Giant Blog

Giant screening: Reflections from 2024

Written by Mathew Armstrong | Jan 9, 2025 4:52:55 PM

As we reflect on 2024, we revisit some of the key topics and trends that have shaped the industry over the past year. These reflections set the stage for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead from tackling rising fraud threats to redefining recruitment strategies, the progress made has laid the groundwork for future innovation. 

As we look forward, in our next blog, our CEO, Mat Armstrong, will share his expert insights into the trends and developments poised to define 2025 to help you prepare your screening programmes for the future. 

The ultimate guide to ISO/IEC 27001: Why it matters for background screening and compliance 

ISO/IEC 27001 sets the standard for managing information security, with Annex A.7 highlighting pre-employment screening and employee awareness to reduce risks. As an ISO certified organisation we ensure tailored, compliant checks to enhance security and trust, keeping organisations ahead in a digital-first world.  

Learn why aligning your background screening with these standards is essential, read the full blog  

Day one rights: The growing role of background checks in supporting employers 

The concept of day-one rights has the potential to transform employment practices, increasing the importance of background checks to ensure compliance and mitigate risks. From right-to-work verification to criminal record and qualification checks, these processes are set to play a critical role in protecting businesses.  

Discover how background checks support day-one rights. 

Implementing the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020: what HR professionals need to know 

The Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020 introduces major changes to background checks, including new disclosure levels, mandatory PVG scheme memberships, and enhanced safeguarding powers. These updates, set to take effect from April 2025, aim to modernise processes and strengthen protections for vulnerable groups.  

Learn how to prepare your organisation for these changes. 

Choosing a trusted screening partner: Why PBSA accreditation matters 

PBSA accreditation is the gold standard in background screening, ensuring compliance, security, and trust through rigorous industry benchmarks. Partnering with an accredited provider like Giant Screening enhances onboarding, safeguards sensitive data, and ensures efficient, reliable hiring processes.   

Here’s why PBSA accreditation matters when choosing a trusted screening provider.  

Rising identity fraud in the UK: How businesses can stay one step ahead 

Identity fraud accounts for 64% of UK fraud cases, costing businesses £4 billion annually. With rising threats like share code fraud and counterfeit documents, robust identity verification is essential to protect against compliance breaches, financial loss, and reputational damage.  

Learn how businesses can stay one step ahead. 

Mastering Social Media Searches: Global Best Practices for Compliance 

With 70% of employers using social media to screen candidates, ensuring compliance and fairness is more critical than ever. By outsourcing to a trusted provider like Giant Screening, you can focus on workplace-relevant behaviour while safeguarding against bias and legal risks. 

Explore global best practices for compliant social media searches. 

Transforming recruitment: The strategic advantage of a candidate-first approach 

With 72% of candidates stating that a smooth recruitment process influences their decision to accept a job, adopting a candidate-first approach can set your organisation apart. By focusing on seamless experiences, clear communication, and streamlined processes, you can attract and retain top talent while enhancing your employer brand.  

Learn how to redefine your recruitment with a candidate-first strategy. 

Navigating the Digital Information and Smart Data Bill: What HR Professionals Need to Know 

The Digital Information and Smart Data Bill is set to transform data management and background screening by advancing secure digital identity verification and Smart Data schemes. These changes promise faster, more reliable screening processes while enhancing data security and compliance.  

How this bill will impact HR and hiring practices? Read more

BS7858 Screening Standard: An Essential Guide for Employers 

The BS7858 standard is a vital framework for vetting individuals in sensitive or secure environments, ensuring robust security and compliance across industries. From activity verification to credit checks and right-to-work screening, its comprehensive approach enhances trust and reduces risks. 

 Read the full blog to explore how BS7858 can benefit your organisation. 

Navigating the new BPSS standard version 7.0 (June 2024) 

The updated BPSS guidelines, released in June 2024, introduce modernised identity verification, enhanced right-to-work checks, and stricter compliance measures. These advancements ensure faster, more accurate, and secure screening processes, making BPSS a key framework for safeguarding sensitive data and assets.  

How can these changes streamline your screening process? Find out here. 

BPSS checks evolved: From the public sector to a best practice beyond 

BPSS has transformed from a public-sector necessity to a widely adopted best-practice screening framework across industries. With advancements like instant employment verification and streamlined digital processes, BPSS ensures faster, more secure, and reliable vetting.  

Learn how BPSS can minimise risks and improve your screening programme.  

Employment verification: The dangers of cutting compliance corners 

Non-compliant employment verification practices, such as credential accessing tools, expose businesses to GDPR violations, legal risks, and reputational damage. Giant’s instant employment verification service offers a fully compliant, secure, and efficient alternative, providing holistic insights without compromising data integrity.  

Learn how to safeguard your organisation. 

Balancing depth & speed: Reference Checks and Instant Employment Verification 

In a recruitment landscape where CV falsifications and fake references are on the rise, striking the right balance between thoroughness and efficiency is vital. Giant’s instant employment verification combines speed, accuracy, and compliance, complementing traditional reference checks for a comprehensive hiring process.  

We reveal how this dual approach can enhance your recruitment strategy. 

The fast track to compliance: streamlining your BPSS clearance 

BPSS clearance has become a cornerstone of trust and safety across industries, far beyond its public sector origins. With Giant’s instant employment verification, you can dramatically reduce clearance times from weeks to as little as 24 hours, while maintaining robust compliance and enhancing the candidate experience.  

Read the blog to see how our innovative solutions can transform your BPSS process. 

Our CEO, Mat Armstrong, shares expert insights on 2025's key trends to help future-proof your screening programmes. Access these insights