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You may have noticed a fresh, sleek look to the National Crime Check (NCC) website. It's not just a revamp; it's a reflection of our commitment to keep pace with the dynamic needs of those requiring background checks in Australia. With streamlined navigation and a user-friendly design, finding the crucial information you need is now faster and more intuitive than ever.
But why the evolution, and why now? To shed light on the growing importance of thorough background checks, we posed questions to NCC's General Manager, Georgie Betterman.
In this post, they share their unique insights on how the Australian hiring landscape has transformed, the increasing risks businesses face, and why NCC continues to lead the charge in creating safer environments for businesses, customers, and communities. From understanding the way attitudes towards screening have changed over the years, to the opportunities and challenges for the screening industry in Australia, we'll delve into the heart of what it means to protect your business in today's climate.
How have attitudes towards screening changed over the years, and what has driven the increased emphasis on having more robust background check programs in place?
“Traditionally, comprehensive background screening was primarily confined to heavily regulated sectors. However, a significant shift has occurred, transforming it into a widely accepted best practice across diverse industries. There are several key factors driving this evolution. Firstly, the stakes associated with inadequate screening have risen dramatically. The potential for reputational damage, financial loss, and legal liabilities stemming from slack hiring has compelled organisations to implement more robust programs. Secondly, the competitive talent landscape has heightened applicant expectations. Candidates now prioritise a seamless and secure hiring experience.”
“A well-structured background check process fosters trust and demonstrates a commitment to workplace safety. Conversely, a heavy or poorly managed process can deter top talent, leading them to seek opportunities elsewhere.”
What shifts in the employment market in Australia have driven changes in the approach to background screening by businesses?
“Australia’s tight labour market means organisations are looking for a reliable and quick service to speed up applications. If they fail to succeed here, HR teams will miss the opportunity to gain valuable staff.
Employers need access to systems that improve efficiency, accuracy, and automation, creating more time to engage with their clients and potential staff.”
How has NCC evolved in order to stay ahead when it comes to the shifting demands and higher expectations from employers?
“Employers need speed, efficiency, and seamless experiences. That's precisely where NCC has focused on its evolution. We've embraced technology to drastically reduce turnaround times, allowing candidates to complete police checks in under 15 minutes. Recognising the importance of smooth workflows, we've built robust integrations, enabling direct connection with HR platforms and ATS systems. This means less manual work and more streamlined processes for employers. Ultimately, it's about creating a frictionless experience by leveraging NCC product features or unique offerings that help us stand out from competitors.”
As you think about the way NCC has grown, what has been the secret to its success?
“NCC has been able to keep ahead of the curve using smart technology backed up by a passionate team that wants to make a difference. Speed of service and ease of use by our systems is allowing our customers to remain compliant and get on with what they do best.”
When talking to customers, what are the key priories or challenges, and how is NCC helping to overcome them?
“We’re hearing from our customers that HR staff need visibility on where the applicants are in the background checking process. NCC systems use a live status, and support is offered direct to the candidates by the verification team which is visible in the client's dashboard.”
“Recently a client was over the moon after we helped them to complete an important background check necessary before they could send the staff member onsite, by using the live status and notes from the verification team helped the HR manager resolve Identification issue and complete the check in rapid time.”
Looking ahead, what are the future opportunities and challenges that you anticipate for the screening industry in Australia?
“Technology and human resources are always evolving, and as customers seek quicker and more accurate background screening to meet new regulations and more flexible workforces, NCC is well placed to offer services to meet this demand.”
“Automation to reduce HR workloads along with applicant process, backed up with biometric technology that uses a government source of truth, will reduce fraud while creating an easy user flow. NCC is committed to providing our customers with a software solution to reduce friction for the whole process.”
As we've explored via the insights of NCC's experts, the demands of employers are evolving rapidly, driven by factors like a tight labour market, increasing regulatory complexity, and the heightened risks associated with negligent hiring.
Through embracing technology and prioritising user experience, we're not only streamlining the background check process, but also fostering trust and safety within Australian workplaces.
By partnering with NCC, you're helping to invest in a safer, more secure future for your business, your employees, and your customers. Explore our new website today and discover how NCC can empower you to create safer workplaces.