Whether you’re hiring a new employee, leasing to a new tenant or needing to confirm the owner of a property, you’ll need to conduct background checks and vetting. Although it may seem like you’re digging for very personal information, both processes are legal, as long as you follow some very specific rules. 

Due to a rise in CV fraud, background checks and vetting are becoming more popular in South Africa. Many individuals embellish their CVs by lying about their qualifications or their true job history and experience. Because of this, businesses and organisations rely on vetting and background check services to reduce liability and to protect their assets, business, brand and workforces. 

Gravity Risk Consultants offers full vetting and background check services that are conducted ethically and legally, offering you accurate information and peace of mind. We keep a number of factors in mind when performing these services.

  • Consent is key. In line with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPI), we will not conduct any background checks without consent from the applicant/individual in question. 
  • The information collected must never be random. All personal information obtained must be for a specific purpose that is directly related to the need for the check. 
  • All background checks conducted must be relevant. According to the South African labour laws, background checks must be related to a specific job. For example, if someone has a criminal record for driving under the influence, they will be refused a driving position. 
  • All criminal record information is verified by SAPS before being handed over to the client. 
  • According to the South African National Credit Act, credit checks may only be conducted on people applying for positions that require honesty. This includes those who will be handling cash or managing finances. 
  • Similar to background checks, credit checks may only be conducted if consent from the applicant/individual is obtained prior to the check. 
  • Individuals have the right to know why a background check is being conducted and how their information is being used. We maintain complete transparency and are available to answer any questions the client or applicant may have.