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When applying for a job, businesses and organisations will often carry out several checks depending on the type of role being used for. Pre-employment checks allow firms to screen candidates’ backgrounds and ensure they are a good fit for a position.

Pre-employment checks can come in various guises, so the screening process won’t always be the same. However, the following answers some commonly asked questions regarding pre-employment checks.

1. Employers Cannot View Your Credit Score

Although pre-employment checks include credit screening, employers cannot view a credit score. However, they can view other information, including insolvencies, bankruptcies and CCJs.

Credit checks conducted for pre-employment checks are referred to as ‘soft searches’ and contain less information than conventional credit searches but will still allow companies and organisations to ascertain a sense of your financial background.

2. Pre-Employment Checks Can Vary Depending on The Role

Although it is understandable why many assume all pre-employment checks are the same, the information can vary depending on the position being applied for. Those applying to work with children may also need an Enhanced DBS Check, whereas those using a vehicle will need to require a driving licence check.

3. Permission is Needed for Pre-Employment Checks

Some people fear a business or organisation can carry out a credit check anytime, but this isn’t the case. Before any credit check or DBS Check is requested, companies must seek permission. However, if permission is refused, the business or organisation does have the right to withdraw any employment offers.

Companies and organisations will make applicants aware of the checks required regarding the job application and will carry these out on their behalf.

4. Only a Business is Permitted to Run Some Pre-Employment Checks

Although an individual can carry out some checks, in most instances, only a business or organisation can carry out some pre-employment checks. Individuals can carry out their own credit checks and Basic DBS Check.

However, pre-employment checks that require an Enhanced DBS Check or Barred List can only be carried out by businesses using a corporate account.

Those who are self-employed but require an Enhanced DBS Check or Barred List Check will need to ask an agency or client to carry out a background check on their behalf if one is required.

In instances where only a Basic DBS Disclosure is needed, a self-employed person can request this themselves if they wish.

5. Document Verification Plays a Large Part in Pre-Employment Checks

As there is a lot of online risk for companies, online pre-employment checks will often involve some form of document verification. Online document verification ensures that those applying for a position are genuine and uses biometric checks to ensure authentic documentation.

It would be easy to assume that this takes a long time to complete, but the automated nature of the checks means that document verification can often be carried out in minutes instead of days.

Know Your Customer Checks, often called KYC Checks, are identity checks that ensure the person a business is dealing with is genuine. Companies must take a series of measures to protect themselves, their customers and their employees, and KYC Checks are an essential part of the process.

Businesses can find traits of fraud or money laundering by continuously reviewing accounts but given the ramifications of false identification and fraudulent activity, many are searching for proactive ways of avoiding both, which is what KYC Checks offer.

What Is the Purpose of a KYC Check?

In addition to verifying a person’s identity, KYC checks ensure that companies can be aware of any risks that may arise when maintaining a relationship with other businesses. KYC Checks are standard among financial institutions and companies searching for investments, as they help businesses adhere to anti-money laundering policies.

Those in the crypto sector also use liveness checks, as exchanges must conform to Anti-Money Laundering regulations. The sophisticated means of verifying a person’s identity ensures that those trading in cryptocurrency can easily meet the global KYC and AML requirements.

What Does a KYC Check Include?

A KYC check is a broad term for a series of checks carried out before a business relationship commences. Although each company often has its one iteration of a KYC Check, they often include the following.

• Photograph Identification
• Name
• Address
• Document Verification
• DBS Checks
• Credit Checks

It can also be commonplace for some form of biometrics to be in place that employs the use of liveness checks so companies can be confident that documentation matches the details of the person making the application.

How Long Does a KYC Check Take?

The time it takes to complete a KYC Check can depend on the avenues used. Sometimes, completing a KYC Check can take as long as three weeks. However, using a professional third-party agency means that KYC Checks can be completed in as little as 24 hours.

To ensure that KYC Checks are completed quickly, the correct information needs to be submitted. It can be easy to overlook some details when forming a relationship with customers, but any mistake means the process often takes longer than it should.

Why Use a Professional KYC Check Company?

Some companies can be convinced that carrying out their own screening is more affordable. However, the time it takes to carry out the task could mean it costs more in the long run. Outsourcing the job to a professional KYC Check company ensures that all KYC Checks are completed quickly while allowing the business to focus on other aspects of the company.

KYC Checks also benefits genuine customers wishing to do business with the company, as there is little waiting time regarding the outcome, meaning products and services can be made available to consumers sooner rather than later.

If your business wants to safeguard itself while also protecting other customers, then it must consider using KYC checks as part of its onboarding process.

Identity fraud can be frustrating and time-consuming when dealing with customers and hiring new employees. Fortunately, many advancements have made it difficult for criminals to participate in identity fraud, but this doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen.

As such, a business must be mindful when hiring new people or accepting investments from third parties that there are potential threats, so verifying documents is a must.

Fraudulent documentation is used for many reasons, including but not limited to the following.

Applying for Credit Using Someone Else’s Identity

One of the more common forms of fraud is applying for credit using false documentation. If a person is successful, the outcome of identity fraud can be costly to businesses regarding profit and reputation.

Fortunately, online identity verification can provide businesses and organisations with an instant service that establishes the authenticity of documents straight away. Although a cost is involved, it is much less than if the worst-case scenario arises.

Applying for Employment with No Right to Work

A Right to Work Check ensures that job applicants are permitted to work in the United Kingdom. In instances where this has not been approved, some may attempt to search for employment using false documentation.

A business has a responsibility to check that the documentation provided by job applicants is authentic and could be fined if the correct measures have not been taken. Although this can be time-consuming, online document verification allows for a proactive screening process.

Money Laundering via Investments

Businesses that provide investment opportunities must carry out stringent checks to ensure that the money is legitimate. Criminals may attempt to use false documentation to give the impression that funds come from reputable sources, but this won’t be the case.

As with other aspects of the business, a company must take several measures to protect itself and other investors from fraud, which is why the masses have embraced online document verification.

Attempting to Relocate Abroad Undetected

Although there is nothing wrong with moving abroad via legitimate means, those trying to avoid detection may use fraudulent documents to travel overseas. If they are successful, then trying to locate them can become an issue.

Fortunately, the technology regarding travel documentation is advanced enough to spot most fraudulent documents, while online verification can take care of the rest.

Why Choose an Independent Agency for Online Document Verification?

Given the consequence of fraudulent documents, businesses will be keen to ensure that they are up to date regarding document checks and background screening.

Although there will be a cost incurred when using a third-party agency, it will be more cost-effective than carrying it out alone and ensures the business is safeguarded in every instance.

Not every business will be subjected to the same risks but having online document verification in place ensures that the risks are minimised regarding fraud.

When working with or alongside other businesses, many opportunities are often created. However, a company must ensure it is safeguarded when forming relationships with other professionals, which can be quickly done via document verification.

Although some businesses may pay for products or services upfront, there can be other instances when an agreement is put in place. However, should an agreement be made using false documentation, then it will often be the innocent party who is financially impacted.

If your business is keen to embrace new opportunities but wants to ensure that all risk is minimised, then making sure document verification is part of the company screening process is a must.

How Long Does Document Verification Take to Complete?

When many hear about document verification, they assume a lengthy waiting time is involved. Although this can be the case in some instances, ensuring you use a professional agency means that businesses and organisations can receive results the same day.

The fast processing of document verification ensures there is no waiting time when making a decision, allowing the business to operate fluently. Those using verification services can also be confident that the quality of the service isn’t compromised, despite how quick the service is.

Is Online Document Verification Expensive?

When carrying out background checks, a business must have a budget. As such, very few will want to pay excessive fees regarding online document verification. Fortunately, this isn’t the case when using a professional and recognised agency.

Not only is verifying documents online affordable, but it can also help professionals avoid the costly ramifications that false documentation can introduce.

How Document Verification Helps Streamline Relationships with Other Business

When carrying out work on behalf of another business, there can be some checks that professionals must carry out to ensure there are no issues regarding payment in the future.

Although most companies hiring freelancers and businesses are reputable, some will try to take advantage of other businesses using fake documentation. Although this is detrimental to a business, this risk can be easily sidestepped when taking advantage of document verification.

Because document verification is fast when using the right agency, there is no need for additional checks to delay a working agreement, and it ensures professionals and businesses are not left endlessly chasing invoices when the work has been completed.

Why Use an External Agency for Document Verification?

Although some fraudulent paperwork is easy to spot, others can present more of a challenge. Despite a document looking official, this isn’t always the case. Even the most stringent checks can mean some false documents make it through the process which can create a series of problems for businesses.

Using an external agency ensures that document verification can be carried out using the latest technology and real human interaction, meaning there is never any doubt regarding the legitimacy of paperwork.

When starting a business there can be a lot of risk involved but taking measures to safeguard the company using online document verification ensures the threat of fraud is minimised.

Background checks are carried out in different ways depending on the job role. However, those working with children will be subjected to stringent background checks. The following is an overview of the assessments made when becoming a teacher and why they’re carried out.

Identity Check

The identity of the person applying for a position must be confirmed before accessing other services. When checking the identity of an individual, documentation like passports will need to be verified.

The fastest way to do this can be via a document verification service. In addition to checking identity documentation like passports, schools, colleges and universities can also use it to confirm correspondence is genuine.

Teacher Services

Teacher Services is free and can be accessed via the Department of Education. Teachers Services will record whether a teacher induction has been completed and check the qualified teacher status. Teacher Services will also record details regarding any sanctions or restrictions.

Schools and colleges can access the service using a Department of Education login. Those without an account can ask an approver to create one on their behalf.

Enhanced DBS Check

Although commonly referred to as a List 99 Check, the service is now known as the Children’s Barred List. The Disclosure and Barring Service maintains the list and details those who are not permitted to work with children.

Schools and colleges can access the information via an Enhanced DBS check, which will also provide details of other convictions.

Are All Background Checks Carried Out?

Unlike other industries where detailed background checks aren’t always required, those applying for a teacher role must be aware that all checks are carried out. If you’re unsure whether the information is correct, it can be worthwhile to carry out the relevant checks before applying for a position.

The Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills (OFSTED) do not see the Enhanced DBS Checks for teachers when making an inspection, but it will need to see evidence that a check was carried out.

What If I’m a Private Tutor?

Parents and carers will always want to safeguard children, so private tutors will also be keen to show their credentials. Although this can be done, for the most part, carrying out an Enhanced DBS Check can be problematic.

When operating as a private tutor, many will operate via a private tutoring company that can complete Enhanced DBS Checks on their behalf, ensuring there are no limitations when applying for freelance positions.

Barred lists are operated by the Disclosure and Barring Service and allow employers working with vulnerable people or children to check on applicants for a job position involving either. However, alternate names can be used for these checks, leading to confusion.

The following is an overview of the barred lists currently used in the United Kingdom, as well as some further steps that can be taken to protect the business in every instance.

What Is a List 99 Check?

The List 99 Check was operated by the Department of Education and Skills and detailed those banned from working with children. However, this was renamed the Children’s Barred List as part of the Education Act and is now operated by the DBS.

Although the term List 99 Check is still used, the check will be an Enhanced DBS that details whether the person is listed on either list.

How Many Barred Lists Are There?

There are two barred lists. The aforementioned Children’s Barred List and the Adult Barred List. The Adult Barred List contains names of those who cannot work with vulnerable adults.

How Are the Barred Lists Checked?

The Barred Lists can only be checked by carrying out an Enhanced DBS Certificate. This will include details of any recorded crimes, cautions, and whether the person is present on either barred list.

Are People Informed When Being Placed on the Barred List?

When a person is convicted of an offence that makes them a risk to children or adults, the DBS will write to the person notifying them. As such, many people should be aware if they are present on either barred list. However, they will not be able to carry out personal checks themselves.

Other Methods of Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults?

Carrying out an Enhanced DBS Check is the best way of checking if someone is a potential threat in a job role, but some other steps companies should take to ensure the business is safeguarded at all times,

When receiving documents from job applications, it is advisable to take advantage of online document verification. Although rare, there can be instances when fake documentation is used as a means of hiding past crimes.

Fortunately, using online document verification allows businesses to ensure all paperwork is legitimate and enjoy some additional peace of mind when hiring new people.

In addition to verifying passports, bank accounts and driving licenses, online document verification can also help streamline the hiring process.

Each check made regarding online verification can be completed in seconds, allowing businesses to filter out names that have made fraudulent applications or failed to mention their presence on a barred list.