Compliance Alert: Employers Must Update Background Screening Forms

  The US has a new federal regulatory agency: the Consumer Financial Protection Board. The CFPB has actually been in existence since 2010, but beginning in January 2013, their role will directly affect those who request, perform, or use background investigations. The federal regulations governing the use of background investigations are called the Fair Credit… Continue reading Compliance Alert: Employers Must Update Background Screening Forms

$2.6 Million Settlement to Applicants Hurt by Flawed Screening

  Much of what we hear in the news regarding flawed background investigations emphasizes the problems faced by employers that failed to properly screen applicants — but the applicants can be hurt, too. A recent $2.6 million civil penalty is a testament to this. In August, the Federal Trade Commission announced that one of the… Continue reading $2.6 Million Settlement to Applicants Hurt by Flawed Screening

At What Point Should We Screen? Due Diligence Timing in Executive Search

  When do most organizations conduct due diligence? Often, it is too late in the executive search process. In the course of a typical executive search, the search committee, board, or search firm defines a pool of semifinalist candidates. After additional assessment, one semifinalist is selected as the finalist. This is when due diligence often… Continue reading At What Point Should We Screen? Due Diligence Timing in Executive Search

EEOC Issues New Anti-Discrimination Guidelines

  On April 25, 2012, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission issued new guidelines for employers regarding the use of criminal records in the hiring process. With 92% of companies performing pre-employment screening, regulatory agencies want to ensure that employers use criminal records in a non-discriminatory manner. The new guidelines largely expand upon previous statements by… Continue reading EEOC Issues New Anti-Discrimination Guidelines

Illinois Employee Credit Privacy Act

  Last year, Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn signed the Employee Credit Privacy Act, which took effect Jan 1, 2011. This Act prohibits Illinois employers from using credit history information when making hiring or promotion decisions, with several exceptions. Exceptions include positions that: have custody or unsupervised access to cash over $2,500; have signatory power over… Continue reading Illinois Employee Credit Privacy Act