Candidate Guidance video

A background check is a vetting of a potential or existing employee’s background. Depending on the specified criteria determined by the employer, a background check can include but is not necessarily limited to financial, criminal, educational, employment history checks and other open-source information. It can also check your legal right to work and may require you to prove your identity and address.

The check is being conducted because your potential employer wants to assess your suitability for the role and ensure that you meet the requirements stated in the job description. It also helps them make informed hiring decisions by mitigating potential risks and protecting the company's interests.

It's important to remember that background checks are conducted fairly and in accordance with relevant laws and regulations. 

Giant Screening is registered with the Information Commissioners Office (ICO) for data protection purposes and so are fully compliant with UK data protection laws when handling other people’s data across the EU. Our ICO registration number is ZA242124. You can view our data protection policy here. All our Information is stored securely in encrypted servers hosted locally in the UK.

Protecting your personal information during a background check is crucial, and reputable companies implement various security measures to ensure its safety. Here's an overview:

• Encryption: All data is encrypted at rest and in transit, adding an extra layer of protection against unauthorised access.
• Access Controls: Strict access controls limit who can see your information, with only authorised personnel having access based on the principle of least privilege.
• Firewalls and Intrusion Detection: Network security systems are in place to prevent unauthorised access attempts and detect suspicious activity.
• Regular Security Audits: Regular audits and penetration testing identify and address any vulnerabilities in the systems.

• Data Minimisation: Only the information necessary for the specific background check is collected and stored, adhering to the principle of data minimisation.
• Data Retention: Personal data is retained only for the necessary period, following legal requirements and internal policies.

• Compliance with Regulations: We adhere to relevant data privacy regulations like GDPR or local requirements, ensuring legal compliance and data protection standards.
• Privacy Policy: A clear and comprehensive privacy policy outlines how your data is collected, used, and protected, providing transparency. data protection policy here
•  Individual Rights: You have the right to access, rectify, and erase your data under certain circumstances, as per applicable regulations.

Unfortunately, there's no one-size-fits-all answer to how long your background check will take. The timeframe can vary depending on several factors, including:

•  Type and Scope of Checks:
  • Basic checks: Involving basic criminal records and employment verification might take 2-5 business days.
  • Comprehensive checks: Including education verification, references, professional licenses, or international searches can take longer (up to several weeks).
    
    
• Data Availability and Response Times:
  • Delays can occur if retrieving information from courts, educational institutions, or previous employers takes longer than expected.
  • International checks face additional complexities due to varying data availability and communication channels.

• Complexity of Your Background:
  • If you have an extensive employment history, lived internationally, or have discrepancies to clarify, the investigation might take more time.

•  Provide accurate and complete information: Avoid delays by double-checking all details on your application forms.
• Respond promptly to requests: If contacted for additional information or verification, cooperate swiftly.

You should be informed by our client (your employer) when the checks are complete.

Giant Screening is registered with the Information Commissioners Office (ICO) for data protection purposes and so are fully compliant with UK data protection laws when handling other people’s data across the EU. Our ICO registration number is ZA242124. You can view our data protection policy here. All our Information is stored securely in encrypted servers hosted locally in the UK

Your data will only be used for the purposes of your background check as stated in our consent form. We will not use it for any other reasons such as resale or release your data to a 3rd party for marketing or analytical purposes. You can view our data protection policy here.

The specific information checked during your background check depends on several factors, including:
•    The type of position you are applying for: Certain roles, like those involving financial handling or working with children, may require more extensive checks.
•    The company's policies and procedures: Each company has its own guidelines for background checks, so the scope can vary.
•    Local laws and regulations: Some regions have specific requirements for background checks based on the industry or occupation.
Here's a general overview of the information that might be checked:
•    Identity Verification
•    Criminal Records
•    Education Verification
•    Employment Verification 
•    Adverse Credit history
•    Driving record
•    Social media screening
•    Other Checks (Depending on the Position and industry ): for example Professional licenses and certifications: Verification with relevant licensing boards, Sanctions etc.

We cannot conduct any checks against your name without your given consent. If you provide this consent as the data subject you have full access to your data and the associated rights that come with it through subject access requests (You can view our policy here) Subject Access Requests should be sent to DPA@giantgroup.com 

You also have the right to correct any inaccurate personal data as well as the right to data erasure. As we are the data processor and your current or potential employer is the controller any request we receive will be forwarded to the controller.

The individuals who will see the results of your background check depend on the specific policies of the company conducting the check and the legal regulations in your region.

Here's a breakdown:
Primary Audience:
•    The hiring manager or relevant decision-makers: They will primarily use the report to assess your suitability for the position and make a hiring decision.
•    Human Resources department: They may review the report to ensure compliance with company policies and legal requirements.
Limited Access:
•    Giant Screening, we will only access the information needed to conduct the check and compile the report.
•    Government agencies: In some cases, specific regulations may require sharing certain information with relevant authorities (e.g., for security clearance checks).