Social media could put an end to your chosen career
The BBC was itself in the news this past week rather than reporting it. Many of the newspapers picked up on two of the people they had used to ask questions in the recent Conservative party leadership debate that was aired earlier in the week.
The issue was around the vetting of these individuals.
Lets be realistic here. How long ago had these people applied to be on the programme and how long had the BBC had to vett them properly? For a full vetting process to be completed, how far should you go back?
Dependent upon the depth of the report required and the relevance to the situation this should be the answer. Vetting is a useful tool in particular for two situations in the employment sector. Firstly, for a new member of staff when they are being recruited – particularly say if they are under 25 years of age. Secondly, would you look at someones background again if they were in line for a promotion to say Director level? You wouldn’t want to appoint someone and then find out later they had a somewhat colourful history. Starting again with the recruitment process can be time consuming and costly.
A guide to full vetting would include:
Full identity checks eg passport, birth certificate, drivers licence, bank statement
Residential check – current and all previous addresses
Confirmed education including qualifications
Financial history
Full employment/unemployment history
Personal referees
Directorships
Social media eg Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
It is often this last point in these times of instant reaction to say politial, sports or TV events that could catch someone out. Commenting about a bad decision in a football match is small fry compared to stating that an individual is a **** and should be **********.
So, as a general rule, check out the person is who they say they are and if in doubt, dig a little deeper.