Verity journal

Background Screening

In our previous article, we briefly highlighted the upcoming Section 17A (S17A), also referred to as the Corporate Liability Provision Law, that is set to be introduced in the month of June this year. While that certainly drives our need to put in place adequate procedures in anticipation of the new law, let’s not forget that the purpose of employee screening goes beyond allaying worries about problematic hires. For those in the banking industry, employee screening enables them to comply with Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism Funding Act (AMLA) and Employee Screening Policy introduced by Bank Negara Malaysia. For others, it helps to strengthen HR due diligence and reduce the risks posed by both potential and current employees.

Acknowledging this situation, Verity utilising its leadership and commitment in background screening services, also as part of its recent achievement, have devise a program that brings visibility to the due diligence efforts carried out by companies, through the Safe Hiring Program initiative. What is this all about? Let us break it down for you.

Safe Hiring Program

The Safe Hiring Program is a multi-tiered certification program that helps companies display the level of safety, systems and standards that have been put in place. This also acts as a point-of-reference for businesses, vendors and employees to verify one’s safety and security level.

There are three phases to this program.

Phase 1

In this phase, the screening practices revolve around the employees of the company. Background screening will be carried out in two stages: one is the pre-employment period and the second on an annual basis for existing employees. This minimises the potential risks which may emerge from hiring new employees, while also ensuring that a safe working environment is constantly maintained among the internal ecosystem.

Phase 2

While the employees are the lifeblood of the company, it is important to note that business partners such as vendors, suppliers and service providers also play an equally important role in maintaining a healthy working ecosystem. This brings us to the next phase which is company-level screening checks. At this stage, background screening helps to ensure that the business partners are legal, financially healthy, good paymasters and service deliverers. Of course, it would be ideal if these business partners also implement similar due diligence practices in their business operations as well.

Phase 3

In the next phase, the effort goes beyond regular screening practices, by utilising Verity’s industry knowledge to assist the Human Resources (HR) personnel in outlining best practices within their own respective organisations. Carried out in partnership with the Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF), this approach aims to train the HR personnel to be advocates of safe hiring procedure and due diligence, ultimately altering the business landscape into one that is both respectable and beneficial to the nation.

Benefit of Safe Hiring Program

Existing due diligence practices can be easily identified via the Safe Hiring Program certificate, instantly giving confidence and sense of security to any potential employees or vendors to work with a “safe” employer. This also channels the companies’ mission to remain bribe-free, acting as a deterrent to prevent those who believe otherwise. In the long run, the company’s working ecosystem will remain strong and healthy knowing that the employees along with the vendors holds similar principles in their work etiquette. On the other hand, the Safe Hiring Program certificate can be easily endorsed through verifiable steps, assisting the auditing process of the audit firms.

To find out more about how you can be part of this Safe Hiring Program, do reach out to us at https://www.verityintel.com/contact-us/ and our advisor will assist you further.

“At Verity Intelligence, our entire process complies with the Malaysian Personal Data Protection Act as we are very serious about regulatory compliance and respecting the privacy of individuals. The information we obtain, screen or verify from is also publicly and legally available.”