Evolving your onboarding process following the Home Office’s shift to Digital Right to Work checks

From 1st October 2022, the new Identification Document Validation Technology (IDVT) legislation regarding Right to Work (RTW) checks has taken effect allowing for screening to be carried out permanently online.

This shift has been facilitated by certified digital identity service providers (IDSPs) using IDVT to carry out digital identity checks on behalf of employers and recruiters.

Employers who wish to continue carrying out right to work and rent checks remotely will be able to use IDVT for checks on British and Irish citizens who hold a valid passport (or Irish passport card). Further information can be found on GOV.UK.

Employers must carry out one of the prescribed checks as set out in guidance before employment or tenancy commences:

1.  Manual right to work/rent check;
2. Right to work/rent check using IDVT via the services of an identity service provider (IDSP); or
3. Home Office online right to work/rent check

Check out an employer’s guide to RTW checks.

The Home Office’s decision to permanently allow online checks demonstrates that hybrid working approaches are here to stay, through the use of certified technology providers. Digital RTW checks are helping to alleviate the candidate crisis by enabling businesses to access a wider talent pool, onboard candidates more quickly, and avoid losing out on top talent.

What is the difference between IDVT and IDSPs?

Recruiters can engage with digital identity service providers (IDSPs) to facilitate digital RTW checks. IDSPs allow job applicants (or existing employees) to send digital scanned copies for RTW and Disclosure and Barring (DBS) checks on live British and Irish passports through an app or email, rather than via sight of original documents (although this is still permitted if preferred).

Recruiters are required to use a certified IDSP using Identification Document Validation Technology (IDVT) to ensure full compliance when checking documents. When choosing an IDSP partner, ensure that they are certified to carry out screening digitally. Our team at Access Screening, a long-standing provider of automated compliance software to staffing firms and HR professionals across all industries, are working with our certified and integrated partners in supplying businesses with the right technology.

Rachel Kirton, Senior Product Manager for Access Screening noted that “a large proportion of our customers’ customers are now conducting their checks 100% remotely. As a result, understandably our customers want to provide remote ID checking services within their current workflows with as little impact as possible, whilst also seeing the opportunity realise additional efficiencies if they can work with a provider who can offer these capabilities within a single platform.”

Automation is key to onboarding

The new legislation is continuing to force the digital revolution. However, aside from being able to continue to perform digital RTW checks, there are numerous added benefits of automating screening processes.

Speed and accuracy are both proven to be improved with onboarding times reduced by up to 50%. Alerts for ongoing document updates keep both the employer and candidate compliant. Plus, given the prevailing candidate short market, the quick validation of documentation and references allows for a smooth candidate experience decreasing the risk of counter job offers. Every business will have its own unique requirements, so IDVT can be easily configured to meet these needs, as well as to accommodate the employer branding. Not least, screening software makes the application of any new or changing legislation much easier since the rules will be already set up within the technology.

For recruiters that need to undertake a host of additional sector specific background checks, such as in the healthcare and construction industries, automating screening with all data visible within one platform will improve efficiencies and mitigate risk. It is also likely to be a more cost-effective solution by implementing certified screening software in-house.