FAQS
How much does a background Check cost?
Background Checks vary in cost depending on the number of searches included. Most of our clients combine several searches. By combining several searches into a single background check package, we can offer a better price for pre employment screening. We also offer volume discounts to companies that order frequently and these discounts are handled on a case-by-case basis.
How long will it take to complete the background check?
An initial employee background check reports is completed in 24-36 hours. A final report is returned to you once all the information is obtained. Criminal Record data may take longer to retrieve so any job offer to the candidate should be contingent upon no undisclosed and adverse information being reported.
What if someone has changed their name, been married, etc?
PPSL are the only organisation to undertake independent, thorough alias tracing against up to 5 different sources. This is particularly relevant, as New Zealand privacy legislation makes it particularly easy for an individual to create an alternate identity. We have no unique identifier, as is the case in other countries, and there is no mandatory requirement to notify of names changed through marriage or statutory declaration. Frequently, in foreign countries, name protocols are different to what we are used to an this may mean that application forms are completed with a transposed name order. The result is an alternate identity being created and associated with a particular address. Our unique expertise in identifying alias names has resulted in many additional records being associated with individuals, often by those with something to hide.
If you know the alternate name, you can include it in your background check search request yourself. If an additional name is uncovered during the background check then you might want to ask the applicant about it first, and then include it in your pre-employment screening searches.
Do I need a release form for the applicant?
Privacy legislation mandates that any access to personal and private individual records is undertaken with full consent and disclosure to the individual. PPSL includes a release form, as part of each application, in which the applicant authorises us to act on their behalf in sourcing information from the relevant data sources. PPSL complies with the Privacy Act 1993, the Human rights Act 1993 and any relevant legislation in countries where information is sought. You should also obtain a signed release form for any applicant or employee that will be subject to a background check. Keep a copy of the signed release in your own files, and we recommend you copy the summary of Rights ( as required by the FCRA) on the back side of the release so you are sure it was provided.
When should I do a drivers history background check?
Anyone driving on behalf of your organisation – even once – should have their driving history background check on a regular basis.
International Searches
Different countries have different requirements for accessing data. In some circumstances (such as in the UK) specific application forms are required to be completed in order to access Criminal Records data. PPSL will supply these to you as required, along with instructions on how to complete the individual forms. Certain countries return information in the language of origin; therefore a translation may be required. Costs for each country vary so please Contact US directly for more information.
Criminal Records Act 2004
The Criminal Records Act 2004 (also known as the Criminal Records (Clean Slate) Act 2004) came into force on the 29 November 2004. This legislation is designed to allow individuals with less serious convictions who have been conviction- free for at least seven years to put their past behind them. It will enable eligible individuals to conceal convictions in most circumstances. There are some exceptions when individuals’ convictions can continue to be disclosed to have a past criminal record concealed certain conditions apply.
The individual must have:
- No convictions within the last 7 years;
- Never been sentenced to a custodial sentence(e.g. imprisonment, corrective training, borstal);
- Never been ordered by a Court during a criminal case to be detained in a hospital due to his/her mental condition, instead of being sentenced;
- Not been convicted of a specified offence ( e.g. sexual offending against children and young people or the mentally impaired)(see interpretation section for a full list);
- Paid in full any fine, reparation or costs ordered by the court in a criminal case;
- Never been indefinitely disqualified from driving under section 65 Land Transport Act 1998 or earlier equivalent provision.
If you have further question please visit: http://www.justice.govt.nz
Human rights Act 1993
The Human Rights Act protects New Zealanders from unlawful discrimination in a number of areas of life. The New Zealand government has signed a number of international treaties in the area of Human rights, known as Covenants and Conventions. They list the protections that the New Zealand Government has agreed to give its citizens and the ways it will promote and defend those rights.
The Human rights Act 1993 has eight parts. For further information regarding the Human rights Act 1993 you can go to the website: http://www.hrc.co.nz/
