Contractor background check service Archives

As organizations continue to contract with third-party providers to deliver, service, install and repair equipment, deliver warranty services, and other projects, a detailed review of the individuals used in this process becomes an important step in the risk mitigation model the organization follows. Most organizations are addressing this need through the implementation of a robust background check program through a contractor background check service for their contracted workforces.

Given the risks and realities of the world today, there are numerous reasons why being vigilant with background screening is so important. In a tragic case in Texas last August, cable company Charter Communications (Spectrum) faced a multimillion-dollar lawsuit after one of their technicians murdered a woman (customer) in her home. The claim was predicated on the action that after an organizational change that created a merger with Time Warner Cable, the screening process was amended, and the individual was not sufficiently screened. We will review some reasons why background checking can be a valuable tool for organizations.

Operational Protection

Organizations spend a great deal of investment on developing solid products and services, and the need to protect these is never more prevalent than when third parties are invited into the fray. Having them access the intellectual property, products, or other company information is necessary for the effective delivery of their services. Engaging contractors or service companies with questionable background puts the organization at an elevated risk.

Industry Standards and Customer Expectations

Decades ago, no one thought to question who was coming into their home. We were a trusting society, and “bad eggs” were few and far between. Unfortunately, industry norms and practices and customer expectations have landed organizations in a position where it is expected that anyone representing their organization has been vetted and is considered competent, trustworthy, and reliable to deliver the services for which they have been engaged.

Reputational Damage

Without question, the speed of media, the daily news cycle, and bad news is faster than it has ever been. People feel no pause before posting and communicating their complaints when something goes wrong, and before you know it, an organization may see its image and reputation irreparably damaged. Ensuring that steps are taken to reduce the occurrence of poor work, criminal acts, or other negative behavior occurring in your network can be some of the positive outcomes of a background check. Reviewing an individual’s criminal, sex offender, drug testing, and driving history information can provide details about whether there is a potential risk.

Background checks are a commonplace way for organizations to protect themselves from a myriad of risks. In today’s business landscape, it is no longer operational but has instead become an expected and strong way to demonstrate due diligence. There is never a guarantee that the background check will turn up all information or that it will predict future negative behavior, but organizations can no longer be complacent and do nothing and hope everything will be ok. Reality has proven otherwise too many times.

Contents are provided for information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Users are reminded to seek legal counsel with respect to their obligations and use of PlusOne Solutions services.

About PlusOne Solutions

PlusOne Solutions has been an industry leader in the risk management field by specializing in compliance programs that meet the complex challenges of geographically dispersed contractors, vendors, and employee networks. PlusOne Solutions protects companies from possible financial, legal, and reputational risks associated with contractor and vendor relationships while creating safer work environments. To learn more, visit https://www.PlusOneSolutions.net.

For various reasons, such as difficulty hiring qualified employees, business model changes, the need for a geographically diverse support network, an increase in resources during the pandemic, or even financial reasons, organizations may choose to engage a contractor network to service, deliver, install and repair their products. No matter the reason, knowing who you are contracting with is an important risk mitigation step and a reason to consider investing in a contractor background check service.

For clarity, a contractor background check service means partnering with an organization, such as a consumer reporting agency, that can provide background check information on the individuals being engaged in your network. This is commonly done to reduce the operational, legal, reputational, and financial risks of using individuals who are not directly employed by your organization. This blog will dig a bit deeper into some of these reasons.

Safety and Reputation

Hiring a contractor is as risky as hiring an employee, maybe even more so because you do not have direct supervision of them and may not even see them directly during the course of their duties. Depending on the nature of the work, these contractors represent your company, have access to sensitive company or customer data, and may even enter the customer’s home. Ensuring contractors are fully background screened will help protect your company and network from those that may risk your customer’s safety and that of others working in your company. These risks can come in the form of theft, assault, property damage, and other relevant crimes. Negative customer experiences or bad press can impact your company’s reputation and revenue.

Consistency

Treating independent contractors in a similar manner as you would a directly hired employee regarding background check requirements, could benefit an employer by providing a consistent vetting process to ensure all individuals who work for you undergo the same screening process. This will help mitigate risk by protecting your customers and making sure you have the information available to understand whether there is any risk in engaging the individual.

Cost / Savings

Using a contractor background service can help minimize costs and increase savings by:

Providing customized solutions for your specific need or industry compliance requirements;
Reducing the cost of a screening when using an expert background screening agency, like PlusOne, by leveraging pricing rated based on their overall volume versus what you may be able to get directly;
Reducing the potential risk that could lead to litigation, insurance claims, and small court claims.
Leading to an improved quality of the workforce, which will reduce turnover, which can cost your organization time and money.

Trust-Building:

On a company level, a screening will help verify that the information the contractor provided about themselves is correct and complete. The background check process sends a message about the values and importance of integrity that your organization holds. On a customer level, many are rightfully concerned about having a “stranger” come into their home to provide a service. However, sharing that your workforce has been successfully background screened provides comfort and increases the level of acceptance from the customer. As a result, you are helping to effectively build better relationships with your customers and ensure future revenue.

Benchmarking and Professional Experience

A reputable contractor background check service will be aware of the best service offerings for your organization and be able to share their experience, insights, and ideas about how best to meet your risk mitigation goals. In many cases, you should be looking for a Professional Background Screening Association (PBSA) accredited consumer reporting agency. PBSA’s accreditation program is a screening industry-recognized reflection of an organization’s demonstrated commitment to professionalism, continuous improvement, solid business practices, and compliance – all of which are integral to your organization’s success if you conduct background screenings.

The potential financial, operational and reputational risk that can arise from a contractor that has not been properly vetted will far exceed the cost of a background check program. The investment in the process, message, and outcome of such a program is becoming commonplace among organizations that engage contractor networks and is an investment worthy of consideration in 2023.