Which method is considered the most reliable for assuring the integrity of new staff?

The most reliable method for assuring the integrity of new staff is background screening. This process typically involves a comprehensive review of an individual's history, including criminal records, employment history, and educational qualifications. By assessing these aspects, background screening provides a clearer and more complete picture of a candidate’s trustworthiness and past behavior, which are critical when determining their integrity.

Unlike references, which can be subjective and potentially biased, background screenings rely on objective data that can verify a candidate's past claims and behavior. While qualifications listed on a resume can be factual, they can also be misrepresented, making them less reliable in determining integrity without further verification. Bonding, while it serves as a financial protection against misconduct, does not directly evaluate the personal integrity of an individual. In contrast, background screening systematically evaluates an applicant’s history and helps ensure that the organization is hiring honest and dependable staff members.