Think Employee Background Checks are a waste of time? Think again!
So you think an Employee Background Check is a waste of your time? Here are some alarming stories for you:
A CANDIDATE WHO HID HIS DEPLORABLE BACKGROUND
One of our clients had interviewed an impressive candidate who had done well in the interview and had all the skills for the job. But the reference list he provided seemed ambiguous which included work experiences from much former jobs and did not provide any details of his recent employers for the client to verify the authenticity. We were in a perplexed situation unable to identify whether this was a red flag in our pre-employment screening (recruitment) process or did our candidate simply lack the skills to put together a credible reference list?
To further the hiring process we had recommended the client to ask their prospective job applicant to provide relevant information of his two recent managers for background verification to which he obliged and that made him appear to be reliable.
However, this was a short-lived impression since after connecting with the line managers we discovered that this candidate had been fired by both of his last employers for theft and fraud following with jail time for those cases.
Imagine if we, like some employers, wouldn’t make an effort to go an extra mile to check employee references, conduct thorough pre-employment investigation and make sure that each and every provided information is reliable only to put the corporation at the verge of reputational risk?
An open-ended question for our readers! Would your employee background screening practices have kept this from happening to you, or would this guy now be working down the hall from you, swindling you too?
The lesson from this incident clearly is: Don’t limit yourself only to the candidate’s list of references. If the candidate has offered peers or personal references rather than managers, ask to be put in touch with the specific people you want to talk to. Call the main switchboard numbers rather than the direct number you were given. For all you know, the candidate could have given you a friend’s phone number so the friend can pose as the former boss. Ask the right questions. If you just run through a perfunctory list of questions, you may never get to the most useful information. References are only a waste of time if you treat them like just an item to check off your list, rather than as a genuinely valuable part of your assessment process.
Downside of Negligent Hiring
Recruiters should also have a clear understanding of the skills an applicant needs to possess to succeed in their job role. AJ Silberman-Moffitt, senior editor at search marketing agency Tandem Buzz, learned just how wrong things can go when the wrong candidate is hired while she was training her replacement after accepting a promotion. “Because she worked in a position with the same title as mine, there was no reason to think she would not know how to use the necessary tools and software,” Silberman-Moffitt said. “She answered everything appropriately in the interview, and the HR manager and I hired her,” according to a report in the businessnewsdaily.com.
Why an Employee Background Vetting is an Indispensable Recruitment Tool
The escalating figure of crime scenes and fraudulence incidents justifies why organisations take up this step. Within the dynamic business environment we’re operating in, corporations are now more inclined towards being vigilant of the quality of employees they are hiring. Specifically, the human resource managers are strategizing to reduce employee turnover and burnout rate thereby increasing retention of competent employees. With the vision of achieving a sustainable workplace environment, pre-employment screening and comprehensive background checks are becoming an essential instrument to welcome and retain the finest possible.
The concept of Employee Background Check
An Employee Background Check is a worthwhile concept as employers strive to have the best pick from the candidates who show up for the recruitment process. After the interview sessions are over, a minimum of two weeks is required to get through the employee background screening procedure before you can finalise the hires. Since this procedure requires a thorough knowledge of regulatory compliance and investigative analytical skills, corporations outsource this service to the industrial experts to conduct a comprehensive verification of employee’s academic, professional and even social presence. After the employer is gratified with the check, the employee is offered an appointment letter to join them.
CRI Group’s EmploySmart™ can be tailored into specific screening packages to meet the requirements of each specific position within your organisation.
Download our EmploySmart brochure or get a free quote to ensure a safe work environment for all.
Advantages of an Employee Background Check
Organisations carry out such checks due to a myriad of reasons. Some of these include:
- Validating the resume
- Learning about the nature of the candidate
- Behaviour at past offices
- Learning about criminal experience
What to include in Employee Background Checks?
- History of employment: Verify the references given by the candidate as it confirms their behavioural and working patterns with previous employers.
- Criminal background: It is essential to confirm that the candidate does not have a criminal history.
- Credit history: Knowing the credit rating of your candidate is also important as this reveals the integrity of the employees.
- Terror Watch List: For the businesses running in countries like the USA, checking the Terror Watch List against names of their candidates is especially critical.
- Checking Social Security: Organisations should check the legitimacy of Social Security Numbers of candidates. This will also confirm if the candidate has been using other names.
- Checking public/court records: This is done to check if the candidate has been implicated in any sort of court proceedings or not.
- Reference checks: There are two types of reference Employee Background Checks: personal and employment. Both facilitate in confirming the integrity, reliability, steadiness, and personality of the employee.
- Checking Sex Offender Registry: A Sex Offender Registry check must be conducted as well so you don’t endanger others, especially in roles surrounding children and other susceptible individuals, by hiring a sexual predator.
- Education check: This is carried out to determine the authenticity of the various credentials provided by the candidate you are planning to recruit.
- Driving Records: If your candidate is required to drive a company-owned vehicle, then checking driving records and license is essential for you.
- Record of Military Service: You need to pay attention to some key measures while hiring a candidate with a military service record. That is why checking the military service records of your candidates is also important.
- Compensation Record: Checking the candidate’s compensation claims from past employers is also significant before hiring an employee.
In conducting employee background checks, there are some golden rules that one needs to observe to avoid any legal complications. These do and don’ts include but are not limited to:
Do’s
- Having a consistent background checks policy and detailing how the policy should be used.
- Getting legal advice on how to conduct background checks under the local legal framework.
- Giving the applicants a chance to clear up any faults or misconstructions appearing on their documentations and during the interview process.
- Employing a Background Check service provider who is compliant with the legal frameworks of your region
- Understanding the difference between background checks vs investigative consumer reports.
Don’ts
- Avoid background checks on an applicant-by-applicant basis. The checks should be carried out for everyone.
- Avoid making the assumption that some parts of the background check process are routine
- Avoid making decisions without giving the applicant a chance to respond.
- Avoid assuming that any companies seeking information about an individual are legally compliant.
- Avoid requesting information about the character or personal and the private life of an individual while verifying the historical employment facts.
Necessities for conducting Employee Background Checks
- You need to have a candidate’s full name, date of birth, and Social Security Number for doing a background check.
- If you want to check credit reports, military records, and school transcripts, you need the candidate’s permission.
- If you hire an outside company to do the background check, you need to take the candidate’s permission.
- If the candidate denies the permission, you will be entitled to take the candidate out of consideration for that job profile.
What are the disadvantages of an Employee Background Check?
One of the major disadvantages is that you might see this as a wastage of time and money. An organisation invests large sums of money in conducting such investigations, and most of the time, the person turns out to be a genuine one and with the time it takes to conduct these checks, the candidate may think that the organisation is not interested and hence, they may join some other organisation in this period.
Judging a candidate on his/her background deeds may not always prove to be fruitful either. It may happen that a candidate got trapped in a criminal offence and in an actual sense, they are a gem of a person. But when you do not know the candidate personally, you will focus on the verification reports and let a genuine person go.
If there is still any uncertainty in your mind about conducting employee background checks, why not reach out to us? CRI Group has experts across the globe from all backgrounds who are trained to provide you with specialised, expert advice fit for your business needs. Get in touch today!
Who is CRI Group™?
Based in London, CRI Group™ works with companies across the Americas, Europe, Africa, Middle East and Asia-Pacific as a one-stop international Risk Management, Employee Background Screening, Business Intelligence, Due Diligence, TPRM, Compliance Solutions, and other professional Investigative Research solutions provider. We have the largest proprietary network of background-screening analysts and investigators across the Middle East and Asia. Our global presence ensures that no matter how international your operations are we have the network needed to provide you with all you need, wherever you happen to be. CRI Group™ also holds BS 102000:2013 and BS 7858:2012 Certifications, is an HRO certified provider and partner with Oracle.
In 2016, CRI Group™ launched the Anti-Bribery Anti-Corruption (ABAC™) Center of Excellence – an independent certification body established for ISO 37001:2016 Anti-Bribery Management Systems, ISO 37301 Compliance Management Systems and ISO 31000:2018 Risk Management, providing training and certification. ABAC™ operates through its global network of certified ethics and compliance professionals, qualified auditors and other certified professionals. As a result, CRI Group’s global team of certified fraud examiners work as a discreet white-labelled supplier to some of the world’s largest organisations.
Contact ABAC™ for more on ISO Certification and training.
Know your Swiss Corporate Reporting and Due Diligence Obligations
Switzerland has introduced new Corporate Reporting and Due Diligence obligations in connection with conflict minerals and child labour to improve human rights protections around the world.
Switzerland is following international trends and regulations for non-financial reporting and human rights due diligence and the reforms include new rules in the Swiss Code of Obligations related to the trade of minerals and metal ores originating from conflict-affected zones. The resources are reportedly being extracted using forced labour and are a known source of finance for armed conflict, says the EU. The EU implemented the Conflict Minerals Regulation last year as a means of restricting access to these natural resources.
Companies with registered offices or principal places of business in Switzerland have to comply with these due diligence obligations in their supply chain when dealing with the highlighted minerals and metals in Switzerland. They also need to comply with the due diligence duties if they offer goods or services that have suspected links to child labour. The import and processing of recycled materials are not subject to the new rules.
Requirements for Corporate Reporting and Due Diligence
These corporate reporting and due diligence obligations will apply from the start of the financial year in 2023 to Swiss companies of public interest, which as a group together with their controlled companies in Switzerland and abroad meet both of the following requirements over two consecutive financial years:
- The group has at least 500 full-time employees (FTEs) on an annual average; and
- The group exceeds either total assets of 20 million Swiss francs or a minimum turnover of 40 million Swiss francs.
Companies’ annual reports should cover environmental, social, and employee aspects, human rights, and anti-corruption. It must outline risks and mitigation measures and the relevant due diligence concepts adopted. Foreign companies related to the corporation must also be covered in the report approved by management and shareholders and must remain public for 10 years.
The first reports have to be published in 2024 and failure to do so may result in a fine of up to 100,000 Swiss francs. A report need not be prepared if a written explanation for its absence is provided.
Businesses are required to have or put in place a suitable management system containing their supply chain policy, a system of supply chain traceability, risk assessments, and mitigation measures. This information must be available through on-site controls, and communications with authorities and civil society.
Companies should publish reports on due diligence obligations. These should be accessible for at least 10 years. Making false statements in a report, or failing to comply with the reporting obligation, may lead to a fine of up to 100,000 Swiss francs. Where the failures are negligent rather than intentional, a fine of up to 50,000 Swiss francs could be imposed.
Exemptions to the requirements exist for businesses with fewer than 500 employees and assets of less than 20 million Swiss francs or a turnover of under 40 million Swiss francs. Large corporations can also apply for exemption provided that they demonstrate their supply chain contains a low risk of child labour or that they respect internationally recognised conventions such as the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
As the ecosystem of corporate responsibility for companies is developing quickly, navigating it safely in the interest of rights-holders requires monitoring corporate behaviour and ensuring that mandatory due diligence requirements can live up to the expectations and deliver results.
Due Diligence investigations: Mitigate Critical Risks
At CRI®, we provide corporate reporting and due diligence services wherever you are. Use our DueDiligence360™ reports to help you comply with anti-money laundering, anti-bribery, and anti-corruption regulations ahead of a merger, acquisition, or joint venture. You can also use them for third-party risk assessment, onboarding decision-making, and identifying beneficial ownership structures.
Due Diligence helps you Identify key risk issues clearly and concisely using accurate information in a well-structured and transparent report format. Our comprehensive range of reports includes specialised reports that support specific compliance requirements. Protect your reputation and the risk of financial damage and regulator action using our detailed reports. They enhance your knowledge and understanding of the customer, supplier, and third-party risk, helping you avoid those involved with financial crime.
The CRI Group™ invites you to schedule a quick appointment with them to discuss in more detail how conducting due diligence and compliance can help you and your organisation.
Based in London, CRI Group works with companies across the Americas, Europe, Africa, Middle East and Asia-Pacific as a one-stop international Risk Management, Employee Background Screening, Business Intelligence, TPRM, Due Diligence, Compliance Solutions and other professional Investigative Research solutions provider.
We have the largest proprietary network of background-screening analysts and investigators across the Middle East and Asia. Our global presence ensures that no matter how international your operations are we have the network needed to provide you with all you need, wherever you happen to be. CRI Group™ also holds BS 102000:2013 and BS 7858:2012 Certifications, is an HRO certified provider and partner with Oracle.
Supply Chain Due Diligence Act: New Risk Management & Reporting Duties for German Businesses
This article looks at the Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (LkSG) that applies to companies operating or trading in Germany and will enter into force on 1 January 2023.
The new German law, known as the Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (LkSG, short for Lieferkettensorgfaltspflichtengesetz in German) imposes due diligence obligations on environmental protection and on human rights, with all businesses having to introduce iterative and ongoing, or in certain circumstances ad hoc, due diligence processes specified by the Act.
Identification and management of an organisation’s supply chain and the risks that come with it require the implementation of due diligence processes.
The term “supply chain” refers to all products/services of a business, including all manufacturing and services, in Germany and/or abroad, from the extraction of raw materials to their delivery to the end customer.
Furthermore, due diligence processes should implement the following criteria:
- type and scope of the business activities of the company subject to the due diligence obligations,
- the ability of the company subject to the due diligence obligations to exert influence (so-called leverage),
- typically expected severity of the violation, and
- type of contribution by the company subject to the due diligence obligations to cause a violation.
More details can be had in our FREE Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (LkSG) eBook.
Who is Affected by the Supply Chain Due Diligence Act?
- As of 1 January 2023: Companies with at least 3,000 employees that have their head office, administrative seat or statutory seat in Germany OR companies that have a branch in Germany and usually employ at least 3,000 employees in this branch;
- As of 1 January 2024: Companies with at least 1,000 employees that have their head office, administrative seat or statutory seat in Germany OR companies that have a branch in Germany and usually employ at least 1,000 employees in this branch.
From 2024, the law will apply to businesses with more than 1,000 employees.
Even if companies with fewer employees are not addressees of the Supply Chain Act, they may still be indirectly affected. This is because the companies directly affected would be obliged to enforce compliance to the best of their ability with human rights in their supply chain. The measures necessary for this can have a direct impact on their suppliers, for example, through the implementation of a code of conduct. In addition, the directly affected companies will often be dependent on the active support of their suppliers and thus have this support be contractually assured, e.g. in the form of reporting obligations as part of their risk analysis.
DOWNLOAD THE SUPPLY CHAIN DUE DILIGENCE ACT (LkSG) EBOOK.
Due Diligence Investigations: Mitigate Critical Risks
At CRI®, we provide corporate reporting and due diligence services wherever you are. Use our DueDiligence360™ reports to help you comply with anti-money laundering, anti-bribery, and anti-corruption regulations ahead of a merger, acquisition, or joint venture. You can also use them for third-party risk assessment, onboarding decision-making, and identifying beneficial ownership structures.
Due Diligence helps you Identify key risk issues clearly and concisely using accurate information in a well-structured and transparent report format. Our comprehensive range of reports includes specialised reports that support specific compliance requirements. Protect your reputation and the risk of financial damage and regulator action using our detailed reports. They enhance your knowledge and understanding of the customer, supplier, and third-party risk, helping you avoid those involved with financial crime.
The CRI® Group invites you to schedule a quick appointment with them to discuss in more detail how conducting due diligence and compliance can help you and your organisation.
Based in London, CRI Group™ works with companies across the Americas, Europe, Africa, Middle East and Asia-Pacific as a one-stop international Risk Management, Employee Background Screening, Business Intelligence, TPRM, Due Diligence, Compliance Solutions and other professional Investigative Research solutions provider.
We have the largest proprietary network of background-screening analysts and investigators across the Middle East and Asia. Our global presence ensures that no matter how international your operations are we have the network needed to provide you with all you need, wherever you happen to be. CRI Group™ also holds BS 102000:2013 and BS 7858:2012 Certifications, is an HRO certified provider and partner with Oracle.
WEBINAR RECORDING | Corporate Compliance Program: Compliance & Adequate Due Diligence for Third-Party Risk Management
Building a Culture of Compliance and Trust Through ISO 37301:2021 CMS: Compliance adequate Due Diligence for Third-Party Risk Management – corporate compliance program
Free Webinar | 4 August 2022 | 2 pm – 3 pm UAE Time | in collaboration with ABAC®
CRI® Group hosted a free webinar on August 4th in collaboration with sister brand the Anti-Bribery Anti-Corruption (ABAC®) Center of Excellence. Our intention was to be able to provide resources on corporate compliance and due diligence to organisations around the globe that will aid them in expansion and an ethical working environment. Take advantage of this free recording on compliance and adequate due diligence for Third-Party Risk Management.
Compliance in the Workplace
The compliance standard directs an organisation to establish ideals and ethics. It involves the organisation to illustrate those ideals and ethics adequately in a manner in which team members can recognise them and submit to them. A compliance standard necessitates that an organisation train team members on ideals and ethics and demands that the organisation hold team members liable for their conflicts and behaviours. In other words, compliance helps to define the force in the wake of the organisation and its motivational efforts.
However, many authoritative figures view compliance as intrinsically fundamentalist as they assume that the objective of compliance is to rein in conduct that couldn’t be further than the truth. Compliance provides a compelling instrument of prolonged adjustment. If everyday behaviour branches from education and codes of conduct, and codes of conduct branch from ethics, expression, and alteration; over time, these said principles can intensely influence administrative behaviour. Standards can be deemed as a leveraging point, and in the long run, compliance centres on the driving principles of an organisation therefore, it is incredibly important to implement them into your corporate culture which is what we intend on discussing in our webinar.
Discussion Points
Most individuals are vaguely aware of what fraud prevention entails but many cannot fully comprehend how intensive and impactful a proper fraud prevention strategy can be. Our speakers will be looking at the following points:
- What does compliance mean?
- Compliance obligations
- Compliance related areas
- What is ISO 37301:2021 Compliance Management Systems
- Common elements of the framework
- Compliance risk assessment
- The process: Top management
- Questions to ask when developing a compliance management policy
- The involvement of third parties
- The results: the pay-off of good governance
- The results: long-lasting benefits integration with ISO 37001
- Anti-Bribery Management System, ISO 37000:2021 Governance of organisations, and ISO 37002:2021 Whistleblowing Management systems
Meet the Speaker – SAMIA EL KADIRI
SAMIA EL KADIRI
IRCA Lead Auditor | TOT
Governance & Compliance Consultant – Hawkamah Institute for Corporate Governance (DIFC), UAE
Auditor at Anti-Bribery Anti-Corruption (ABAC®) Center of Excellence
She brings in over nine years of progressive experience working in private and government-owned entities in compliance, management, quality assurance and excellence functions. Possess keen understanding, oversight and reporting mechanisms on Financial Crimes – Anti-Money Laundering, UAE Central Bank regulations, Dubai and UAE federal government mandates. She Developed and delivered various workshops and awareness sessions to leaders and decision-makers on “Good Corporate Governance Practices”, “Development of Strategic Plan and Effective Policies” and “Financial Ethics” (AML&CFT according to Central Bank Guidelines). Authored reports and research papers on Compliance and the evolution of CG in the MENA region.
She is currently a Consultant at DIFC – Hawkamah Institute for Corporate Governance charged with leading entities consultancy and advisory engagements in identifying the relevant controls, processes and frameworks and recommend areas of improvements, in addition to her independent role with ABAC where she provides auditing services and expertise on management systems related to fighting Bribery and corruption. She works closely with clients in assessment and development, advisory and succession planning across multiple industries (Dubai and Federal Government entities, Healthcare, Financial institutions including Banks, and Real Estate) and functional topics (Ethics, Strategic Excellence, Clinical Governance, Regulatory Compliance and Audit, Policies & Procedures, etc.).
She participated in the ESG Index; the MENA wide Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) Index in cooperation with Standard & Poor’s with the support of the International Finance Corporation (IFC).
Prior to joining Hawkamah, she was the Regulatory Compliance Officer and Chief Editor of Compliance newsletter at Wall Street Exchange, a member of Emirates Post Group where she developed systems, policies and procedures for compliance with relevant UAE laws. Prior to that, she worked with the American Clinics for Psychiatry and Neurology where she focused on health care compliance with MOH and Dubai Healthcare Authority’s mandates.
Prior to ACPN, she worked at Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai where she focused on government excellence, quality, and customer happiness.
She is a Certified Train the Trainer – Institute of Leadership and Management (UK), In addition to other accreditations related to Anti-Money Laundry (AML) and Counter Financing Crimes.
The webinar is fit for attendees who work in the field of:
- Top Management (including Risk, Quality, Health, Safety and Environment Management)
- Compliance and Ethics manager and officer
- Legal Practices and Counselling
- Internal Auditor
- Internal Controller
- Finance manager and officer
- Supply Chain manager and officer
- Procurement manager and officer
- Operations manager and officer
Why ISO?
Issued in April 2021, the ISO 37301 framework offers a certifiable global benchmark for compliance systems and explains in detail how to construct a compliance management system to comply with international official standards and regulations. This standard is also acknowledged to indicate compliance with social and ethical principles across the globe.
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is an independent, non-governmental body that has developed and implemented the ISO 37301. Corporate compliance continues to be one of the utmost risk interests for management – to which the key solution in preserving integrity and confidence within an organisation and third-party representatives is to implement a robust compliance program. The ISO 37301 further urges organisations to place emphasis on the methodical implementation of an organisation-wide compliance system as a means of efficiency and compliance understanding the workplace.
Like other ISO standards for management systems, such as the ISO 37001 standard for anti-bribery management systems, the ISO 37301 pulls on the founded ISO value of “Plan-Do-Check-Act” (PDCA) – a standard which necessitates those certified organisations to operate within an unremitting development progression sequence.
WEBINAR | Compliance and Adequate Due Diligence for Third-Party Risk Managements
Building a Culture of Compliance and Trust Through ISO 37301:2021 CMS: Compliance adequate Due Diligence for Third-Party Risk Management – corporate compliance program
Free Webinar | 4 August 2022 | 2 pm – 3 pm UAE Time | in collaboration with ABAC™
CRI Group™ is hosting a free webinar on August 4th in collaboration with sister brand the Anti-Bribery Anti-Corruption (ABAC™) Center of Excellence. Our intention is to be able to provide resources on corporate compliance and due diligence to organizations around the globe that will aid them in expansion and an ethical working environment. Take advantage of this free webinar on compliance and adequate due diligence for Third-Party Risk Management.
Compliance in the Workplace
The compliance standard directs an organization to establish ideals and ethics. It involves the organization to illustrate those ideals and ethics adequately in a manner in which team members can recognise them and submit to them. A compliance standard necessitates that an organization train team members on ideals and ethics and demands that the organization hold team members liable for their conflicts and behaviors. In other words, compliance helps to define the force in the wake of the organization and its motivational efforts. However, many authoritative figures view compliance as intrinsically fundamentalist as they assume that the objective of compliance is to rein in conduct that couldn’t be further than the truth. Compliance provides a compelling instrument of prolonged adjustment. If everyday behavior branches from education and codes of conduct, and codes of conduct branch from ethics, expression, and alteration; over time, these said principles can intensely influence administrative behavior. Standards can be deemed as a leveraging point, and in the long run, compliance centers on the driving principles of an organization therefore, it is incredibly important to implement them into your corporate culture which is what we intend on discussing in our webinar.
Discussion points
- Most individuals are vaguely aware of what fraud prevention entails but many cannot fully comprehend how intensive and impactful a proper fraud prevention strategy can be. Our speaker will be looking at the following points.
Meet our speaker, Samia El Kadiri
Consultant, Author & Trainer, 6σGB |IRCA- QMS Lead Auditor | TOT | Auditor | Anti-Bribery Anti-Corruption (ABAC™) Center of Excellence
She brings in over eight years of progressive experience working in private and government owned entities in compliance, management, quality assurance and excellence functions. Possess keen understanding, oversight and reporting mechanisms on Financial Crimes – Anti-Money Laundering, UAE Central Bank regulations, Dubai and UAE federal government mandates. She Developed and delivered various number of workshops and awareness sessions to leaders and decision makers on “Good Corporate Governance Practices”, “Development of Strategic Plan and Effective Policies” and “Financial Ethics” (AML&CFT according to local Guidelines). She authored reports and research papers on Compliance and the evolution of CG in the MENA region. She participated in the ESG Index; MENA wide Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) Index in cooperation with Standard & Poor’s with the support of the International Finance Corporation (IFC). She is a Consultant at DIFC – Hawkamah Institute for Corporate Governance charged with leading entities consultancy and advisory engagements in identifying the relevant controls, processes and frameworks and recommend areas of improvements. She works closely with clients in assessment and development, advisory and succession planning across multiple industries (Dubai and Federal Government entities, Healthcare, Financial institutions including Banks, and Real Estate) and functional topics (Ethics, Strategic excellence, ESG, Clinical Governance, Regulatory Compliance, Audit & Risk , Policies & Procedures…etc.). Prior to joining Hawkamah she was the Regulatory Compliance Officer and Chief Editor of Compliance newsletter at Wall Street Exchange, a member of Emirates Post Group where she developed systems, policies and procedures for compliance of relevant UAE laws. Prior to that she worked with the American Clinics for Psychiatry and Neurology where she focused on health care compliance of Dubai Healthcare Authority’s mandates. Prior to ACPN she worked at Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai where she focused on government excellence, quality management, and customer happiness. She is Graduated with a BSC in Economics. She is a Certified Train the Trainer – Institute of Leadership and Management (UK), In addition to other accreditations related to Anti-Money Laundry (AML) and Counter Financing Crimes. She is fluent in English, Arabic and French.
Who should attend?
| From corporations: | By industry: | |
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By Job Title:
- Investigation Director/Manager
- Internal Audit Director/Manager
- Internal Control Director/Manager
- Chief Compliance/Legal /Ethics/Financial/Risk Officer
- Compliance & Ethics Director/Manager
- General Counsel/Legal Director
- Legal Manager /Legal Counsel
- BD & Commercial Director/Manager
- Purchasing Director/Manager
- …
From Accounting Firms & Consulting:
- Managing Director
- Executive Director
- Partner
- Associate Attorney & Attorney
- …
Why ISO?
Issued in April 2021, the ISO 37301 framework offers a certifiable global benchmark for compliance systems and explains in detail how to construct a compliance management system to comply with international official standards and regulations. This standard is also acknowledged to indicate compliance with social and ethical principles across the globe. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is an independent, non-governmental body that has developed and implemented the ISO 37301. Corporate compliance continues to be one of the utmost risk interests for management – to which the key solution in preserving integrity and confidence within an organization and third-party representatives is to implement a robust compliance program. The ISO 37301 further urges organizations to place emphasis on the methodical implementation of an organization-wide compliance system as a means of efficiency and compliance understanding the workplace. Like other ISO standards for management systems, such as the ISO 37001 standard for anti-bribery management systems, the ISO 37301 pulls on the founded ISO value of “Plan-Do-Check-Act” (PDCA) – a standard which necessitates those certified organizations to operate within an unremitting development progression sequence.
About CRI Group™?
Based in London, United Kingdom, CRI™ is a global company with experts and resources located in key regional marketplaces across the Asia Pacific, South Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, Europe, North and South America. We have experts’ speakers who know the industry inside out and have worked in the field for years and are dedicated to our mission of safeguarding the corporate world by detecting and exposing those elements that can cause irreparable harm to an organization while standing up against the outside forces, who through corruption, collusion, coercion, and fraud, can cause financial, organizational, reputational, and legal harm to our global clients. CRI Group™ also holds BS 102000:2018 and BS 7858:2019 Certifications, is an HRO certified provider and partner with Oracle. Our webinars, resources and other events are always designed with our clients in mind. Expect to be provided detailed insights and expert opinions to all your questions and queries regarding compliance adequate due diligence for third-party risk management, corporate compliance program and what it means for your organization. CRI Group™ has safeguarded businesses from any risks, providing investigations (i.e. insurance fraud), employee background screening, investigative due diligence, business intelligence, third-party risk management, forensic accounting, compliance and other professional investigative research services. In 2016, CRI Group™ launched the Anti-Bribery Anti-Corruption (ABAC™) Center of Excellence – an independent certification body established for ISO 37001:2016 Anti-Bribery Management Systems, ISO 37301 Compliance Management Systems and ISO 31000:2018 Risk Management, providing training and certification. ABAC™ operates through its global network of certified ethics and compliance professionals, qualified auditors and other certified professionals.
CRI Group™ invites you to schedule a quick appointment with us to discuss in more detail how our risk management solutions can help you and your organization.
Personal Due Diligence, Tips You Need to Know
In the business world, due diligence refers to the investigation and steps were taken by organisations to satisfy all legal requirements before buying or selling products/ services or entering into a contract or a financial arrangement with another party. An Integrity Due Diligence allows an organisation to reduce risks arising from the FCPA (Foreign Corrupt Practices Act) and the UKBA (U.K. Bribery Act), to make informed decisions and pursue takeovers or mergers with more confidence.
Due diligence is vital to prevent many types of fraud, and while professional services can be used in some cases, it is also up to the consumer to do their due diligence. Due diligence is vital to prevent many types of fraud. While in some cases, it is also up to the consumer to do their own personal due diligence. Due diligence sounds complicated, but it is merely the process of doing your homework before you make a significant commitment.
Personal Due Diligence In Everyday Transactions
Most of us practice personal due diligence even though we may not think of it that way (i.e. research on the internet before making a purchase or deciding what restaurant to go to). We are doing our “due diligence” to get the best deal in this process. The level of proper due diligence should be proportionate to the level of commitment involved and your specific status. So when buying a house, the due diligence ought to be more extensive (i.e. a family with children may want to check out the rating of the schools in the area). Another personal area to conduct due diligence involves a new job offer (i.e., the organisation known to treat its employees well). These areas involve a significant amount of due diligence on your part before accepting a new position at a new company.
Due Diligence Makes Trust Possible
The Government is under increased pressure to give clear guidance on post-Brexit Right to Work and Right to Rent checks. In the U.K., the lack of clarity from the Government has already caused problems. Many landlords are averse to letting their properties to non-UK nationals if they breach the Right to Rent rules post-Brexit. Whether renting a property, having home renovations done, buying insurance, getting a mortgage, or even entering a new romantic relationship, you can use due diligence to protect yourself. Due diligence can prevent potential fraud and some other types of scams.
The following are tips on how to avoid fraud:
- Know who you are dealing with, ask questions and verify the information;
- Check with the governing body for licensing and insurance requirements;
- Scammers pressure you to act immediately. Don’t sign anything you don’t understand;
- Don’t sign anything for large amounts of money without having it reviewed by your lawyer;
- Scammers say there’s a problem or a prize. Do not give out your personal information without verifying who is getting it;
- Be cautious if you are asked to make up-front payments;
- Get company information, including name and address and ensure that a written contract backs all verbal promises;
- Have a contract in place for things like construction work;
- Never give an unsolicited caller access to your computer;
- Do not give out a credit card or online account details over the phone unless you made the call and the number you are calling came from a trusted source;
- Scammers tell you to pay in a specific way. Never wire money unless you’re confident that you’re sending it to someone you know;
- Be suspicious of any calls from supposedly distressed relatives who don’t give their names. After hanging up, try calling the family member with the phone numbers you have to see if they need help;
- Scammers pretend to be from an organisation you know. Be suspicious of any calls from a supposed government agency or other businesses demanding payments; and
- Landlords should check references (in some cases, a police criminal record check), credit reports, and employment information of potential tenants.
Online Fraud is on the rise
In a time of crisis, we often see the best in people. Even before COVID-19 was officially classified by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a global pandemic, citizens and government leaders alike praised the selfless sacrifice of doctors, nurses, first responders and others putting themselves in harm’s way to help treat and limit the spread of the disease. Unfortunately, a crisis can also bring out the worst in some people; fraudsters prey on fear and confusion.
The research shows that online fraud is on the increase too. Online retailer sectors saw rising transaction volumes in March 2020 compared to the previous year, with 97% in Home products and furnishings, 136% in DIY products, 163% in garden essentials, and 26.6% in electronics. Fraudsters are using the surge in online activity to target unsuspecting consumers.
Online Due Diligence Tips:
- Change online passwords regularly and make them secure (don’t use standard information about yourself);
- Don’t post personal info such as date of birth or mailing address on social media sites;
- Have the most current firewall and anti-virus software on your computer;
- Don’t send financial or any other type of personal information by email or text;
- When purchasing online, make sure the site is secure. It should begin with HTTPS;
- Don’t open links that appear in an email asking you to start a financial transaction. Go directly to the organisation’s website;
- Don’t download software programs or apps from an unsecured source; and
- Don’t use unsecured wifi (such as in a coffee shop) if your device has personal information on it.
- Change online passwords regularly and make them secure (don’t use standard information about yourself);
- Don’t post personal info such as date of birth, mailing address, or SIN on social media sites;
- Have the most current anti-virus software and firewall on your computer;
- Don’t send financial information by email or text;
- When purchasing online, make sure the site is secure. It should begin with HTTPS;
- Don’t open links that appear in an email asking you to start a financial transaction. Go directly to the organisation’s website;
- Don’t download apps or software programs from an unsecured source; and
- Don’t use unsecured WIFI (such as in a coffee shop) if your device has personal information (such as your phone contacts, apple id, banking records, residence or employment information).
DueDiligence360™
Don’t fall prey to unscrupulous business dealings and outside threats. At CRI Group™, we specialise in Integrity Due Diligence, working as trusted partners to businesses and institutions worldwide. Our people work with energy, insight and care to ensure we provide a positive experience to everyone involved – clients, reference providers and candidates.
Our DueDiligence360™ expose vulnerabilities and threats that can cause serious damage to your organisation and can significantly reduce business. The world’s largest corporations trust CRI Group™ and consultancies – outsource your due diligence to an experienced provider, and you will only ever have to look forward, never back.
LEARN MORE ABOUT DUE DILIGENCE 360
About CRI Group™
Based in London, CRI Group™ works with companies across the Americas, Europe, Africa, Middle East and Asia-Pacific as a one-stop international Risk Management, Employee Background Screening, Business Intelligence, Due Diligence, Compliance Solutions and other professional Investigative Research solutions provider. We have the largest proprietary network of background screening analysts and investigators across the Middle East and Asia. Our global presence ensures that no matter how international your operations are, we have the network needed to provide you with all you need, wherever you happen to be. CRI Group™ also holds B.S. 102000:2013 and B.S. 7858:2012 Certifications, is an HRO certified provider and partner with Oracle.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR SOLUTIONS
Speak Up, Report Illegal, Unethical or Improper Behavior
Ethics and Compliance Hotline is an anonymous reporting mechanism that facilitates reporting of possible illegal, unethical, or improper conduct when the normal communication channels have proven ineffective or are impractical under the circumstances. At CRI Group™, we are committed to having an open dialogue on ethical dilemmas regardless. We want to introduce a new Ethics & Compliance Hotline. This hotline is available to all employees and clients, contractors, vendors, and others in a business relationship with CRI Group™ and our sister brand ABAC Group™.
If you find yourself in an ethical dilemma or suspect inappropriate or illegal conduct, and you feel uncomfortable reporting through normal channels of communication, or wish to raise the issue anonymously, use CRI Group™’s Compliance Hotline in below mentioned ways or provide us with your complaint online on the form below. The Compliance Hotline is a secure and confidential reporting channel managed by an independent provider. When reporting a concern in good faith, you will be protected by CRI Group™’s Non-Retaliation Policy.
What Can You Report?
Feel free to report any known or suspected noncompliant behavior or violations with any regulatory mandates and/or local policies, including but not limited to:
- Ethical standards Violations
- Violation of laws and Company Policy and internal control
- Risk and Safety
- Theft, embezzlement or misappropriate of assets and fraud
- Bribery and corruption
- Employee Rights, Employee Relation, Work Environment
- Privacy laws or security of personal information
- Discrimination
- The dispute related to Supervisor, H.R. and other Departments
- Physical and Verbal Harassment on Workplace
- Issues related to job responsibilities
- The Report related to a suspicious activity being a witness
- Unfair dismissals
Our Compliance Hotline is accessible by both phone and online. If you make a report directly by telephone, you will speak with the Compliance Department directly. If you submit a report online, the system will guide you through the reporting process, and a PIN generated automatically once you complete the Report.
Webinar | Third-party due diligence and oversight
Know-how to defend your company from disastrous litigation with Third-Party Risk Management and Due Diligence
Free Webinar | 9 December 2021 | 10.30 am – 12.30 pm Malaysia Time | In conjunction with International Anti-Corruption Day
CRI® Group is proud to announce our sister brand, Anti-Bribery Anti-Corruption (ABAC®) Center of Excellence Group will be hosting a free webinar with Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MICCI) on 9 December 2021. Our intention is to be able to provide resources on corporate compliance to organisations around the globe that will aid them in expansion and an ethical working environment. Take advantage of this free webinar on due diligence and third-party risk managements. Know how to defend your organisation from disastrous litigation with third-party risk management and due diligence.
In recent years, third-party risk management has become a primary concern for organisations, amid increased outsourcing against a backdrop of rising costs, digitisation and low-interest rates, which have put downward pressure on margins. While there are many benefits driving outsourcing, e.g., increased efficiency and scale, it naturally also increases the level of risk and complexity of third-party relationships. Coupled with increased lengths of agreements, on average five to seven years, the need for ongoing performance management becomes that much greater.
Financial and reputational risks have increased with more outsourcing, and regulators have focused on how companies manage their relationships with third parties, in some cases leading to tighter regulation. The first to increase regulatory scrutiny in this area was the US, with a regulatory paper on third-party risk management as far back as 2002. UK initiatives include the FCA review of outsourcing. In Europe, Solvency II regulates how firms maintain access to and control over outsourced activities. Further requirements have emerged in areas like GDPR in IT outsourcing. Fines imposed in the UK and US show that public and private firms will be held accountable for outsourced activities. Organisations fined for breaches, including insufficient oversight of third parties. In light of increased scrutiny, many organisations are reviewing their third-party risk management frameworks.
ABAC® sister brand of CRI Group joined forces with MICCI to discuss the third-party due diligence frameworks in-depth and explore its best practices – to help provide insights and ideas for your organisations’ compliance programme. Join us and save your seat now!
Our speakers will be looking at the following points:
- Third-party due diligence and oversight as a robust anti-corruption measure for companies to adopt
- Risk-based due diligence and regular oversight of third-party business partners
- Informing third-party business partners of their duty and obtaining a reciprocal commitment
- Measures for business partners to report suspected bribery or corruption
- Other activities to prevent and detect corruption
Third-Party Risk Management strategy! outcomes and its RED FLAGS
- Undisclosed third-party transactions
- Material misrepresentations or commissions
- Unreported financial difficulties
- Criminal or regulatory sanctions
- Prior bribe or corruption allegations
- Undisclosed legal or bankruptcy proceedings
- Politically exposed Persons -PEPs
ZAFAR I ANJUM
MSc, MS, LLM, CFE, CII, CIS, Int. Dip. (Fin. Crime), MICA, MIPI, MAB
Founder, Group Chief Executive Officer
Corporate Research & Investigations & ABAC Center of Excellence
E: zanjum@crigroup.com
Book a meeting with Zafar Anjum
Building 30 years’ career in anti-corruption, compliance, risk management, fraud prevention, protective integrity, security and compliance, Zafar Anjum is a highly respected professional in his field. As a trusted authority in anti-bribery and anti-corruption, fraud risk assessment and prevention, corporate compliance evaluation, securities among corporate clients, government agencies and industry groups, he is known for creating stable and secure networks across challenging global markets.
With an impressive educational background coupled with his industry expertise, Zafar Anjum is often the first certified global investigator on the scene when multi-national EMEA corporations seek to close compliance, anti-bribery and anti-corruption or corporate security gaps.
Starting his educational background in 1989 with his Bachelor of Arts Degree; he then went on to earn a Master of Science in Counter Fraud and the Counter Corruption University of Portsmouth in the United Kingdom along with specialised knowledge and certification in Fraud Investigations, Fraud and Financial Crimes, Corporate Fraud Control and Anti-Corruption. He was also awarded with Distinction in Master of Fraud and Financial Crime and included in Executive Dean’s List of 2016 by Charles Sturt University, Australia.
He earned his LL.M Legal Practice (Master of Laws) (Intellectual Property) from the University of Law in the United Kingdom, which he completed in February 2019. Alongside to enhanced further capabilities and competencies, specifically in the Bribery Risk Assessment framework, he is undertaking ICA International Diploma in Governance Risk and Compliance, ICA International Diploma in Financial Crime and Prevention, ICA International Diploma in Anti Money Laundering from International Compliance Training Academy in the United Kingdom which is mapped and are also awarded in association with Alliance Manchester Business School, The University of Manchester.
His training and business acumen give Zafar Anjum in-depth precision when dealing with fraud risk management, security consultations, crime investigations, crisis management, risk governance, event security and strategic threat management for industry leaders seeking proactive long-term risk prevention.
His leadership creates solid collaborative relationships among prevention teams, crime investigators, government officials, and business executives seeking dynamic solutions across international marketplaces. For industries needing extensive project management, safeguard testing and real-time compliance applications, Zafar Anjum is the assurance expert of choice for industry professionals.
SHEBA GUMIS
Partner from Skrine
Skrine – Advocates & Solicitors
Sheba is a corporate partner, with experience in providing advice on foreign direct investment in a wide range of industries including the set-up of joint ventures and other investment structures in Malaysia. She has notable experience in the education and hospitality sectors. As part of her portfolio, Sheba regularly deals with legal and regulatory compliance issues involving regulatory authorities such as the Malaysian Industrial Development Authority, Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs, Bank Negara Malaysia and others.
Her key practice areas include Mergers & Acquisition, Corporate Advisory and Transactions, Education, Hospitality and Tourism
The webinar is fit for attendees who work in the field of:
- Top Management (including Risk, Quality, Health, Safety and Environment Management)
- Compliance and Ethics manager and officer
- Legal Practices and Counselling
- Internal Auditor
- Internal Controller
- Finance manager and officer
- Supply Chain manager and officer
- Procurement manager and officer
- Operations manager and officer
Based in London, United Kingdom, CRI® is a global company with experts and resources located in key regional marketplaces across the Asia Pacific, South Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, Europe, North and South America. We have experts’ speakers who know the industry inside out and have worked in the field for years and are dedicated to our mission of safeguarding the corporate world by detecting and exposing those elements that can cause irreparable harm to an organisation while standing up against the outside forces, who through corruption, collusion, coercion, and fraud, can cause financial, organisational, reputational, and legal harm to our global clients.
Our webinars, resources and other events are always designed with our clients in mind. Expect to be provided detailed insights and expert opinions to all your questions and queries regarding compliance adequate due diligence for third-party risk management, corporate compliance program and what it means for your organisation.
CRI® Group has safeguarded businesses from any risks, providing investigations (i.e. insurance fraud), employee background screening, investigative due diligence, business intelligence, third-party risk management, forensic accounting, compliance and other professional investigative research services. In 2016, CRI® Group launched the Anti-Bribery Anti-Corruption (ABAC®) Center of Excellence – an independent certification body established for ISO 37001:2016 Anti-Bribery Management Systems, ISO 37301 Compliance Management Systems and ISO 31000:2018 Risk Management, providing training and certification. ABAC® operates through its global network of certified ethics and compliance professionals, qualified auditors and other certified professionals.
MICCI traces its history from the formation of its ancestor, The Penang Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture in 1837. Following amalgamation with the Perak Chamber of Commerce and the Selangor Chamber of Commerce in the early 20th century, the Chamber was restructured in 1974 as a company limited by guarantee and renamed the Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce & Industry. MICCI is a Chamber that aims to facilitate and support members in their goals to successfully develop their business in Malaysia. MICCI engage(s) with state and federal governments to continue to ensure the development and implementation of a robust regulatory framework, which is conducive to a healthy business environment.
50th UAE National Day 2021
50th UAE National Day 2021
50th UAE National Day 2021. Today is the UAE’s National Day, which coincides with the country’s Golden Jubilee, marking 50 years since the founding of the Emirates, and we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate. This UAE National Day reflects the dreams, development and dynamism of the last 50 years for those who call this nation home. The UAE wasn’t always a prosperous, cosmopolitan country; the country had humble beginnings. The UAE’s rich history is rooted in trade. The Emirates’ location between Europe and the Far East attracted merchants from India and China and was prized by Europeans, particularly the Portuguese, Dutch and British.
Those working from Sunday to Thursday get four days off to celebrate National Day and Commemoration Day from Wednesday, December 1 to Saturday, December 4, giving both private and public sectors a much-needed four-day weekend. Read more about the public holiday here. Join us as we celebrate the remarkable journey of the UAE and now it’s time to experience the festivities together as we honour the Year of the 50th. across Dubai.
Who are Corporate Research and Investigations Limited (CRI Group™)?
Ever since 1990, Corporate Research and Investigations Limited (CRI Group™) has committed itself to safeguard organisations from fraud, bribery and corruption. Based in London, United Kingdom, CRI™ is an international organisation with specialists and resources situated in key, provincial marketplaces throughout the Asia Pacific, South Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, Europe, North and South America and aim to shield organisations from detriment by determining the lawful compliance, financial feasibility, and integrity measures of external partners, suppliers and consumers pursuing to associate themselves with your brand. They are acknowledged as a prominent Compliance and Risk Management organisation accredited and interconnected in the objectives of the Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC) and Qatar Financial Center (QFC).
With a profession spanning over 30-years in the disciplines of fraud prevention, defensive integrity, security and compliance, CRI® Group’s CEO Mr Zafar Anjum is a highly revered authority in his line of work. As a dependable influence in the field of fraud deterrence and protections together with commercial clients, management organisations and trade units, Mr Anjum is renowned for producing secure and reliable networks throughout the dynamic, challenging worldwide markets. In conjunction with a remarkable educational experience coupled with his trade proficiency, Mr Zafar Anjum is continually the first accredited global investigator on the scene when multi-national EMEA corporations pursue to eliminate compliance or security breaches.
2016 found the organisation instituting the Anti-Bribery Anti-Corruption (ABAC™) Center of Excellence – an autonomous certification body that aims to assist organisations in abating core risks as well as peripheral ones through the delivery of a comprehensive group of Anti-Bribery, Compliance and Risk Management programs.
Why CRI™?
CRI Group’s extensive efforts and reliable record in this field of work heavily align with what The UAE Innovation awards stand for – the aim to assist organisations across various sectors in strengthening their vetting capabilities in a manner that demonstrates sustainability in and of the public interest at large while maintaining legalities and development within the internal corporate structure is one to advance innovation in the industry for certain. In a sector that is accelerating the congealment of innovative proficiencies across a countless sum of industries comprising of automotive, aviation, oil, gas & energy, IT & telecommunications, property and many more industries, the services that CRI Group™ have to offer paired with a constructive influence on the society adjacent to it, a significant increase in the development of innovative systems is certainly to be anticipated.
Compliance & Adequate Due Diligence for Third-Party Risk Management | WEBINAR RECORDING
Building a Culture of Compliance and Trust Through ISO 37301:2021 CMS: Compliance adequate Due Diligence for Third-Party Risk Management – An essential part of a corporate compliance program
Free Webinar | 11 November 2021 | 2 pm – 3 pm UAE Time | in collaboration with Dubai Quality Group (DQG)
CRI Group™ will be hosting a free webinar on November 11th in collaboration with Dubai Quality Group and sister brand the Anti-Bribery Anti-Corruption (ABAC™) Center of Excellence. Our intention is to be able to provide resources on corporate compliance and due diligence to organisations around the globe that will aid them in expansion and an ethical working environment. Take advantage of this free webinar on compliance and adequate due diligence for Third-Party Risk Management.
Widespread trust is built on a company culture of doing the right thing, where every employee contributes because they understand and believe in its importance. Our “Building a Culture of Compliance and Trust Through ISO 37301:2021 CMS” webinar in collaboration with DQG will highlight all essential parts of a corporate compliance program.
Compliance in the Workplace
The compliance standard directs an organisation to establish ideals and ethics. It involves the organisation to illustrate those ideals and ethics adequately in a manner in which team members can recognise them and submit to them. A compliance standard necessitates that an organisation train team members on ideals and ethics and demands that the organisation hold team members liable for their conflicts and behaviours. In other words, compliance helps to define the force in the wake of the organisation and its motivational efforts.
However, many authoritative figures view compliance as intrinsically fundamentalist as they assume that the objective of compliance is to rein in conduct that couldn’t be further than the truth. Compliance provides a compelling instrument of prolonged adjustment. If everyday behaviour branches from education and codes of conduct, and codes of conduct branch from ethics, expression, and alteration; over time, these said principles can intensely influence administrative behaviour. Standards can be deemed as a leveraging point, and in the long run, compliance centres on the driving principles of an organisation therefore, it is incredibly important to implement them into your corporate culture which is what we intend on discussing in our webinar.
Why ISO?
Issued in April 2021, the ISO 37301 framework offers a certifiable global benchmark for compliance systems and explains in detail how to construct a compliance management system to comply with international official standards and regulations. This standard is also acknowledged to indicate compliance with social and ethical principles across the globe.
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is an independent, non-governmental body that has developed and implemented the ISO 37301. Corporate compliance continues to be one of the utmost risk interests for management – to which the key solution in preserving integrity and confidence within an organisation and third-party representatives is to implement a robust compliance program. The ISO 37301 further urges organisations to place emphasis on the methodical implementation of an organisation-wide compliance system as a means of efficiency and compliance understanding the workplace.
Like other ISO standards for management systems, such as the ISO 37001 standard for anti-bribery management systems, the ISO 37301 pulls on the founded ISO value of “Plan-Do-Check-Act” (PDCA) – a standard which necessitates those certified organisations to operate within an unremitting development progression sequence.
Most individuals are vaguely aware of what fraud prevention entails but many cannot fully comprehend how intensive and impactful a proper fraud prevention strategy can be. Our speakers will be looking at the following points:
- What does compliance mean?
- Compliance obligations
- Compliance related areas
- What is ISO 37301:2021 Compliance Management Systems
- Common elements of the framework
- Compliance risk assessment
- The process: Top management
- Questions to ask when developing a compliance management policy
- The involvement of third parties
- The results: the pay-off of good governance
- The results: long-lasting benefits integration with ISO 37001
- Anti-Bribery Management System, ISO 37000:2021 Governance of organisations, and ISO 37002:2021 Whistleblowing Management systems
SAMIA EL KADIRI
IRCA Lead Auditor | TOT
Governance & Compliance Consultant – Hawkamah Institute for Corporate Governance (DIFC), UAE
Auditor at Anti-Bribery Anti-Corruption (ABAC™) Center of Excellence
She brings in over nine years of progressive experience working in private and government-owned entities in compliance, management, quality assurance and excellence functions. Possess keen understanding, oversight and reporting mechanisms on Financial Crimes – Anti-Money Laundering, UAE Central Bank regulations, Dubai and UAE federal government mandates. She Developed and delivered various workshops and awareness sessions to leaders and decision-makers on “Good Corporate Governance Practices”, “Development of Strategic Plan and Effective Policies” and “Financial Ethics” (AML&CFT according to Central Bank Guidelines). Authored reports and research papers on Compliance and the evolution of CG in the MENA region.
She is currently a Consultant at DIFC – Hawkamah Institute for Corporate Governance charged with leading entities consultancy and advisory engagements in identifying the relevant controls, processes and frameworks and recommend areas of improvements, in addition to her independent role with ABAC where she provides auditing services and expertise on management systems related to fighting Bribery and corruption. She works closely with clients in assessment and development, advisory and succession planning across multiple industries (Dubai and Federal Government entities, Healthcare, Financial institutions including Banks, and Real Estate) and functional topics (Ethics, Strategic Excellence, Clinical Governance, Regulatory Compliance and Audit, Policies & Procedures, etc.).
She participated in the ESG Index; the MENA wide Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) Index in cooperation with Standard & Poor’s with the support of the International Finance Corporation (IFC).
Prior to joining Hawkamah, she was the Regulatory Compliance Officer and Chief Editor of Compliance newsletter at Wall Street Exchange, a member of Emirates Post Group where she developed systems, policies and procedures for compliance with relevant UAE laws. Prior to that, she worked with the American Clinics for Psychiatry and Neurology where she focused on health care compliance with MOH and Dubai Healthcare Authority’s mandates.
Prior to ACPN, she worked at Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai where she focused on government excellence, quality, and customer happiness.
She is a Certified Train the Trainer – Institute of Leadership and Management (UK), In addition to other accreditations related to Anti-Money Laundry (AML) and Counter Financing Crimes.
ZAFAR I ANJUM
MSc, MS, LLM, CFE, CII, CIS, Int. Dip. (Fin. Crime), MICA, MIPI, MAB
Founder, Group Chief Executive Officer
Corporate Research & Investigations & ABAC™ Center of Excellence
Building 30 years’ career in anti-corruption, compliance, risk management, fraud prevention, protective integrity, security and compliance, Zafar Anjum is a highly respected professional in his field. As a trusted authority in anti-bribery and anti-corruption, fraud risk assessment and prevention, corporate compliance evaluation, securities among corporate clients, government agencies and industry groups, he is known for creating stable and secure networks across challenging global markets.
With an impressive educational background coupled with his industry expertise, Zafar Anjum is often the first certified global investigator on the scene when multi-national EMEA corporations seek to close compliance, anti-bribery and anti-corruption or corporate security gaps.
Starting his educational background in 1989 with his Bachelor of Arts Degree; he then went on to earn a Master of Science in Counter Fraud and the Counter Corruption University of Portsmouth in the United Kingdom along with specialised knowledge and certification in Fraud Investigations, Fraud and Financial Crimes, Corporate Fraud Control and Anti-Corruption. He was also awarded with Distinction in Master of Fraud and Financial Crime and included in Executive Dean’s List of 2016 by Charles Sturt University, Australia.
He earned his LL.M Legal Practice (Master of Laws) (Intellectual Property) from the University of Law in the United Kingdom, which he completed in February 2019. Alongside to enhanced further capabilities and competencies, specifically in the Bribery Risk Assessment framework, he is undertaking ICA International Diploma in Governance Risk and Compliance, ICA International Diploma in Financial Crime and Prevention, ICA International Diploma in Anti Money Laundering from International Compliance Training Academy in the United Kingdom which is mapped and are also awarded in association with Alliance Manchester Business School, The University of Manchester.
His training and business acumen give Zafar Anjum in-depth precision when dealing with fraud risk management, security consultations, crime investigations, crisis management, risk governance, event security and strategic threat management for industry leaders seeking proactive long-term risk prevention.
His leadership creates solid collaborative relationships among prevention teams, crime investigators, government officials, and business executives seeking dynamic solutions across international marketplaces. For industries needing extensive project management, safeguard testing and real-time compliance applications, Zafar Anjum is the assurance expert of choice for industry professionals.
The webinar is fit for attendees who work in the field of:
- Top Management (including Risk, Quality, Health, Safety and Environment Management)
- Compliance and Ethics manager and officer
- Legal Practices and Counselling
- Internal Auditor
- Internal Controller
- Finance manager and officer
- Supply Chain manager and officer
- Procurement manager and officer
- Operations manager and officer
Dubai Quality Group is a non-profit organization set up by the Dubai Economy under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum. Guided by the vision of H. H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Dubai Quality Group was established in 1994 to develop and promote Excellence in UAE.
DQG Subgroups provide ‘like-minded’ members with a platform to come together and discuss their thoughts, views and expertise in different fields. Each Subgroup meets regularly and has the freedom to organize seminars, benchmarking programs and other activities.
Through its associations with international bodies such as the EFQM, ASQ, Ideas UK, Ideas America, DIB Germany, GBN etc., the group brings international knowledge and best practices to the local business community.
DQG is committed to being centre of Knowledge sharing for all topics relating to Innovation and Excellence, for more information please click here.
Based in London, United Kingdom, CRI™ is a global company with experts and resources located in key regional marketplaces across the Asia Pacific, South Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, Europe, North and South America. We have experts’ speakers who know the industry inside out and have worked in the field for years and are dedicated to our mission of safeguarding the corporate world by detecting and exposing those elements that can cause irreparable harm to an organization while standing up against the outside forces, who through corruption, collusion, coercion, and fraud, can cause financial, organizational, reputational, and legal harm to our global clients.
Our webinars, resources and other events are always designed with our clients in mind. Expect to be provided detailed insights and expert opinions to all your questions and queries regarding compliance adequate due diligence for third-party risk management, corporate compliance program and what it means for your organization.
CRI Group™ has safeguarded businesses from any risks, providing investigations (i.e. insurance fraud), employee background screening, investigative due diligence, business intelligence, third-party risk management, forensic accounting, compliance and other professional investigative research services. In 2016, CRI Group™ launched the Anti-Bribery Anti-Corruption (ABAC™) Center of Excellence – an independent certification body established for ISO 37001:2016 Anti-Bribery Management Systems, ISO 37301 Compliance Management Systems and ISO 31000:2018 Risk Management, providing training and certification. ABAC™ operates through its global network of certified ethics and compliance professionals, qualified auditors and other certified professionals.
The Consequences of Neglecting Background Screening
Neglecting Background Screening
Are you neglecting background screening? What consequences may affect your organisation when you ignore this process when hiring? What is it about Background Screening? Statistics have revealed to us that a substantial quantity of resumes that are presented to HR during the recruitment process comprised fabricated material; shortlisting is a rigorous assortment procedure intended to put your applicant on trial, but if you are interviewing an individual who has fabricated much of their resume, how can you make a good judge of character? Put, executing a pre-employment check is the best way to combat this issue.
Background screening is vital to organisations of all types and industries as it can assist in authenticating your employees’ record of accomplishment and help avoid a bad hire. Before COVID-19, it was found that an estimate of 85% of organisations testified to conducting background screening of some type. On the same note, a vast 92 per cent stated that they trust their employees with confidential data but without the assistance of a background screening measure. Find out other ways COVID has impacted the hiring process, or download our background screening brochure.
Below, CRI Group™ has compiled a list of 5 risks you are running into when failing to conduct a background screening check before employment.
1. Your prospective member of staff could be a felon
Hiring a candidate with a criminal record could taint your company’s reputation, generate a highly volatile atmosphere in your office, and harm other staff members. An employer has the right to investigate an applicants’ criminal past; however, the only way to genuinely acquire the data surrounding an applicant’s criminal past when they intend on masking the evidence is through a criminal background check.
A professional background verification service is a must to communicate with the local authorities to acquire legitimate illegal data and make a well-informed decision for the benefit of your organisation.
2. The odds of employing an unqualified candidate devoid of background screening is 1 out of 6
1 out of every 6 candidates carry inflated or falsified documents to persuade you into offering them the position – and this can be accredited to the rise of credential mills and fake corporations; applicants commonly use counterfeit degrees and false employment records to get hired, and it takes more than just a phone call to find out the reality.
Background service providers use various procedures to obtain legitimate data, including private trips to the university/corporations where applicants allege to have graduated from or worked. Applicants with falsified resumes are not simply deficient in both integrity and honesty – in most cases, they are also not competent enough to fit your job description. A straightforward background verification uncovers this deception and prevents you from hiring an unqualified candidate.
3. Endangering the welfare of other members of the task force
In correspondence to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA),9 % of approximately 22.4 million unlawful drug users are employed either full time or part-time. A substance abuser, aside from grappling with efficiency, will also inhibit the performance of their co-worker with their improper demeanour.
Employees with a record of drug abuse and misconduct are also deemed to be exceedingly inconsistent and present themselves as a danger to their co-workers; workplace violence and delinquency can be attributed to disregarding employee drug tests and criminal checks – checks that avert such calamities making your office peaceful and an improved place to work.
4. Increased abrasion can also be attributed to improper background screening
Pre-employment screening underlines the notion of quality over quantity. It makes sure that you hire the right candidate from a mass of applicants who applied for the position as employees with unsatisfactory credentials habitually find their way into your organisation through fabricated evidence. Hiring model candidates with an admirable mindset and relevant qualifications can mitigate employee turnover and enhance the general outcome of your organisation. However, the good news is that they never last for long, owing to their shortage of output and failure to handle the work delegated to them.
5. A candidate’s social media presence and global database can help nail down an accurate judge of character
Social media platforms in conjunction with international databases, for instance, criminal watch lists, credit archives, and public litigation archives, can expose your candidates’ positive and negative characteristics that may escape you during the interview and selection process. Abandoning these checks will hinder you as an employer from seeing your candidate’s best or worst side when picking among leading applicants who contend for a critical position. Employers who operate social media checks on their candidates have found it simpler to identify their candidates better, as social media is where the candidates are more apt to demonstrate their temperament and talents. The process for operating social media and archive checks can be burdensome, but rest assured that pre-employment screening providers are devoted to passing thorough checks on social media platforms and hundreds of databases to assist employers worldwide make critical hiring judgments.
The Verdict?
Background screening has achieved immense recognition throughout the world over the previous few years as it should do – its impact and the modern setting assist in diminishing the pressures that jeopardise every employer’s aim to enhance their personnel and work environment. Verification should be a compulsory component of an organisation’s onboarding procedure to alleviate all the risks we have discussed thus far. Notwithstanding the apparent advantages that background screening presents, it likewise confirms that your organisation hires the most excellent contenders who would promise continual triumph.
CRI™ is certified by British Standard Institute BSI for the scope of BS 7858:2019 screening of individuals working in a secure environment, Code of practice and BS 102000:2018 Code of practice for the provision of investigative services. The BSI is the only BS 7858 accredited background screening services provider in the UAE and the Middle East. Find out more about the BS 7858:2019 or download our BS7858:2019 free playbook.
The more you invest in sourcing morally correct corporate conduct, the more you can expect to be rewarded with a catalytic action to grow and expand your organisation.
Let’s Talk!
Don’t leave hiring to chance. Take a proactive stance with the highest level of background screening as a part of your essential corporate strategy. Contact us today to learn more about our full range of services to help your organisation stay protected.
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