HR type question

[Syltiz]

Odd one i know but some of you are pretty smart. Am i allowed to check with professional bodies to see if a member of my team (employee) is registered with them? i.e. a qualified professional as per their CV? This person has been in our employ for 9 months. The verdict is split so far as to whether I am entitled to perform this check.

[Samray]

I see no reason for not checking any information he/she has volunteered, but would say that it is customary to check out references before the event rather than 9 months down the line.

[Syltiz]

I see no reason for not checking any information he/she has volunteered, but would say that it is customary to check out references before the event rather than 9 months down the line.

True... something Im miserable at our HR department for

[BikerGran]

Somewhere I worked which shall remain nameless, they employed a new Head of HR at huge expense then discovered she didn't have any of the qualifications she claimed to have! What a hooha that caused.

[D-Rider]

I'd agree that it is customary to check things out beforehand but if you've taken it on trust but subsequent experience of them has led you to doubt, then I would think it entirely reasonable to check.
In fact, if you are employing that person based on their professional qualification which, let's assume for discussion, doesn't exist and something goes wrong in a big way, then I imagine it could be that the company might be held as being negligent for not checking it out.

That said, I am not an expert on employment law though I have a degree of familiarity through managing my department. In your position I would want to get it checked out and I'd go to my HR dept to confirm what is the right course of action

[Aladinsaneuk]

yes you are entitled too

my professional body has an employer hot line specifically for this - and encourages people to check

I believe you can also ask for proof of membership for your records - ie, membership card etc

[GregD-UK]

Hi all,

The whole point of gaining qualifications is to prove you are competent at a certain task, field, or qualification. If it is a professional qualification, the governing body would obviously have their name and relevant certificates and dates past on their database.

Normally when you are offered an professional post, you have to sign a declaration to say that the information you have given is true and to the best of your knowledge correct. Normally, employers employ a large consideration of trust. Alas, some potential employees "elaborate," on their qualifications or experience

As an employer, you are perfectly within your rights to check said qualifications. The more professional the better really. As larger bodies are more transparent. Some have an actual helpline My personal qualifications are available 24/7 online. For security and as a matter of course for peace of mind.

Go check, before it comes and bite you back fella They could be lying about their qualifications, if that is the case, what type of integrity do they possess! Also, what else could they have lied about and subsequent work ethic can be compromised as well...

[ligloo]

Why would you ask this, it goes without saying that you check up on employees, no matter the time scale or whatever! If they don't have what you thought they had then it's simple.... bye bye! You won't be in the wrong for getting rid surely..... and you can check ANY time!!!!

but I would sue you if you tried..... for not checking :)

[Syltiz]

I checked... and they are a member of the institute and suitably qualified. A performance improvement plan is in place which is painful... its like teaching a baker how to bake. At least im learning about UK HR Law.