BKF (Background check companies) sets an industry standard for Sweden’s background check companies. And we follow! BKF, which is the industry organisation for quality-assured background check companies, requires background checks for employment and requests certification for companies with solid experience in background checks. We at Validata are proud to be part of BKF and part of the driving force.
Together with the members of BKF, Validata pushes for background checks in employment
We at Validata and the members in the BKF are actively engaged in driving issues around the requirements and standards that should be applied to ensure reliable and uniform background checks. Our partnerships endeavour to enhance the quality and integrity of the industry. BKF highlights key points in the area of background checks, which we at Validata agree on.
According to Birgitta Eklund, President of BKF, the number of rogue background check companies has increased significantly. This is a consequence of increased organised crime, infiltration, bribery and serious financial offences reported by both Swedish authorities and private actors. BKF, along with all its members, is calling for certification as a qualification stamp for serious background check companies. This is done to avoid errors in the handling of sensitive personal data and, above all, to carry out background checks in an ethical manner and in the best possible way to protect the integrity of the individual. In uncertain times, you can minimise the risks through secure background checks.
5 quick facts about BKF
Want to know more about BKFs work? Follow them on LinkedIn!
An industry standard for all background check companies
What is an industry standard for background check companies? An industry standard is a common guideline that all members of the BKF must follow to maintain a quality label. A quality label demonstrates a company’s solid background check practices. Overall, this industry standard aims to create a uniform and reliable practice in background checks. A background check is defined in the framework at Validata:
- Verification of identity
- Financial data
- Legal cases
- Education check
- Work experience
What are the BKF industry standards for background checks?
General standards
- Industry standard applies to good background check practices and GDPR practices.
- Specific to recruitment and not covered by other legislation.
Company policy and procedures
- All BKF companies have established personal data policies and background check policies.
- Procedures for continuous staff training and information security are in place.
Legal basis for processing
- The legal basis for background checks is balancing of interests according to Art. 6 GDPR.
- Purpose limitation and data minimisation are applied.
Responsibility for personal data
- The BKF company is responsible for personal data in the case of self-produced background checks.
Handling of sensitive data
- Particularly sensitive personal data within the meaning of Article 9 GDPR is not processed.
- Data transmitted is handled according to policy and internal procedures.
Individual rights
- The BKF company safeguards the rights of the individual without restricting the purpose of the background check.
- Individuals are informed and have the right to access their processed personal data.
Do you still have questions about how background checks work? Do not hesitate to contact us below.
Why an industry standard is necessary for all professional background check companies
A common industry standard for background checks motivates fair, professional and unbiased hiring in the labour market. Here we explain three key pillars of the industry standard.
Raising professional standards
Background check companies that join the BKF demonstrate their commitment to maintaining high professional standards and increasing the trust of both the employer and the person being checked. At Validata we strive for transparency and good background check practices.
Legal and ethical compliance
The BKF standard ensures that member companies follow all legal and ethical guidelines to avoid legal complications and maintain the integrity of their services. This way, you can be sure that your and your candidates’ data is handled safely and in accordance with the GDPR.
Stamp of quality
Clients who use BKF members have the benefit of knowing that they are working with background check companies that are 100% GDPR-compliant and committed to the rights of individuals.
Learn more about how you can implement background checks. Download our white paper.
Validata is proud of our membership and involvement in BKF
Words from Harm Voogt, CEO and Co-founder of Validata
‘’Being part of the BKF is an honour for us. Validata is relatively new to the Swedish market, and I am really impressed by the level of professionalism that BKF represents. Not only does it create much needed awareness in the sectors where we can be relevant, but we also share knowledge and help each other develop. A real quality driven organization!’’
As a proud member of the BKF, Validata strives to offer high quality and reliable background checks. Our commitment to the BKF standard reflects our dedication to delivering the highest quality services to our customers.
Questions and answers on background check companies and BKF
A standard creates uniformity and increases trust, both among the companies themselves and their customers.
Membership gives companies access to industry best practices, networking opportunities and increased credibility.
Through close monitoring of legislation, ethical guidelines and regular audits to ensure the quality of background checks.
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