Checking up on candidates

References are the most common method of obtaining background information on job applicants but disclosures from the Criminal Records Bureau are the most effective, according to IRS research.

Two-thirds of the organisations surveyed reported regularly using disclosures from the CRB as part of their background checks. The CRB's disclosure service was set up in 2002 and has radically changed the approach organisations take when recruiting new employees, with many now placing a greater emphasis on pre-employment screening.

According to the survey, the most popular methods used to gather and verify information on applicants are obtaining references from current and previous employers, followed by asking candidates to provide documentary evidence of their identity. Other methods used include checking professional qualifications and checking applications/CVs for gaps in employment.

  • Voyages of discovery: carrying out checks on job applicants  Read the full article in IRS Employment Review.

    Also

    Recruiters warn of potential for CRB backlog   The Recruitment and Employment Confederation has welcomed Ruth Kelly's announcement that all new school staff and supply teachers used by agencies will face compulsory checks.

    Checking out the activities of the Criminal Records Bureau  Most employers agree that Criminal Records Bureau checks help them recruit more safely, but problems still exist with administrative errors and the length of time disclosures take to process, finds new IRS research.

    Employee screening: policy and process  Personnel Today's One Stop Guide provides comprehensive, practical advice on screening employees.

    Protecting the innocent  Employers are under increasing pressure to carry out detailed screening checks on potential employees. However, this can be a legal minefield if employers are not aware of current data protection laws, says Liz Hall.

    Pre-employment screening   Lies, omissions and inaccuracies on CVs are on the increase, but this is good news for the UK's pre-employment screening and vetting agencies, as John Charlton finds out.