March 28th, 2018 | Sterling

What are Public Safety Verifications?

Daily newscasts are filled with stories about financial crimes, data breaches and terrorist acts around the world. While some of these events have resulted in distressing outcomes, many have thankfully been thwarted. These acts have spotlighted higher security and reviews of terrorist watch lists and processes. Today, authorities in the UK, EU and around the world are monitoring thousands of individuals who could be considered to pose a risk or as possible terrorists. Authorities around the world are accessing sources such as the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Serious Fraud Office, international treasury departments and various country’s travel bans to verify the status of individuals.

Screening for Terrorist Activities

Screening for terrorist activity and the financing of terrorist-related activity has become more common place for a number of regulated industries (including finance, government, energy and utilities and aviation) in addition to standard pre-employment background checks. Anti-terrorism legislation is designed to prevent acts of terrorism and promote security by only employing individuals who have not been flagged as a participant in any adverse or terrorist-related activities. These regulations are designed to prevent terrorism and maintain security by only employing individuals who have not been flagged as a participant in any adverse or terrorism-related activities.

What are Public Safety Verifications?

A Public Safety Verification is a check routinely used by businesses in regulated sectors. It is equally as important for companies where the prospective employee might be involved in the handling of money, client accounts or sensitive information. For example, if you work within a regulated industry such as finance, ensure that your screening programmed includes Public Safety Verifications as there may be financial penalties and possible imprisonment for hiring individuals listed on sanctions lists. When it comes to corporate responsibility, it is important that these checks are undertaken to a sufficient degree to protect a company’s public reputation. When outsourcing to a third party, always ask which databases the candidate will be screened against. Not only do the people on these lists pose a serious risk to your company and employees, but they may also be more likely to be persuaded or even blackmailed into misconduct or fraud.

Complying with International Standards

Sterling’s Public Safety Verification accesses a comprehensive database of individuals and groups that are recognized threats and can be requested to comply with industry regulations. By screening candidates against a database containing over 400 different sources in the UK, EU and internationally, Sterling runs reports to uncover individuals who have been identified as being involved in or having links to terrorism, money laundering or other serious organized crimes.

An employment background check provides a detailed look at a new hire, giving organizations the insight they need to make an informed hiring decision. Sterling published “Background Screening in the UK-Best Practices to Make Informed Hiring Decisions” to look at nine of the most common pre-employment checks in the UK, including Public Safety Verifications. The eBook details what each check entails, explains why employers conduct each check and provides some practical considerations that may improve a company’s background screening programmed.

Each organization is unique and requires unique solutions for their hiring process. There are many types of background screening checks from criminal record checks to education and employment verifications to social media screening. Each type of check has specific practical consideration and compliance matters that must be followed. Download a complimentary copy of our “Background Checks in the UK-Best Practices to Make Informed Hiring Decisions” eBook to find out more about the types of background screening – from criminal record checks to social media screening – in the UK.

Explore Best Practices of Background Screening in the UK

This publication is for informational purposes only and nothing contained in it should be construed as legal advice. We expressly disclaim any warranty or responsibility for damages arising out this information. We encourage you to consult with legal counsel regarding your specific needs. We do not undertake any duty to update previously posted materials.