Merhaba!

I am sending this issue with great gratitude to all of our readers who made it possible for us to celebrate this fifth anniversary. We look forward to the next five years of serving you and bringing you news on the background screening industry. Our goal is to be your news and information source.

In our October edition we ran a story about Equifax no longer providing credit information for employment screening purposes. Based on input from several of our readers that are Equifax clients notifying us that they were still receiving credit reports we went straight to the source. Equifax stated that there has been no change in their service of providing credit information for employment screening purposes. We apologize for any inconvenience that this article may have caused.

Also I am very excited that the International Committee of NAPBS which I co-chair with Bob Capwell is on the brink of achieving one of its key goals which is to create an international network of background screening firms around the world. We are close to forming chapters in APAC and Europe. Stay tuned for an announcement from NAPBS.

Last, but my no means least, a personal announcement. I am getting married on December 3, 2009 to the lovely Terri Harrison who is a neo natal nurse. I figured that if she could put up with babies all day long she probably could put up with me.

Thanks again for all of your support and stay safe over the holiday season.

PS – Merhaba is hello in Turkish

GOLD SPONSOR

2009 HRO’s Bakers Dozen: Screening Services

Overall Rankings based on breadth of service, size of deals and quality of service.

To Read The Full Article and See the Rating Charts Go To: http://www.hrotoday.com/content/4416/2009-baker%E2%80%99s-dozen-customer-satisfaction-ratings-top-screening-providers

Transportation Department Bans Drug-Screening Company

The Department of Transportation's office of Drug and Alcohol Policy and Compliance has announced that North Carolina-based Workplace Compliance has been banned from performing drug tests for aviation and transportation companies for the next five years. The decision to ban Workplace Compliance from performing the drug tests, which was made on July 31, but was not announced until Tuesday, 11/17/2009 came in the wake of an investigation that found that the reviews of the drug tests that the company performed were done by Michael R. Bennett, who served as a medical review officer at the company despite the fact that he is not a licensed physician with special training.

Source: New York Times (11/17/09) Cooper, Michael, http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/18/us/18drug.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1258553367-unCM1nSe/JKTgnQkO3A0wg

Ferreting Out The Fakers

Board of director and executive officer candidates will be subject to heightened public scrutiny if the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) proposed amendments for increased disclosure requirements are adopted. Responding to events in the financial markets during the past 18 months, the SEC seeks to provide shareholders with additional information that will enhance voting and investment decisions. Specifically, the SEC’s Release 33-9052 sets forth proposed amendments to Item 401 of Regulation S-K that will require disclosure of “qualifications, attributes or skills” that qualify a candidate for service in a governance capacity for a particular company, based on that company’s business and structure. Currently, Item 401 only requires “brief biographical information about directors and nominees.” In light of these proposed changes, thorough background checks will become an even more essential component of hiring than they are now

To Read The Full Article Go To: http://www.hrotoday.com/content/4415/ferreting-out-fakers

Changes Coming for FTC

The House Energy & Commerce Committee has passed amendments to HR 3126, the Consumer Financial Services Protection Act. The committee made several changes to enhance the powers of the FTC. A manager's amendment, offered by Chairman Henry Waxman (D-CA), would increase the ability of the FTC to enforce statutes where there is joint authority. But the committee did not change the language that Rep. Barney Frank added to transfer jurisdiction of the Fair Credit Reporting Act to the new agency. Rep. Frank did say during his markup that he was concerned only about financial credit reports, not background checks and other nonfinancial parts of the FCRA. However, he didn't appear to be aware the other functions covered by the FCRA would be affected. He did say he'd work with others to try to fix the bill before it went to the floor. Another significant change made by the Energy & Commerce Committee today was to replace the single director with a commission.

To Read The Full Article Click Here

Chemical Security Bill Will Require Security Background Checks

On Friday, November 6, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 2868, “The Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Act of 2009.” Of note for HR professionals is a provision in the bill that would require security background checks of certain individuals at chemical facilities – along with paid administrative leave for any employee being investigated. [ More ] Under section 2115 of the bill dealing with chemical plant employees who have access to restricted areas or a facility security plan, employers would be required to:

- Verify and validate such employees’ identity;
- Check employees’ criminal history;
- Verify and validate employees’ legal authorization to work; and
- Identify any employees with terrorist ties

For More Information Go To: http://www.shrm.org/Advocacy/GovernmentAffairsNews/HRIssuesUpdatee-Newsletter/Pages/111309_3.aspx

Senate Judiciary Committee Approves The Personal Data Privacy and Security Act

A sweeping new bill that would implement a national standard for data protection and breach notification got a boost of support today from the Senate Judiciary Committee. The committee approved the Personal Data Privacy and Security Act of 2009 and the bill is now headed to the full Senate for consideration. If the bill becomes law it would require companies and government agencies to follow specific rules for protecting sensitive and personally identifiable data. Under the proposed law, all private and government entities handling sensitive data would be required to implement specific risk assessment and vulnerability testing measures. They also would be required to deploy measures for controlling access to sensitive data, detecting and logging unauthorized accesses to the data, and protecting data while it is in transit and at rest. The bill also introduces a federal breach-notification standard under which companies would be required to notify not just individuals affected by a data breach, but also, in some cases, credit reporting agencies and the U.S. Secret Service. It would establish a new Office of Federal Identity Protection within the Federal Trade Commission and stiffen penalties for identity theft and related fraud. If approved, S.1490 would likely preempt similar data-protection laws that have already been passed in 46 states. Many security analysts have been calling for such a federal bill, arguing that it would be easier for companies to comply with one national law rather than a patchwork of 46 state laws.

For More Information Go To: http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9140408/Federal_data_protection_law_inches_forward?taxonomyId=17

Canadian Privacy Commission And Facebook Face Off

A recent, high-profile case demonstrating Canada’s focus on protecting the privacy of its citizens involved Facebook, the hugely popular social networking site. On July 16, 2009, Canada's Privacy Commissioner ruled that Facebook was in breach of Canadian privacy laws on several fronts, particularly with respect to the circumstances surrounding consent to the disclosure of personal information to third party application developers and the retention of personal information of users who had closed their accounts. Initially, Facebook resisted complete compliance with the Privacy Commissioner's recommendations. However, given the Commissioner's ability to submit the matter to the courts, Facebook ultimately proposed solutions satisfying Canadian privacy laws.

To Find Out More Go To: http://www.mondaq.com/canada/article.asp?articleid=88714

Verocity 2009 Software Platform from deverus™ Selected for Munio RMS, LLC

deverus, Inc., a leading provider of software and hosted support services for background screening companies, announced today that Munio Risk Management Services, LLC (Munio RMS) headquartered in Dallas, TX has selected deverus’ Verocity 2009 software platform to provide an enterprise-level solution for its vendor background screening services and pre-employment screening division.

For more information, visit www.deverus.com, or contact Tony Cordaro at (888) 690-9297, ext. 333.

Sponsored By:

As the background screening industry continues to get more competitive the firms that will ultimately succeed will be those that create competitive advantage through their people by offering continuous learning opportunities to heightened their knowledge and capabilities. We believe that having employees that are very knowledgeable about the legal landscape of background screening is essential to continued success.

We are grateful to Pam Devata, Seyfarth Shaw LLP for providing the expertise for this valuable endeavor. For information regarding the answers to the Legal Challenge Questions, please contact Pamela Devata at Seyfarth Shaw LLP at pdevata@seyfarth.com or 312-460-5000 or visit www.seyfarth.com.

Please choose your answer by clicking on it:

Under the FCRA, a CRA has to provide a copy of the Summary of Rights to: A. No one, that is the end-user's responsibility only. B. The consumer and the end user C. The consumer only if he or she requests such a summary D. The end user only

Bon Idziak of Applicant Insight Promoted to CEO

Applicant Insight, Inc., a leading provider of background screening, drug testing and forms automation, announced today that Bon Idziak has been promoted to the position of Chief Executive Officer. During his tenure as President, Bon has made significant contributions to Applicant Insight's business development, growth, service offerings and structure. "In recognition of his efforts and leadership during these unprecedented times, it is with great pleasure that we make this announcement," says Ai's ownership. "Since joining Applicant Insight, Inc., Bon has been instrumental in the creation and implementation of new business strategies and the building of a strong foundation for continued growth and success."

To Read The Full Article Go To: http://blog.applicantinsight.com/2009/11/20/bon-idziak-of-applicant-insight-promoted-to-ceo/#more-267

HireRight Names Catherine Aldrich Vice President of Operations

HireRight, a leader in on-demand employment background and drug screening, has appointed Catherine Aldrich as vice president of operations. Ms. Aldrich will be based out of the Irvine, Calif., global headquarters and report to HireRight president and CEO Michael Petrullo. Ms. Aldrich has more than 20 years of background screening, public records research, verification, and compliance experience and as vice president of operations will be responsible for leading HireRight’s service delivery functions in verifications, public records, and customer service. Her professional background includes serving on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Professional Background Screeners (NAPBS) and she is currently serving on the NAPBS Background Screening Credentialing Council (BSCC). Ms. Aldrich joins HireRight from Accurate Background, where for the past nine years she served as executive vice president.

To Read The Full Announcement Go To: http://www.hireright.com/pressreleasedetail.aspx?dpid=51

CRAs See Stronger Revenue Outlook in 2010

Majority of those surveyed by ERC Dataplus anticipate growth in coming year, including headcount increases. Better times are ahead, according to an overwhelming majority of CRAs recently polled by ERC Dataplus. Eighty-four percent (84%) of survey respondents told ERC that they anticipate increased revenues in 2010. In addition, 54% of poll respondents said they plan to increase headcount next year, in sync with increased workloads as the overall market for background checking recovers….

For full story, click on http://www.selectechpowered.com/documents/uploads/Oct2009CRATrendsSurveyExecSummary0.pdf

Omni Data Retrieval Announces XML Connection with TeamScreen Solutions

Omni Data Retrieval, leading nationwide provider of reliable public record research, announces the successful implementation of an XML-based integration with TeamScreen Solutions LLC, an information management specialist for the pre-employment screening industry. The partnership between the companies enables Omni Data Retrieval’s advanced criminal records research to be delivered electronically to TeamScreen’s online system. Users of TeamScreen’s MyScreen technology platform are now able to effortlessly request public record research and retrieve reports from Omni Data Retrieval without manual intervention. In addition, MyScreen users have access to Omni Data Retrieval’s high quality reporting and competitive pricing within MyScreen’s Vendor Matrix Manager tool.

For More Information Go To: http://www.omnidataretrieval.com/docs/pressrelease/Omni_TeamScreen_PressRelease_2009-10-29.pdf

Bad Hires—HR's Most Costly Mistake

Are there any HR mistakes as aggravating, time-consuming, money-losing, and lawsuit-threatening as making a bad hire? It can mean wasted training and coaching, disgruntled colleagues, work undone, angry customers, and a likely lawsuit when you are forced to let the person go. The best prevention? Meaningful background checks.The best way to avoid bad hires is to gather as much objective information as possible about prospective employees. However, employers have to balance this need against the expense involved and the privacy rights of applicants.

To Read The Full Article Go To: http://hrdailyadvisor.blr.com/archive/2009/10/28/

US Employment Trends More Positive

The Conference Board’s US employment trends index (ETI) edged up for the second consecutive month in October. The index now stands at 89.3, up 0.7% from the revised September figure. However, it remains 13.2% below its level a year ago. “The ETI has likely turned a corner in September, and the historical relationship between the index and employment suggests that job losses will end in early 2010,” says Gad Levanon, senior economist at The Conference Board. “

For More Information Go To: http://www.recruiter.co.uk/us-employment-trends-more-positive/1003353.article

Fraud Information

The ACFE's "2008 Report to the Nation on Occupational Fraud & Abuse" is available for download online at the ACFE's web site: www.ACFE.com/RTTN/2008-RTTN.asp.

Are You Crowdsourcing?

Few business models have taken off the way crowdsourcing has. First coined in an article in Wired magazine and expanded to a book by journalist Jeff Howe, the approach — in which customers, volunteers, debate and refine ideas about everything from marketing strategies to product development — is becoming an R&D strategy for companies that understand that creativity and expertise are not limited to their employees.

As Howe defines it, crowdsourcing is “the act of taking a job traditionally performed by a designated agent (usually an employee) and outsourcing it to an undefined, generally large group of people in the form of an open call.” Corporate EVENT spoke with him about the concept, when it works and when it fails, and how event marketers can harness the power of the crowd to improve their next event.

For More Information Go To: http://www.exhibitoronline.com/corpevent/fall09/the-new-mass-marketing-jeff-howe-crowd-sourcing-improve-event-attendance.asp?email=wbnixon@aol.com&s=1208Cb

Watch for “Red Flag” Consumer Links-List Sites
By Mike Sankey

Most screening firms stay away from the so-called consumer sites, but once in a while firms may be fooled into thinking they are getting a great deal on a public record search. Some consumer sites are helpful, especially if someone is looking for a lost relative or classmate. But some of these sites are misleading. They often try to disguise themselves as sites used by professionals or they tout unrealistic features. There are a few considerations to review before spending money on public record research from certain “all powerful” sites. If I find a site using any of the marketing schemes listed below, a giant red flag pops up in my mind and I take a closer look:

To Read The Full Article Click Here

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We can help you have a high quality e-newsletter to help nurture your relationship with your clients and attract new clients. Our customized newsletter service will take over your newsletter task or create a new one for you. We can manage the creation of your newsletter for you.

We are constantly researching information to use for The Background Buzz and you can put our research to use for you. Using the information rich content from The Background Buzz (minus the ads and competitors information) we will create a custom newsletter for you.

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Privacy Laws and Regulations Around the Globe: The Impact on Doing Business Internationally

The protection of personal information is an important issue as business operations become increasingly global in nature. Coupled with the Internet enabling personal data to be distributed almost instantaneously across the globe, privacy has quickly become a critical international concern that can often be confusing due to a global patchwork of laws and regulations. An organization conducting business in multiple foreign jurisdictions must be aware privacy laws are not equal everywhere. Unless the most restrictive regulatory regime is adopted, country by country procedures may be necessary.

To Read The Full Article Go To: http://www.mondaq.com/canada/article.asp?articleid=88714

Europe Unemployment At Highest Level Since 1999

According to Eurostat (the Statistical Office of the European Communities), the seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate in the euro area (EA16) was 9.7% in September 2009, compared with 9.6% in August. It was 7.7% in September 2008. The EU27 unemployment rate was 9.2% in September 2009, compared with 9.1% in August. It was 7.1% in September 2008. For the euro area this is the highest rate since January 1999 and for the EU27 since the start of the series in January 2000. Eurostat estimates that 22.123 million men and women in the EU27, of which 15.324 million were in the euro area, were unemployed in September 2009. Compared with August, the number of persons unemployed increased by 286, 000 in the EU27 and by 184,000 in the euro area. Compared with September 2008, unemployment went up by 5.011 million in the EU27 and by 3.204 million in the euro area. Among the Member States, the lowest unemployment rates were recorded in the Netherlands (3.6%) and Austria (4.8%), and the highest rates in Latvia (19.7%) and Spain (19.3%).

To read the full Euro indicator report please click here

EU and US Make Progress Towards Making a Deal On Data Sharing

U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano says that U.S. and EU leaders are making progress toward reaching a deal on a binding agreement on data sharing, reports AFP. "Last week an EU-U.S. high-level contact group identified a core set of common principles that unite our approaches to protect personal data while processing and exchanging information amongst law enforcement authorities," she said during a speech to international data protection and privacy experts on Wednesday in Madrid. "The next step is a binding U.S.-EU agreement on data sharing and privacy," she added.

To Read The Full Article Go To: http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5j698NSC0LfMwqz99DbneU92gsaWg

NAPBS International Committee Update

NAPBS is on the brink of history being made and is close to having two international chapters formed – one in Asia Pacific Area Countries (APAC) and the other in Europe. This is an exciting moment and an important step forward for NAPBS becoming a global association.

If you are interested in helping NAPBS become a global association please let us know. We would love to have you work with us. Contact Bob Capwell at rcapwell@ebiinc.com or Barry Nixon at wbnixon@aol.com.

Privacy Law Reforms And Privacy Regulation Simplification

The Federal Government announced that it will overhaul the privacy laws of Australia and implement a consistent privacy law regime. These changes will represent the most material reforms to Australian privacy law since the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) was introduced over 20 years ago. This announcement marks the first step in the move towards nationally consistent privacy laws across all Australian jurisdictions. When implemented, the reforms will:

• eliminate overlapping standards in dealing with privacy between the public and private sectors at federal and state /territory levels;
• simplify the privacy regime for Australian Government agencies and private sector organisations;
• provide greater clarity and cut red tape in dealing with privacy issues;
• introduce a right to privacy; and
• bring Australia's privacy laws up to date with the information age.

Extensive reforms to the privacy laws will be announced in the form of draft legislation in early 2010. It is imperative that businesses consider carefully their practices and systems in dealing with privacy issues and take steps in anticipates of the proposed privacy reforms.

To Read the Full Article Go To: http://www.mondaq.com/australia/article.asp?articleid=88760&login=true

Amendments Introduced, Exemptions Irk Commissioner

The Albertan government introduced amendments to the Personal Information Protection Act this week, reports the Calgary Herald. Bill 54 modifies the act to include breach notification and data transfer requirements. It also makes an offence the failure to notify the Information and Privacy Commissioner's office in the event of a privacy breach. Service Alberta Minister Heather Klimchuk said the legislation will "result in better protection for Albertans' information." But Information and Privacy Commissioner Frank Work expressed disappointment that certain not-for-profit agencies will be exempt from the new rules. "Many of these organizations collect highly sensitive personal information that should be subject to legislative protection," Work said.

For More Information Go To: http://www.calgaryherald.com/Alberta+privacy+bill+disappointing+commissioner+says/2157964/story.html

Pre-Employment Blood Tests "Illegal," Says DPAA

German data protection official says that the pre-employment blood tests carried out by Daimler are illegal and that the data must be deleted, reports DW-World.de. The tests are voluntary and the company tests candidates only in the final stages of the job selection process, however Marit Hansen of the Schleswig Holstein data protection authority said the practice breaks "all existing data protection regulations." Hansen said: "The data has to be deleted and all those affected have to be informed." A company spokesperson said that Daimler has submitted information about the tests to data protection officials.

To Read The Full Article Go To: http://www.dw-world.com/dw/article/0,,4837227,00.html

India Inc To Witness 20-30% Pick Up In Hirings In 2010

MUMBAI: Riding high on a six to seven per cent expected economic growth and with the global economy gradually bouncing back, India Inc is likely to hire 20-30 per cent more talent in CY 10, a top industry official said. "In 2010 (January-December), I envisage at least 20-30 per cent increase in recruitments by companies," recruitment consultancy firm, Fun & Joy At Work's Chief Executive Officer, R L Bhatia, told PTI here. This would be over and above the 30 per cent dip in hiring that was witnessed last year, Bhatia said. BPOs, bio-technology, media, telecom and finance are some of the sectors likely to witnessing higher hirings, Bhatia said.

For More Information Go To: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/jobs/India-Inc-to-witness-20-30-pick-up-in-hirings-in-2010/articleshow/5208766.cms

One In Two Indians Lie About Pay Package

Online verification site, detective agencies and HR companies say CV, matrimonial and education untruths are rampant. Lotus Detective Agency, a 22-year old city-based company with an online presence and branches in Singapore, London, California and Dubai, reveals even more alarming statistics. In 2009 alone, their all-India statistics show that 80 per cent lied about their salary, while 60 percent bluffed about their qualification and experience. Over 40 per cent CVs were fabricated.

Rahul Wadhwani, Managing Partner, Planman Consulting, a company that provides HR services and have their own screening agency, states that once a person is found guilty of lying about information, however minor, their employment is terminated and their names are stored in a red report to ensure they are not hired again. Their All India Red Report for 2009 indicates that 50 per cent lied about their salary and designation, 40 per cent about tenure and place of employment and 10 per cent about educational qualifications. "The process of verification is very slowly picking up in India as they realise the long-term benefits. At present, only 10 per cent of Indian companies opt for such checks."

To Read The Article Go To: http://www.mid-day.com/news/2009/oct/291009-detective-agencies-HR-companies-CV-Tushar-Waghmare-Accenture-Wipro-Yahoo.htm

Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme Launched In Scotland

A new scheme aimed at better safeguarding vulnerable groups was announced in Scotland this week. It is separate, but aligned with, the Vetting and Barring scheme (VBS) which was launched last month and covers the rest of the UK. The Scottish scheme will replace the need for multiple 'one-off' checks – which currently cost £23 a time – with a system that continually updates relevant information. It also aims to ensure that people who become unsuitable during their employment are quickly identified, and allow employers to check records quickly and easily. A consultation on key elements of the secondary legislation required to implement the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme was launched this week. It is expected that the scheme will be introduced before the end of 2010, with implementation being phased in.

For More Information Go To: http://www.workplacelaw.net/news/display/id/24788

Concerns Over CRB Complaints

Figures obtained by the Daily Telegraph show that complaints about the Criminal records Bureau (CRB) have doubled since the organisation was set up in 2002. There were 1,111 complaints in 2002/3 and a record 2,509 in 2008/9. In all, 15,320 complaints about criminal records checks have been so far upheld since 2002, the paper reports. However, the proportion of complaints compared with the total number of CRB checks carried out has fallen and the CRB points out that disputes only represent a fraction of the number of checks carried out. The spokesperson said, “This is not about the CRB making mistakes, information released on a CRB check can be disputed for a number of reasons. Incorrect CRB checks represent a tiny minority of the 3.9 million checks that were carried out last year.

For More Information Go To: http://www.workplacelaw.net/news/display/id/24744

European Commission Takes Second Action Against UK Government

The European Commission (EC) has taken another step in its infringement proceeding over the UK regarding privacy laws. The commission says that Britain has not fully implemented European laws designed to ensure the confidentiality of electronic communications. EU Telecoms Commissioner Viviane Reding said yesterday that people's privacy is a fundamental right. "I therefore call on the UK authorities to change their national laws to ensure that British citizens fully benefit from the safeguards set out in EU law..." The EC sent a formal notice to the UK in April following an inquiry into its handling of citizens' complaints about ISP behavioral targeting. The UK has two months to respond to this latest action.

Full Story

Forensic Vetting Will ‘Save Firms Thousands’

A West Midlands-based company is introducing a new service to the UK that they claim could save businesses thousands of pounds in insurance claims, training costs and employment tribunal costs. Forensic Vetting involves the use of polygraph testing. Polygraph testing, sometimes called lie detector testing, is widely used in the USA and is a method of testing for evidence of fraudulent behaviour and can be beneficial when interviewing candidates for critical positions, employment reappraisals and screening.

For More Information Go To: http://www.recruiter.co.uk/forensic-vetting-will-%60save-firms-thousands¿/1003215.article

UK’s System Of Employment Vetting Needs Overhaul, Say Judges

The UK’s system of employment vetting must be overhauled, according to the country’s most senior judges. In a judgement that could have implications for recruiters, the justices of the UK’s recently created Supreme Court said there should no longer be “a presumption for disclosure” as individuals’ rights could be damaged by “unreliable” or “out-of-date” details. The judgement goes right to the heart of the government’s vetting and barring scheme designed to protect children and vulnerable adults. Checks on these lists, which are maintained by the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) can now be made as part of enhanced Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checks. According to the MailOnline, Lord Hope said that in many cases disclosing details about an applicant’s private life “goes further than is reasonably necessary for the legitimate object of protecting children and adults”.

For More Information Go To: http://www.recruiter.co.uk/uk¿s-system-of-employment-vetting-needs- overhaul-say-judges/1003247.article

New Innovative Way To Escape The Growing Expense Of Providing References

Unemployment is at its highest for over a decade and still rising fast. One unexpected impact of this trend has been to increase the administrative burden on Human Resource (HR) departments, whose staff are required to provide references for the rising number of former employees who are seeking jobs. Managing references is time-consuming and costly for HR teams, at a time when most businesses are seeking to find new efficiencies and save money. More and more employers are turning to an innovative, online solution that’s able to handle all kinds of reference requests relating to both previous employees looking for work and current ones looking. And, perhaps best of all, this new service, WorkPass, is offered as a complimentary service to employers and employees. Reference-seekers instead pay a small access fee for the benefit of getting accurate and speedy responses to their online queries, often within seconds – saving them time and money as well.

To help businesses calculate the true cost of providing references – and therefore what they could save with this new service – WorkPass has created a quick and easy return on investment calculator. Simply visit www.workpass.co.uk/calculator and try it out.

The International Screener Spotlight

We are adding ‘The International Screener Spotlight’ column. In this column we will feature one International Screening firms’ owner or executive. The column will focuse on helping clients and potential clients get to know the interviewee on a more personal level, beyond just your products and services, because ultimately people buy from people they know and can relate too. This is a value added service for our Platinum Members. Click here for more information about Platinum Membership.

The program is also available to other international screening firms that are not members of our Platinum Club.

To learn how you can participate in The International Screener Spotlight Column program please click here for more information.

This month we spoke with Craig Caddell, Vice President, ReferencePro.

Prior to joining ReferencePro Craig worked for an IT consulting firm as a Project Manager and was involved in the initial project that started ReferencePro so he moved over to run it for Les. Craig has been in the background screening industry since 2000.

He had several observations about the industry that included its rapid growth over the last ten years, watching NAPBS’ grow into a vibrant organization and the growth in the international arena. He spoke very fondly of NAPBS and the friendships that he has made as a result of the organization. As NAPBS has grown, he has been impressed with the knowledge, expertise, commitment and hard work of the members and the fun times that are had at the conferences. In fact, he commented that going to the conferences is almost like going to a family reunion.

Craig explained that ReferencePro was dedicated to wholesale verification and reference checking. He emphasized that in their business model they have no contacts with the end users. They have an in house call center operation and their international checks are conducted based on US standards with the same service level and meaningful status update on a daily basis.

He also emphasized that they use their extensive experience and knowledge of schools and employers to access anticipated turnaround time for each order so that clients will have a clear expectation of the service they will receive. They are very serious and meticulous about managing their clients expectations which includes:
– Advising the client of the probable turnaround time and likelihood of success
– Daily status update
– Using their sophisticated document reporting management system to track progress and keep the client informed regarding the status of their order.

They also have in house language speakers to facilitate effective communications with their sources.

Some of the challenges that he believes the industry is facing in the international arena are managing oversees vendors, cost containment and managing clients’ expectations. He added that more work is needed on educating clients on the difference between verifications and investigations which have substantially different pricing points and delivery times. He further stated the need to have a clear and unambiguous Memorandum of Understanding in place with overseas providers.

On the personal side, Craig has been married to his wife Cathy for 14 years and has two children, his daughter Nicola and son Jasper. He noted that he spent a lot of time with his children, but when he did have some free time he enjoys kayaking, bike riding and lots of gardening. The family eats a lot from their garden and some of the foods they grow include garlic, chard, collards, mustard, kale and onions. They also raise chickens for eggs, sheep for wool and rabbit.
He shared an interesting story about raising sheep and his son being able to take wool to school to learn how to knit. Jasper attends the Waldorf school which has the philosophy that it is important to educate children about how to apply their learning to real life activities. Craig reveled in how much of a positive experience this was for his son.

Craig is also an accomplished sailor having raced sailboats professionally from the US to Australia. If you need sailing tips he is the man to ask. The music genres that he enjoys are jazz and singer writers like Jackson Browne.

His family goes on a camping vacation in the Red Woods of northern California for two weeks every year. The camping trip has become an event that the family looks forward to and many of their friends and family also join them at the camp site. Sometime there have been as many as 60 people that are part of their group. Sounds like one big party they have every year.

Craig also shared that with all of the things going on in his life he still enjoys taking time out to read. He likes non fiction and true adventures. Recent books he has read include The Horse Boy and The Amber Spyglass.

The people he would most like to meet are Abraham Lincoln, Buckminster Fuller, Joseph Campbell and Alan Watts. He noted that the common thread for his ‘meet list’ was their ability to make meaning out of chaos and provide leadership.

The young man who grew up in the bay area and graduated from Redwood High School and Domincan University of CA has the following vision of things to come in the background screening industry – “We will see more databases housing information and more company consolidations, however, the necessity for people to talk to people will actually grow and while many of the variables that challenge us today will be solved, new challenges will arise that will keep this an exciting industry for a long time.”

To talk to Craig Caddell you can reach him at ccaddell@referencepro.com.

Take Someone Special To Dinner On ME!

Is your significant other’s birthday coming up soon? How about an important anniversary or even better take him or her out ‘just because he/she is your special someone!’Just think of the possibilities if you surprise ”that special someone” with a fantastic night out!!!! Click Here For Information

Background Screening Jobs Visit the Job Board for the Employment and Tenant Screening Industry. Here you will find resumes of people with industry experience and employers seeking applicants with experience in Employment and Tenant Screening and related businesses.

For More Information Go To: http://www.backgroundscreeningjobs.com/

2009 Events (Click Here to View full list of 2009 Events) – Updated Monthly

SHRM State Conferences, visit http://www.shrm.org/Conferences/StateAffilliateConferences/Pages/default.aspx

Drug and Alcohol Testing Industry Association (DATIA), 2008 Training Course Schedule, visit http://datia.org

CUPA-HR Conferences: http://www.cupahr.org/newsroom/news_template.asp?id=5445

National Association for Professional Background Screeners (NAPBS), 2009 http://www.napbs.com

World Federation for Personnel Management, Events, hhttp://www.wfpma.com/events/default.asp