a professional investigator in the UK.
In this article, we will explore the benefits of using a professional investigator for pre-employment checks.
What is a pre-employment check?
A pre-employment check is a process that involves verifying a candidate's employment history, education, criminal record, and other relevant information.
These checks are important for ensuring that the candidate is suitable for the role and can be trusted to perform their duties effectively.
Pre-employment checks can also help to protect the employer from potential legal and financial risks.
Benefits of using a professional investigator for pre-employment checks
1. Expertise:
Professional investigator members of the Association of British Investigators (ABI) are trained professionals with extensive experience in conducting background checks. They have the skills and knowledge needed to access and analyse a wide range of information sources, such as criminal records, credit reports, and social media profiles. They can also conduct interviews with former employers and other references to verify a candidate's employment history and personal qualities.
2. Confidentiality:
One of the main advantages of using an ABI professional investigator for pre-employment checks is confidentiality. ABI professional investigators are bound by strict code of ethics & professional standards and a self-regulatory regime that require them to maintain the privacy of their clients and the individuals they investigate. This means that the information obtained during the investigation is kept confidential and only shared with the employer on a need-to-know basis.
3. Compliance:
Employers have a legal obligation to conduct pre-employment checks in compliance with data protection and discrimination laws. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in legal and financial penalties. ABI professional investigators are familiar with these laws and can ensure that the pre-employment checks are conducted in compliance with them. They can also provide advice on the types of checks that are appropriate for the role and the candidate's level of responsibility.
4. Efficiency:
Pre-employment checks can be time-consuming and require a significant amount of resources. By hiring an ABI professional investigator, employers can save time and reduce the workload on their HR department. ABI professional investigators have access to sophisticated research tools and databases that allow them to conduct thorough investigations quickly and efficiently.
Specifically, ABI professional investigators can conduct a range of checks and investigations, depending on the needs of the employer.
Some of the common pre-employment checks that ABI professional investigators can conduct include:
1. Employment history checks:
Verify a candidate's employment history by conducting interviews with former employers, checking references, and reviewing employment records.
2. Education verification:
Verify a candidate's educational background by contacting institutions and examining academic records.
3. Criminal record checks:
Assist the candidate to obtain a DBS certificate at the correct level, to determine if a candidate has a criminal history that may be relevant to the role.
4. Credit checks:
Conduct credit checks to assess a candidate's financial history and determine if they have a history of financial problems that may be relevant to the role.
5. Social media checks:
Review a candidate's social media profiles to assess their behaviour, personal qualities, and suitability for the role.
6. Identity verification:
Verify a candidate's identity by examining government-issued identification documents and conducting background checks. By conducting these checks, the ABI professional investigator can provide employers with a comprehensive picture of the candidate and help them make informed decisions about their suitability for the role.
In conclusion, pre-employment checks are an essential part of the recruitment process, and hiring an ABI professional investigator can provide many benefits. ABI members have the expertise, resources, and tools needed to conduct thorough investigations quickly and efficiently, while also ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards. By conducting pre-employment checks, employers can mitigate the risks of hiring the wrong person and ensure that their workforce is reliable, trustworthy, and capable of performing their duties effectively.
The Association of British Investigators will be happy to refer your requirements to an accredited member, click here.
