Why you should be carrying out qualification background checks on senior hires

What are Qualification Background Checks?

Qualification background checks are a tool that allows employers to verify the authenticity of a candidate’s qualifications. These checks cross-reference multiple databases to confirm whether or not the type and level of qualification reported on someone’s CV matches.  

This is a particularly useful tool when recruiting. They can help prevent reputational damage, poor performance and ultimately save you money in the long term. Combined with criminal record checks, qualification checks give you a comprehensive background on a candidate. 

Studies have shown that a typical organisation loses around 5% of their annual revenue due to fraud. Considering the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic, this is a loss that businesses can’t afford. Qualification checks can be a useful way to mitigate this risk 

Why are Qualification Checks important? 

Employee fraud is a growing problem in the UK. One of the most typical ways that this occurs is when people lie about their qualifications. In some cases, it can be as simple as lying about an awarded grade. But people lying on their CV or purchasing fake documents is happening more frequently 

A BBC investigation in 2018 revealed a huge network of criminal enterprises providing fake qualifications in the UK. They found qualifications, including PhD’s, were sold to NHS nurses and consultants. In one case, fake credentials has been sold to a large defence contractor.  

These criminals invest a lot of effort into their forgeries. This makes it incredibly difficult for employers to know whether what they’re looking at is real. The same investigation found that 75% of university admissions staff couldn’t spot faked qualifications for their own organisations.  

If this is the case, it’s no wonder businesses get taken advantage of.  

Bad hires cost money 

Making the right hire is important because when it goes wrong, it costs a lot of money. According to a report from the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, it can cost well into the hundreds of thousands of pounds.  

A poor hire at the mid-management level, when considering training costs, impact on efficiencies and staff morale, can cost a business around £132,000. These costs rise with the seniority of the hire. 

The small cost of a background check into someone's qualification history is a minor expense compared to this.  

Personnel Checks can support your business with qualification background checks. Incorporating these checks into your recruitment can give you the extra peace of mind that the candidates you’re hiring have the qualifications you need to succeed.  

For more information about how Personnel Checks background screening solutions can aid your organisation, get in touch! You can give us a call on 01254 355688 or drop us an email at letstalk@personnelchecks.co.uk