Recently, within security and risk management circles, I have seen growing concern of increasing financial and other pressures facing employees and subcontractors. This trend, highlighted across the media also, underscores the need for robust security screening and employment vetting processes that extend beyond the initial hiring phase and continue throughout an individual’s tenure with their employer.

As individuals progress within an organisation – gaining promotions, encountering changes in personal circumstances, or experiencing movement in work practices, their risk profile can alter. Dynamic changes due to a combination of both internal and external factors, makes it imperative for employers to implement regular, repeatable, employment vetting processes, conducted annually or biannually, to keep abreast of any significant changes that might impact security and risk profiles for the organisation.

But what exactly does such enhanced security screening involve? At its core, it’s about continuously assessing the integrity and reliability of personnel to safeguard the organisation. A ‘change of circumstances’ regime, for instance, is a proactive strategy that can significantly reduce risk by requiring employees to report any major personal changes such as financial distress, relationship conflicts, or legal issues, that could affect either their work performance or loyalty to the company.

Ongoing security screening and employment vetting processes benefit not just the organisation but also the employee themselves. By maintaining a clear and current understanding of each employee’s situation, management can offer targeted support that may alleviate pressures. For instance, if an employee is struggling financially, the organisation might provide access to financial planning services or temporary financial aid, helping to calm the situation and, by extension, fortify the organisation’s overall security stance.

Moreover, these procedures align with the best practice which we promote in terms of raising awareness that the human factor is as crucial as any technical measure. Regular updates to vetting procedures ensure that security evolves in step with changes in the workforce and the broader socio-economic environment.

As organisations face an increasingly complex array of challenges that may impact operational security, the importance of adaptable, rigorous security screening processes cannot be overstated. By encouraging a culture of transparency and support, and by regularly updating employee vetting procedures, organisations can protect themselves from potential threats.

And of course, such a positive approach also helps to build a resilient, engaged employee base well equipped to deal with the demands of the modern workplace. Contact me if you would like to discuss how our approach could benefit your organisation and your team, I would be pleased to hear from you and understand your perspective.

Michael Handley
Founder and Managing Director
[email protected]