What is screening?
Screening means that an employer requests information about an applicant or employee in order to assess the reliability of this person. For example, because they have to work with confidential information, large sums of money or vulnerable people (such as children, the elderly or people with disabilities). Screening is required by law for certain positions, such as jobs in childcare.
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Screening applicants and employees
If someone applies for a job with an employer, the employer can carry out a screening (or have one carried out). In that case, screening usually consists of checking the information on the applicant’s CV. For example, by calling the applicant’s references or checking the authenticity of diplomas. The employer can also look up whether the person appears on a blacklist.
If someone is already employed, the employer can screen them if this is necessary due to the nature of the position. For example, if that person works for the police.
Screening an applicant is also called pre-employment screening (PES). Screening an employee is referred to as in-employment screening.
Certificate of conduct
For some positions, employers may ask applicants for a certificate of conduct (Dutch: VOG). This certificate is proof that they have no relevant criminal offences to their name. It is, for example, mandatory for teachers and taxi drivers.
Another example is that everyone who works or lives in a place where children are cared for (such as a daycare centre or childminder service) must register in the Register for Persons Active in the Childcare Sector. They must also produce a valid certificate of conduct.
Screening for confidential positions
In addition, special statutory provisions apply to screening for confidential positions. Such as:
- police officers;
- employees of private security organisations;
- employees of detective agencies;
- airline personnel;
- some government positions.