Who Performs the Background Screening?

Many employers perform some form of employment background check. Each employer decides what components to include in the background checks performed on their candidates, and whether to perform those checks themselves or through a background screening provider. The nature of the employer’s business and the role being filled are among the factors which may be considered by the employer in determining what is included in a background check.

Some employers, for example, may only require a simple criminal record history check of their candidates, while other employers also may verify previous employment and education history, among other things. Regulated industries such as finance and health care have very stringent screening and testing requirements dictated by various laws. For example, some health care workers could be subject to specific license verifications and sanctions lists checks as required by industry regulations, or in the UK, may be required to undergo an enhanced criminal check.