The pandemic has fundamentally changed how we work, with many companies embracing remote working and conducting processes remotely that was always previously done in person. These will not just disappear once all restrictions are lifted, so there are going to be many long-term changes to the process of performing background checks on employees.
Remote Checks Work
One thing that has become very clear over the past is that the technology that is available to complete pre-employment checks remotely works.
The ability to check scans of documents for Right to Work checks, or to enable candidates to fill in their details to avoid delays in sending over original documents, has streamlined and simplified the compliance checking process throughout the pandemic. The fact the government announced an extension to the acceptance of scans of documents of Right to Work checks sends a strong message that using technology to help assist compliance checks will continue after lockdown.
Not Just DBS
With ID fraud on the rise over lockdown, and the remaining uncertainty over Brexit, many organisations will start to request more checks for their new starters than a basic DBS Check.
Right to Work and Identity Verification are going to become increasingly commonplace for businesses, as they try and combat the increasing number of fake documents, and confusion over the status of certain workers which will be prevalent for the foreseeable future.
Speed & Security Are Possible
In the public sector, there is a need to get new hires checked and onboarded as quickly as possible, wit time and resources stretched like never before.
Technology is going to be the answer to this. With time saved by not having to wait for original copies to be sent off and arrive, and platforms in place to conduct all checks in one place and combine this with your overall workforce management process, it is clear the whole background checking process is swifter when done remotely. It is also more secure, with technology able to spot any discrepancies in a candidate’s details, or certain indicators of a fake ID, that a human may not necessarily see.
The shift to remote working enforced by the pandemic will not shift back entirely once all restrictions are lifted. The same applies to remote DBS checks and other pre-employment screening. Businesses have benefitted from the time saved and the extra security, allowing safer recruitment across many different sectors.
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