When it comes to background screening, trust, compliance, and security are non-negotiable. This is where the Professional Background Screening Association (PBSA) General Accreditation becomes essential. As a HR professional, partnering with a PBSA-accredited provider like Giant Screening means you’re working with a trusted, thoroughly vetted organisation that meets the highest industry standards - ensuring your onboarding process is compliant, secure, and efficient from the outset.
In this blog, we’ll explore why the PBSA accreditation should be a vital consideration for organisations looking to outsource their background screening programmes.
Why PBSA accreditation matters for employers
In a crowded market, not all background screening providers are equal. Partnering with a PBSA-accredited provider gives employers a distinct advantage by ensuring compliance, security, and transparency across the hiring process. Here’s what PBSA accreditation means for your organisation:
- Compliance you can trust: PBSA accreditation guarantees that your screening partner stays current with global and local regulations, reducing the risk of non-compliance and protecting your business from legal complications.
- Enhanced data security: Protecting sensitive candidate information is critical. PBSA-accredited providers, like Giant Screening, meet the highest standards of data protection, ensuring that your candidates' information is handled securely and responsibly.
- Best-in-class practices: PBSA accreditation ensures your screening partner follows industry-leading practices, from verification protocols to data privacy, delivering accurate, reliable results that strengthen trust between your organisation and candidates.
In today’s fast-paced hiring landscape, PBSA accreditation sets apart providers committed to delivering excellence. It’s a mark of professionalism and accountability, ensuring that your organisation partners with a screening provider who will help you hire confidently and securely.
The PBSA accreditation is not just about compliance - it drives tangible value for your business. Accredited providers follow rigorous, documented processes that promote consistency and transparency, making your hiring process more efficient and dependable.
PBSA membership vs accreditation: understanding the key differences
Accreditation is the highest mark of excellence within the background screening industry. It involves a rigorous evaluation process to ensure providers meet the strictest standards in areas such as information security, legal compliance, and client education. Achieving accreditation is a testament to a provider's credibility, professionalism, and compliance, offering employers confidence in their screening partner.
On the other hand, membership is more accessible, granted after a review of an organisation’s application and offers valuable benefits such as access to industry events, educational opportunities, resources, and networking.
About the PBSA
Founded in 2003 as a non-profit trade association, the Professional Background Screening Association (PBSA) was created to represent companies offering employment and tenant background screening services. More importantly, its members are committed to promoting high ethical standards and performance within the screening industry. Today, PBSA represents over 880 member companies globally, from Fortune 100 firms to local businesses, conducting millions of backgrounds checks each year.
PBSA’s mission is simple: to advance excellence in the screening profession. By adhering to its core values of integrity, ethics, compliance, and collaboration, PBSA members, including Giant Screening, are committed to providing secure and reliable background checks that protect both businesses and candidates.
Originally founded as the National Association of Professional Background Screeners (NAPBS), the organisation evolved into a global entity in 2019, rebranding as PBSA to better reflect its international reach and authority.
The link between screening and a positive onboarding experience
A seamless onboarding experience begins with smooth, accurate background checks. Research shows that one-third of new hires experience poor onboarding, with remote and hybrid employees particularly at risk. This can lead to disengagement, regrets about accepting the job, and, ultimately, turnover.
At Giant Screening, one reason we were awarded our PBSA accreditation is that we’ve demonstrated our ability to consistently deliver background checks that are compliant, thorough, and timely - a key component in enhancing your onboarding process. Employees who experience fast, transparent screening are more likely to feel confident and valued. This positive experience lays the foundation for higher engagement and retention from day one.
Day One Assurance: Speed and confidence
While PBSA accreditation assures compliance and excellence, our Day One Assurance takes it a step further, ensuring that 90% of background checks are completed on the first day of onboarding. This efficiency allows HR teams to fast-track the process, integrating new hires faster and with fewer delays, while maintaining the highest standards of security and accuracy. And the best part? This isn’t an optional extra, it’s simply how we work.
- Early red flag detection: With checks completed early, potential issues can be addressed before they slow down the onboarding process.
- Faster onboarding: Avoid unnecessary delays in bringing new employees on board.
- Enhanced candidate experience: A swift, positive screening process reassures candidates that they’ve made the right choice in joining your team.
With our accredited services and Day One Assurance, you’re not only safeguarding your business but also building trust with your new hires from the very start. Don’t leave your onboarding experience to chance- choose a trusted partner who can deliver both compliance and speed for a seamless experience.
