As student safety takes center stage, international schools are navigating new and significant challenges in effectively vetting potential employees.
Kannan Chettiar, the visionary founder of Avvanz, has transformed this critical process with an innovative screening platform that has uncovered fake resumes, inflated experiences, and fraudulent claims.
In our recent podcast episode of School of Talk by Teach Away, our host Ryan sits down with Kannan to discuss background screenings that go beyond the traditional checks.
Avvanz’s approach, which integrates artificial intelligence, blockchain, and robotic process automation, underscores the vital importance of thorough credential verification in educational institutions.
Here are some highlights from the episode that will help you rethink the role of background screenings during the hiring process.
The Comprehensive Approach of Avvanz
Founded in 2016 by Kannan Chettiar, Avvanz has quickly become a trusted partner for educational institutions around the globe, focusing not just on identifying potential risks but on building a thorough safety framework that includes a variety of essential checks.
Beyond Traditional Checks
Traditional background screeners typically conduct around five to 10 different types of checks. Common checks include:
- Criminal History Check
- Employment Verification
- Education Verification
- Identity Verification
- Credit History Check
- Reference Checks
- Drug Screening
- Social Security Number Verification
Avvanz’s screening process is remarkably thorough, encompassing over 20 different types of checks:
- Identity Verification
- Employment History Verification
- Education Verification
- Criminal Record Check
- Credit Check
- Social Media Screening
- Professional License Verification
- Reference Checks
- Driving Record Check
- Drug Testing
- Bankruptcy Search
- Civil Record Check
- Global Watchlist Check
- Military Service Verification
- International Background Checks
- Sanctions and PEP (Politically Exposed Persons) Checks
- Address History Verification
- Social Security Number Trace
- Media Search (for negative press)
- Work Eligibility Verification
Social media screening is a major one.
“As long as it is publicly viewable, we’ll be able to catch things like derogatory posts related to radicalism, violence, work intolerance…” Kannan reveals. “And of course, these are commonly discussed on platforms like X, Meta, Instagram, TikTok even.”
Global Reach and Technological Edge
Some schools are limited to typical background checks for various reasons. But if you’re looking to upgrade your hiring process this year and beyond, companies like Avvanz have robust solutions that buy you peace of mind.
Avvanz’s services span over 150 countries, enabling the verification of credentials from even the most remote locations.
This means background checks on candidates from the most remote parts of the world can be counted on as reliable.
The company leverages cutting-edge technologies to enhance its services:
- Artificial Intelligence for data analysis: This involves using AI technologies to analyze large datasets, enabling organizations to extract meaningful insights and identify patterns more efficiently than traditional methods.
- Blockchain for secure record-keeping: Blockchain technology provides a decentralized and immutable ledger that securely records transactions, ensuring data integrity and transparency while preventing unauthorized alterations.
- Robotic Process Automation (RPA) for efficiency: RPA automates repetitive tasks and processes within organizations, enhancing operational efficiency by allowing software robots to handle routine activities without human intervention.
Continuous Vigilance
Understanding that risks can arise unexpectedly, many schools are now looking into annual background checks for current employees and even screenings for senior students to maintain a vigilant approach to safety.
Kannan wisely points out: “People are the biggest assets to the business, but they’re also the biggest risk to the business.”
The Future of Educational Safety
As background screening evolves, it’s clear that:
- Comprehensive checks extend far beyond criminal records
- Global reach is crucial in our interconnected world
- Technology is enhancing the speed and accuracy of verifications
- Ongoing screening is as vital as initial checks
- Future safety measures may include student screening
For schools, background screening goes beyond a simple checklist; it’s a crucial part of maintaining a secure environment for students, emphasizing the need for ongoing vigilance in ensuring their safety and well-being.
With companies like Avvanz at the forefront of innovation, achieving this goal has become more attainable than ever.
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