www.iva.co.uk

Hi,

A job has come up on the internal jobs board at work which I like the look of. However, it states that because of the role I will be subject to "background checks".

Ours is a very small HR team, and I know everyone who works in HR so don't want to tip them off to ever having been in a IVA by asking what's involved and if credit searches are done as part of the background checks.

Do these background checks usually involve searching the CRAs or is it more a CRB check type thing? I know the banks did a credit search when you joined them, but not sure about private companies and what they mean by "background checks" and what would be involved here.

Hi - I'm not sure, it's a very vague term that could encompass a lot of things. Is there anyone you know particularly well that you could confide in?

TheMatrix, if it's just CRB then you're fine but otherwise I've no idea.

The only thing I would say is that you could make an anoymous call just to ask?

Thank you, yes they have kept it vague I'm afraid. I'm aware that CRB checks do not involve credit searches but the phrase they are using on the advert is

"Due to the sensitive nature of the role background checks will be carried out".

There isn't anyone in HR really who I could ask and any call to them would be far from anonymous as it's a small to medium sized company whoever I spoke to would know me.

Just my luck for it to become available now, in a few months I'd have been ok. Never mind probably best to leave it in case.

So sorry to hear that - is it worth going for it anyway just in case? Is it sensitive enought to require credit checks? Our sensitive jobs actually state that they will do credit checks. Background checks may just involve CRB and/or checks on family.

Something may come up in the future, I don't want to rock the boat right now, at least I have a job, as it may end up badly if they did do a credit check at the moment.

Just a shame it is being advertised right now.

Hi - if the role is financial, then I would include a credit check as part of background check.

Background checks vary depending on the role.

That's too bad - hope something does come up in the future for you.

Thank you guys, the role involves producing and analysing data by writing custom database SQL's. Some of the data is sensitive company financials, personal and day to day operational data.

Not going to risk it.

Shouldn't matter that you've done an IVA - you're not a risk and are probably more reliable than others who may be struggling with debt.

I agree, but don't think they see it that way

The timing is bad - but don't write it off just yet. You could ask HR what the application and assessment procedure involves - by getting them chatting you may get a few more details. Even reading the full application pack may give you an indication of what background checks they'll run. You only regret the things you don't do!

I would ask for a full rundown on what the background checks entail.

I always list these and make it available and clear to applicants. Saves your time and theirs if you are aware of what will be checked.

As an existing employee, your loyalty and record to date could overide any doubts 9 and save on recruitment costs).

I work in IT which my company, not two long ago has started to deal with customers sensitive data in hard drives etc. All of the engineers, including me, needed to be Security cleared by the DVA, which includes a credit check and check on family etc. Don't know if it's the same as you but IVA was on there and it was fine. I did have to send them a copy of my completion certificate, but I'm now SC for the next 10 years.

All your submitted information will be confidential i woudldn't give up on this if your gut instinct is that its a good job, ask some questions and see how you go on, good luck.