Employers reveal preference for digital identity checks to improve accuracy and hire faster

novembre 15th, 2021

A survey of over 300 recruiters and employers has revealed that a significant number of businesses believe the introduction of digital identity checks for criminal background screening would be safer, provide more accurate results and improve hiring times.

In a webinar – hosted in conjunction with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) – specialist background screening and identity services firm, Sterling, revealed that 42% of attendees felt digital services would create more accurate background screening checks, while 33% believed it would be beneficial in reducing hiring times.

While the safety element of digital identity checks is a clear benefit from an organisation’s viewpoint, respondents also indicated that speeding up hiring and onboarding through a more efficient process is highly critical in times of severe skills shortages. Those surveyed indicated that fast turnaround times and a brilliant candidate experience are their top priorities, cited by 32% and 30% of respondents respectively.

As Steve Smith, Managing Director, EMEA at Sterling explained, a quick onboarding process is crucial to ensure candidates aren’t lost to the competition due to slow turnaround times:

“We’re experiencing a period of extensive competition for talent as well as skills shortages. In this environment, employers understandably want to onboard new starters quickly and ensure they don’t make a move elsewhere if the process is becoming overly cumbersome. As we’ve seen over the course of the pandemic, digitising screening where feasible can significantly improve hiring and onboarding times, so it was incredibly encouraging to hear the DBS’ digital identity plans in our webinar. »

« Of course, for any screening programme, accuracy and safety are the most important elements. Being able to utilise sophisticated technology to identify fraudulent documents and verify an individual’s identity and credentials is hugely valuable as methods of fraud also become increasingly sophisticated. »

« It was great to have the DBS involved in our webinar and the plans to digitise criminal background checks, which includes involving certified identity providers, is fantastic news in our view. We’re looking forward to working closely with the DBS in the coming months.”

About Sterling
Sterling—a leading provider of background and identity services—offers a foundation of trust and safety that spans across industries, professions, and borders. Our technology-powered services help organisations create great environments for their workers, partners, and customers. With office locations around the world, Sterling conducts more than 75 million searches annually. Visit Sterling online at sterlingeuro.wpengine.com.

Media Contact: Jamie Serino
jamie.serino@sterlingcheck.com | 001.646.435.2263

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.