The Impact of PBSA General Accreditation on Global Background Employment Screening
If you’re a client or user of outsourced background screening services outside the United States, you might not yet be familiar with the Professional Background Screening Association (PBSA) or its groundbreaking General Accreditation programme. Launched in 2024, this general accreditation will become a vital differentiator for background screening agencies operating in regions outside the U.S., where the industry has historically lacked formal regulation.
The PBSA, with its mission to advance excellence in background screening and its vision of being the trusted global authority for the industry, has long been established in the U.S. With over 800 member companies, it has set high standards for screening agencies domestically. However, in regions outside the U.S., in an unregulated market, companies and clients have struggled to find reliable, accredited screening partners. This is where a general industry accreditation will be transformative.
Why Accreditation Matters
The absence of a recognised accreditation standard has led many clients to select background screening agencies based purely on marketing appeal rather than quality. In a world where digital presence often overshadows true operational integrity, the introduction of general accreditation gives clients a solid baseline to assess the quality and governance of these agencies. Now, companies can confidently choose providers that meet the rigorous standards required to deliver secure and accurate verifications across multiple jurisdictions.
In my view, this accreditation will drastically raise industry standards, holding screening companies accountable for their processes and giving clients peace of mind. By setting these benchmarks, the market will gradually weed out providers who lack the infrastructure, governance, or commitment to quality required to operate in such a sensitive industry.
Overcoming Challenges and Raising the Bar
Achieving the accreditation won’t be without its challenges for many organizations, but I firmly believe that this is a good thing. For some, particularly the more established names in the industry, many of these standards and processes are already in place. They simply need to document and verify their compliance. However, for others, this will require considerable effort and resources.
Many household names, especially in the UK, already have many of these principles and practices in place, but others will need support from PBSA resources, industry colleagues, and/or industry consultants to assist them in obtaining this critical information. While this process might seem daunting, it represents an opportunity for background screening firms to raise the bar for themselves, their clients, and data subjects while also providing potential business opportunities for organizations or individuals with expertise in this area to consider offering consulting services offering guidance and support to help background screening agencies achieve compliance and maintain high standards.
The PBSA itself offers a plethora of research and resources that companies can draw from to meet the required benchmarks. There is no doubt that this will elevate the overall quality of the industry and provide better protection for both clients and their screened employees.
A Shift in Client Decision-Making
One of the most significant impacts I foresee from this general accreditation is a shift in how clients select their background screening partners. For too long, decisions have been based on which company has the flashiest marketing campaign or the most optimised SEO. However, the independent nature of the PBSA’s general accreditation will set a clear baseline for quality. This shift from a marketing-driven selection process to an evidence-based one will help clients make more informed decisions and, ultimately, better protect their businesses. The independent and specialist nature of this accreditation will help establish the right level of quality going forward. Right now, absent a thorough independent audit prior to selecting a screening partner, organizations don’t really know if they’re working with a quality organization. With a general accreditation, there is now a trusted standard.
Preparing for the Accreditation Process
Obtaining general accreditation is not an overnight process; it will require thoughtful preparation and internal auditing. Organizations that are serious about this accreditation should start now. The process typically takes around six months, so background screening providers need to review their current programs, policies, and documentation to ensure they are ready for independent external audits.
I’ve already seen forward-thinking agencies begin positioning themselves for this shift. They understand that in a competitive market, clients will naturally favor accredited providers over those that are not. With the PBSA set to increase its presence in Europe in 2025, it’s clear that organizations without this accreditation may find themselves at a disadvantage in the near future.
Clients Must Demand Accreditation
From a client’s perspective, now is the time to begin these conversations with your background screening providers. If your current partner isn’t already on the path to general accreditation, ask about their plans. Keeping in mind that the process typically takes a minimum of six months, it’s crucial to ensure they are taking steps to align with this new industry standard.
By including a general accreditation as a pre-requisite in tenders, clients will help drive professionalism across the background screening profession. In doing so, they not only protect their own interests but also contribute to the wider reputation and growth of the industry as a whole.
A New Era for Background Screening
In conclusion, the introduction of the PBSA’s General Accreditation programme is long overdue. It marks the beginning of a new era for background screening services outside the U.S. and provides clients with the assurance that they are working with reputable, accountable partners. For background screening providers, this is an opportunity to elevate their service, differentiate themselves from competitors, and contribute to the professionalisation of the industry.
I encourage all companies—whether you are a background screening provider or a client—to embrace this change. Accreditation is not just a badge of honour; it’s a vital step toward ensuring a more secure, trustworthy, and transparent industry for all.
Authored by Susie Thomson, PBSA Secretary/Treasurer, COO – Matrix Security Watchdog
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