One in five candidates applying for positions in the UK’s beleaguered healthcare sector fail background checks during the hiring process, according to new statistics from Zinc. This marks a significant 20% increase from last year, when only 10% of candidates required further review.

Verifying professional qualifications and registrations is essential for maintaining the security of health and social care services. Healthcare organisations must adhere to stringent CQC regulations to ensure candidates possess the necessary skills and experience. In the UK, the most commonly verified aspects of a candidate’s background include their criminal history (66%), references (60%), address (59%), and right to work certification (56%).

However, fewer than one in ten healthcare businesses using Zinc check whether a candidate is on a sanctions watchlist (9%) or has been associated with adverse media (7%), and none conduct social media background checks. While CQC regulations ensure candidates have the requisite skills, these additional checks serve as vital preventative measures to ensure that staff are well-suited for roles that involve patient interaction and the welfare of existing staff.

The UK’s healthcare system is grappling with a worsening staffing crisis, with organisations under pressure to fill vital vacancies. Many lack the necessary staff, time, and resources to thoroughly vet candidates. Healthcare businesses using Zinc have seen an average 39% decrease in background check turnaround times, allowing them to hire more swiftly and meet the increasing demand for services.

NHS data reveals that England alone is facing over 112,000 vacancies, including a shortfall of 40,100 nurses and 8,550 doctors. Ensuring high candidate quality is crucial for positive patient outcomes, and with one in five potential candidates failing to meet immediate background check requirements, this results in over 22,000 unsuitable or unqualified individuals being delayed or prevented from entering the workforce.

Luke Shipley, CEO and co-founder of Zinc, states: “The healthcare industry is at a breaking point. With an ageing population driving demand, healthcare providers are urgently seeking qualified talent to deliver quality care. However, outdated hiring and onboarding processes hinder organisations’ ability to vet, hire, and retain staff efficiently. The consequences of hiring the wrong people could be a matter of life and death.

“To find the right candidates and improve retention rates, healthcare organisations must modernise their antiquated HR practices. By adopting integrated HR technology, healthcare providers can automate background checks and improve overall care, benefiting both staff and patients in the long run.”