Background checks require forethought to balance effectiveness and ethics. Follow our advice to carry out the process responsibly under the GDPR rules.
Background checks are an effective tool, but its application requires thoughtfulness and precision. With the stricter requirements of the GDPR legislation, the handling of personal data has become a delicate balancing act. This article presents three key principles that guide you through the ethical challenges of background checks. Our goal is to help you carry out the process responsibly and respectfully - for the benefit of both the company and the candidate.
The first and most important advice is to ensure transparency in the process. Always inform the person you want to do background checks on about what data you are collecting and what you are using it for. This builds trust and ensures that the employee is fully informed about what is going on.
Before collecting data for use for background checks, you must obtain written consent from the employee. Alternatively, you must ensure that you have another legal right to process the personal data, such as a legitimate interest. Be sure to document the consent or legal basis so that you can demonstrate that the processing of personal data is lawful.
Once you have collected data for background checks, it is critical that you implement strong security measures to protect it. This applies both to technical measures such as encryption and access control, but also to organisational measures such as clear data protection policies and procedures. Also remember to delete data when it is no longer needed for the purpose for which it was collected. This also applies if you use a third party to conduct background checks for you.
Remember that trust and respect are the cornerstones of any hiring process. By treating candidates' personal data with care and integrity, you not only strengthen your reputation as an employer, but also create the foundation for a healthy and productive work environment.
So use background checks thoughtfully - it pays off in the long run, both for your company and your employees.
