Hiring Right: Why Pre-Employment Checks Matter

Finding the ideal candidate for your organisation can feel like looking for a needle in a haystack. Pre employment checks, also known as employee vetting, are a powerful tool to help you build a strong and reliable team. It's essentially a double-check to ensure applicants have the qualifications they say they do and meet any legal requirements for the job.
 

Why are pre-employment checks important?

Although every organisation has a different hiring procedure, pre employment checks play a vital role across industries. It's all about gathering information on potential hires and analysing it carefully to identify anyone who might pose a security risk.

The rise of remote work has transformed the way we operate, but it has also introduced new security challenges. With teams scattered across locations, companies are more susceptible to fraud. Here's where pre-employment screening becomes even more critical.
 

Which pre employment checks should be performed by employers?

Finding the right candidate is just half the battle. You also want to ensure they're a good fit for your company culture and security posture. UK pre employment screening helps you achieve both. But with so many options, where do you begin?

Here's a breakdown of some key pre employment checks employers can leverage:

1. Foundational Checks:

• Identity & Right to Work Check: This confirms the candidate's eligibility to be employed in your country.


• Reference Checks: Talking to past employers can reveal valuable insights into a candidate's work ethic, skills, and fit within your team.

2. Security-Focused Checks:

• DBS Checks (UK): Depending on the risk level of the role, a Basic, Standard, or Enhanced DBS check can uncover criminal records.


• Qualification Checks: Verifying academic and professional qualifications ensures the candidate possesses the skills and knowledge needed for the job.


• Social Media Checks: A quick online search can sometimes reveal red flags about a candidate's past behavior.

3. Role-Specific Checks:

• Credit Checks: For finance-related roles, an adverse credit check might be necessary to assess potential risks.


• AML/PEPs/Sanctions Checks: For certain industries, checks against Anti-Money Laundering (AML) lists, Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs), and sanctions are crucial.

Note: The level of screening you need depends heavily on the role itself. Someone handling sensitive financial data might require a more rigorous background check compared to a customer service representative. It's all about mitigating risk.

What is the turnaround time for UK pre employment screening?

While pre employment checks are essential for building a secure team, you also want to avoid holding up the hiring process. The good news is different checks have varying processing times. For example, right to work and DVLA checks can often be completed almost instantly, allowing you to move swiftly through the initial stages of hiring, while Enhanced DBS checks in the UK typically take 3-5 days to process on average.
 

What is the overall cost of conducting UK pre-employment screening?

Building a secure team comes at a cost, but it's an investment worth making. The price of pre employment checks in the UK varies depending on several factors:

• Type of Check: Basic checks like Right to Work are typically more affordable than in-depth screenings like Enhanced DBS checks.


• Number of Checks: The more checks you conduct, the higher the overall cost.


• Information Requested: Accessing specialised information not readily available to the public often translates to a higher price tag.

Why hire a third-party pre employment screening company?

Background checks often involve combing through multiple databases, ensuring compliance with complex regulations. This can be a time-consuming and resource-intensive task for in-house teams.

Here's where third-party pre employment screening companies come in. Partnering with a reputable provider offers several advantages:

• Expertise: Third-party organisations specialise in background checks, possessing the knowledge and resources to navigate complex regulations and databases efficiently.


• Compliance: They stay up-to-date on the latest legal requirements, ensuring your screening process adheres to all relevant laws.


• Streamlined Process: Their experience translates to a smooth workflow, saving you valuable time and resources.

Thorough pre employment screening in the UK is no longer an option – it's a necessity. Why? Because you're not just hiring a candidate, you're potentially bringing someone onto your team who could impact your company's security, culture, and reputation. Pre employment screening helps mitigate these risks. By verifying information and identifying potential red flags, you can make informed hiring decisions that protect your business and build a strong, reliable team.

Ready to take the next step? Schedule a free, one-on-one demo with a Complygate specialist and discover how our solutions can empower you to build a secure and successful team. Don't wait – invest in peace of mind today!