Employment Screening

Pre-Employment Screening

In today’s competitive landscape, hiring the right people is key to a successful business, which is why pre-employment screening is so important.

When a new hire isn’t who they claim to be, the consequences can be devastating.

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Maintain a safe workplace with employment screening

At Expol, we’ve been the trusted leader in pre-employment screening since 2008, helping businesses across the Isle of Man and the UK mitigate these risks and build a safer, more reliable workforce. With over 16 years of experience, we’ve conducted thousands of screenings, giving companies the confidence they need to make informed hiring decisions. In fact, a recent report by the CIPD found that 62% of UK employers have experienced a dishonest application. This is why our newly launched 24/7 online portal is more critical than ever, offering a fast and efficient way to vet candidates.

On this page, you’ll learn why robust screening isn’t just a formality—it’s a critical business necessity. We’ll also break down the specific types of checks available and show you how our streamlined process and deep expertise give you a clear advantage.

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+44 (0) 1624 611190

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Why Pre-Employment Screening Matters

Hiring is an investment, and a bad hire can be one of the most expensive mistakes a business makes. The costs go far beyond a salary. A recent report by the REC (Recruitment & Employment Confederation) estimated that the cost of a bad hire can be three times the salary of the role due to recruitment costs, training, lost productivity, and potential severance. Then there’s the impact on morale, team productivity, and even your company’s reputation.

The risks are also growing more sophisticated. Application fraud is on the rise, with candidates using everything from falsified degrees to fake employment references to bypass traditional hiring processes. Without a thorough screening, you’re essentially hiring a ghost, and the risks of a serious legal or reputational incident skyrocket.

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Regulatory Compliance & Risk Mitigation

Furthermore, a complex web of regulatory compliance requires businesses, particularly in sectors like financial services, to adhere to strict due diligence standards. Failing to comply can result in hefty fines from regulatory bodies like the Isle of Man Financial Services Authority (FSA), Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and legal action. Data protection and privacy legislation, such as the EU GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018, add another layer of complexity, making it crucial to partner with a screening provider that understands the legal landscape. Ultimately, pre-employment screening is your best defence, not just against financial loss but also against long-term operational and reputational risk.

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Types of Employment Screening Checks Available

Our comprehensive suite of services ensures you can create a custom screening package that meets your specific needs, no matter the industry or role.

Criminal Record Checks

This is one of the most fundamental components of a thorough background check. We conduct searches in the Isle of Man and also in the UK via the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) or Disclosure Scotland. We can also facilitate international searches to give you a complete picture of a candidate’s history. This check is crucial for roles that involve handling money, working with vulnerable populations, or operating in positions of trust.

What it covers
Criminal convictions, cautions, warnings, and reprimands.

Why it matters
Protects your workplace, customers, and reputation from potential legal or security risks.

Turnaround times
Typically 5-10 business days

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Employment Verification

A surprising number of applicants embellish or fabricate their work history. Our employment verification service goes beyond simply calling a previous employer; we confirm job titles, responsibilities, and dates of employment to ensure the CV matches reality. We can also conduct in-depth reference checks to gain valuable insight into a candidate’s performance, work ethic, and character.

What it covers
Past job titles, responsibilities, and employment dates.

Why it matters
Validates a candidate’s experience and competence, ensuring they can handle the responsibilities of the role.

Turnaround times
Typically 10-12 business days, depending on the responsiveness of the former employer.

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Education & Qualification Verification

Falsifying a degree or professional certification is one of the most common forms of CV fraud. We meticulously verify academic credentials, professional licenses, and certifications directly with the issuing institutions or professional bodies in the UK and internationally. This is particularly vital for roles that require a specific license, such as in healthcare or law.

What it covers
Degrees, certifications, professional licenses, and academic transcripts.

Why it matters
Confirms a candidate possesses the necessary skills and qualifications for the job, protecting your company from liability and incompetence.

Turnaround times
Typically 5-10 business days, depending on the educational institution’s response time.

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Credit & Financial Checks

For roles that involve financial management, access to company assets, or sensitive data, a credit and financial check provides essential insight into a candidate’s financial responsibility. This type of check can be conducted for any position but is particularly vital for regulated and key person roles. We perform credit history analysis and bankruptcy searches, helping you assess a candidate’s risk level.

What it covers
Credit history, bankruptcy records, and public financial judgments.

Why it matters
Identifies potential financial instability or risk of fraud in financially sensitive positions.

Turnaround times
Usually 2-3 business days.

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Digital Footprint & Social Media Screening

In today’s digital world, a person’s online presence can reveal a lot about their professional conduct and judgment. Our social media screening service focuses on identifying professional risks such as hate speech, violence, illegal activity, or sexually explicit content, all while staying compliant with EU GDPR. We review a candidate’s online footprint to ensure their public persona aligns with your company values.

What it covers
Publicly available online information and social media content.

Why it matters
Protects your company’s brand and reputation from a candidate’s unprofessional or harmful online behaviour.

Turnaround times
Typically 3-5 business days.

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Industry Sectors We Serve

Our expertise isn’t one-size-fits-all. We provide tailored screening solutions that account for the unique compliance and risk profiles of different industries.

  • Financial Services: We understand the stringent regulatory compliance requirements of organisations like the the Isle of Man Financial Services Authority (FSA) and Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Our services help firms meet their due diligence obligations, preventing financial fraud and misconduct.
  • Healthcare: We provide enhanced due diligence for healthcare providers, including criminal background and professional license verification, ensuring the safety of patients and staff.
  • Education: Safeguarding children and vulnerable adults is paramount. We offer comprehensive checks that meet the rigorous standards for educational institutions.
  • Legal Services: We help law firms and legal professionals maintain the highest standards of professional conduct and integrity with detailed background checks.
  • Technology: Protecting intellectual property (IP) and sensitive data is a top priority. Our screenings help ensure tech companies hire trustworthy individuals.
  • Retail and Hospitality: We offer fast, efficient screening for high-turnover, customer-facing roles to ensure a safe and reliable workforce.
  • Manufacturing: We provide screening for safety-critical positions to mitigate the risk of accidents and ensure a compliant, secure working environment.
  • Government and Public Sector: Our services assist with the complex processes required for UK government roles.

Legal Compliance and Best Practices

Navigating the legal landscape of pre-employment screening can be complex. At Expol, we prioritise full compliance with all relevant legislation, including the EU GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. We ensure that all data is processed with a lawful basis, and we provide clear consent and disclosure forms to protect both you and the candidate.

Our processes are designed to be non-discriminatory and align with Equal Employment Opportunity requirements. We also stay up-to-date with industry-specific regulations, such as those from the Isle of Man Financial Services Authority (FSA) and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This attention to detail extends to data security and retention, as we ensure all candidate information is securely stored and handled according to legal requirements.

Employment Screening

Benefits of Professional Screening

Partnering with a professional screening provider offers a clear return on investment. The benefits are both tangible and intangible:

  • Reduced Hiring Costs: Screening significantly reduces turnover, saving you the high costs of constantly recruiting and training new employees.
  • Improved Workplace Safety: Vetting candidates reduces the risk of hiring individuals who could harm your staff or customers.
  • Enhanced Company Reputation: Professional screening protects your brand from reputational damage caused by an unreliable or fraudulent hire.
  • Regulatory Compliance: It ensures you meet legal and industry-specific requirements, avoiding costly fines and legal battles.
  • Efficient Hiring Process: Our streamlined portal and fast turnaround times make the hiring process quicker and more efficient.
  • Peace of Mind: You can hire with confidence, knowing you have a reliable and trustworthy team.
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Expol’s Unique Advantages in Pre-Employment Screening

Choosing Expol isn’t just about getting a background check; it’s about partnering with an experienced team that provides a superior service.

Speed of Results

Time is money. Our advanced technology and streamlined processes give us some of the fastest turnaround times in the industry. Our 24/7 portal provides real-time updates on your screening requests, and we even offer express services for when you need results in a hurry.

Technology + Human Expertise

We believe the best results come from combining cutting-edge technology with human insight. While our 24/7 portal offers a seamless, user-friendly experience, every single report is reviewed and verified by an experienced human analyst. We don’t rely on purely automated reports, which can often be inaccurate or incomplete. Our team has the knowledge and expertise to interpret complex data and ensure the information you receive is accurate and actionable.

Experience and Expertise

With over 16 years in the screening industry, we have a deep understanding of the Isle of Man and the UK regulations. We have built established relationships with key data sources, and our proven track record with major clients speaks for itself. You can rely on our team’s deep knowledge and proven processes.

Comprehensive Service

We provide a full-service solution, not just a single product. Our customizable packages are designed to meet your specific needs, and we offer ongoing support and consultation to ensure you get the most out of our services. We can also integrate our platform with your existing HR systems for a seamless workflow.

Compliance Expertise

The legal landscape is always changing. Our team is constantly monitoring and staying up-to-date with all relevant legislation. We possess sector-specific compliance knowledge and provide legal support and guidance to help you navigate complex regulations, ensuring your screening program is always compliant.

Investment & Service Options

Every business has unique screening needs, which is why we provide personalised quotes based on your specific requirements. We believe in a competitive, value-driven pricing approach with scalable solutions for businesses of all sizes.

Our investment varies based on the scope and complexity of the screening package, but we assure you there are no hidden fees or unexpected charges. The significant ROI you’ll achieve through reduced hiring risks and compliance assurance makes our service a wise investment.

Contact us today for a free consultation and personalised quote tailored to your business needs.

How the Process Works

Our process is designed to be as simple and efficient as possible, from initial consultation to final report delivery.

The timeframes for each step can vary, but we prioritise speed and transparency, giving you estimated completion times upfront.

Ready to build a safer, more reliable workforce? Get your free quote today or schedule a free consultation to discuss your pre-employment screening needs with a trusted expert.

Initial Consultation

We start with a needs assessment to understand your business, industry, and specific hiring requirements.

Customised Package

Based on your needs, we recommend a customised screening package that includes the relevant checks.

Portal Setup

We set up your secure, 24/7 portal and provide instructions for inviting candidates.

Secure Data Collection

Candidates securely submit their information directly through the portal.

Verification and Investigation

Our team conducts thorough verification and investigation, leveraging our technology and human expertise.

Report Generation

A comprehensive and easy-to-read report is generated and delivered securely to you.

Ongoing Support

We provide ongoing support and are available to answer any questions you may have.

Frequently Asked Employment Screening Questions

What are pre-employment screening checks?

Pre-employment screening checks are checks that employers carry out on potential new employees to make sure that they are suitable for the job and they fit company brand and values. Checks can include criminal background checks, employment and qualification verifications, social media, media, corporate interests and much more.

What are the penalties for failing to carry out pre-employment screening checks?

There is no general legal requirement to carry out pre-employment screening checks in the Isle of Man and the UK for all roles. However, employers in regulated sectors (such as financial services) must conduct thorough due diligence to comply with bodies like the FCA and FSA. Failing to carry out appropriate screening could lead to a potential employee being unsuitable for the role, causing problems for the employer, or result in significant regulatory fines and legal action.

How long do pre-employment checks take?

The average time to complete a full pre-employment background check is typically 10 to 12 working days, though certain core checks (such as Criminal Record Checks) are often completed in 5 to 10 working days.

Why outsource pre-employment screening?

There are many reasons why you might outsource background screening. Perhaps your company doesn’t have the internal resources to do this type of work. Or, you may want to outsource to a company that specialises in this area and has access to more comprehensive databases and tools. Additionally, outsourcing can help you save time and money.

How much information should I provide?

In a bid to contribute to data minimisation; ExpolCheck Ltd. encourages our clients and applicants to provide personal data to us in its minimum form. By way of example (not exhaustive); if we request one document of a certain type, please only send one, if a bank statement is supplied as a proof of address document, please consider redacting bank account numbers/sort code and individual transactions. If supplying a lease agreement as proof of address, only supply the page that proves the residential address and name of the applicant and consider redacting names of other parties party to the lease.

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At Expol, we help businesses like yours create safe and secure workplaces. Our pre-employment screening services can help protect your business. If you’re interested in learning more, please contact us today. We’ll be happy to answer any of your questions.

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