Powerchex - Pre-employment screening newsletter

ISSUE 50 OCTOBER 2009	www.powerchex.co.uk

Welcome to this month's Powerchex update:


	Also in this issue • A City Viewpoint • Articles of interest • CRB News - Standard Disclosure price reduction • FSA News • Conferences & Events

Welcome. Autumn has brought renewed optimism in the financial sector and employment is beginning to pick up significantly. This month we are hosting an article by Daniel Suess who is an expert in document verifications. Document authenticity can be a thorny subject for HR departments, so read on.

This October we are also delighted to launch a new monthly column 'A City Viewpoint' by Patrick Healy, until recently the Group Head of Risk Reporting for Man Group plc. After working in the City for 20 years, Patrick has taken the next twelve months off to explore the world. From his new vantage point as a footloose and carefree traveller, he will be updating us on his new-found alternative life and reflecting on developments in the City and on recent financial news.

We are also proud to announce that our summer student reached the national finals of the Shell Technology and Enterprise competition for the third year in a row. Our best wishes are with him for the Final competition in mid October.

The Truth Behind Foreign Identity Documents
By Daniel Suess, International Sales Manager, Keesing Reference Systems

Challenged when checking foreign passports and ID cards?

Here's why ...

The number of ID documents currently in circulation is staggering. Every year, 208 countries issue countless documents, ranging from passports, ID cards and driving licences to visas and work permits. What's more, 150 new document types join the existing pool on an annual basis.

Given the complexity and sheer volume of documents in issue, the authentication of ID documents presents HR departments with a considerable challenge. Indeed, many HR professionals feel that a document's authenticity can only be established by professional inspectors using bespoke equipment.

And yet the employer is officially legally responsible for inspecting these documents...!

Read this article in full

		About Daniel Suess Daniel Suess, born in Hamburg, Germany started to work for Keesing Reference Systems as an International Sales Manager in 2005. Keesing Reference Systems is a leading solutions provider for the authentication of the world's identity documents. In the past Daniel successfully implemented passport checking solutions and strategies with international temporary staffing agencies, financial institutions and various departments within the Dutch government. read full biography

A City viewpoint

Patrick Healy Alternative Strategies - A year away from the City

There are some good general reasons as to why now is a good time to take a year out; the most obvious being the slump and uncertainty in the financial markets and the knock-on effect of a widespread re-evaluation of job (and bonus) expectations. For me the timing also worked – no mortgage, no children and a release from my job with a comfortable pay-off.

Nobody knows anything

Looking at the expert view of the current situation the lack of consensus confirms a suspicion that those to whom we would look for an authoritative analysis do not know what is going on or are trying to persuade us to a position that either supports their economic interests or, particularly in the case of our political leaders, hopes to solve the crisis by wishing it over. Perhaps years working in risk have made me too cynical and we will all benefit if we suspend disbelief and embrace the beautiful shining future. I have my doubts.

From my slightly distanced position there is a certain amount of pleasure in watching economic journalists whizz forecasts up, down and sideways in ecstatic Brownian motion as they zip from explanation to explanation and we are left only with the rather weak conclusion that things might get better.

For our world – banks, funds and the rest of the City agglomeration – we watch each other intently in the hope that somebody has a better understanding or that their behaviour or results are good weather vanes of change.

The helplessness of politicians is apparent. Yes, they can. Well maybe; economic weather permitting.

Read this article in full

Articles of interest

Powerchex's summer student reaches the National Finals of the Shell STEP Awards for the third year in a row.

View the Press release here

Attorney-General under investigation for hiring an illegal migrant
Times Online, 18 September 2009

Global Recession provides opportunities for Talented People within Hedge Funds and Asset Management
Press release, 24 September 2009

Merrill Lynch Claims 'Recruiters' Hatched 'Nefarious Plot'
HERE IS THE CITY NEWS, 16 September 2009

Photos On CVs Can Be Ugly Affair
HERE IS THE CITY NEWS, 16 September 2009

Hedge funds are hiring again
eFinancialCareers, 16 September 2009

Hedge Funds look to lead the Financial Services Sector out of Recession
Press release, 15 September 2009

Another director hit by FSA fine as Powerchex recommend tighter controls by firms
Press release, 27 August 2009

CRB News - Standard Disclosure price reduction

From October 1st, 2009 CRB will be reducing their fee for Standard CRB checks by £5.00. The reduction in fees will represent even greater value for money given the protection and assurance they provide. These fee levels will apply throughout the remainder of 2009/2010. Powerchex will pass this reduction in full to all of our clients as soon as it takes effect.

FSA News

Setting out the FSA's strategy and approach to fighting fraud FSA, 10 September 2009 An update from the Financial Crime and Intelligence Division FSA, September 2009 FSA takes action against chief executive of mortgage network for poor controls over appointed representatives FSA, 25 August 2009 FSA fines director for not disclosing information about adviser FSA, 25 August 2009 FSA's Scale & Impact of Financial Crime Project (Phase One): Critical Analysis FSA, August 2009

Conferences & Events

Talent Management Summit 09
Symposium Events, London, 13 October 2009

Webinar: Managing engagement post-restructuring
Rhiannon Davies, London, 13 October 2009

Mastering Presentation Skills
Securities & Investment Institute, London, 14 October 2009

Securities & Investment Institute in association with MHA are pleased to present: Money Laundering & Terrorist Financing - an Introductory Workshop
Securities & Investment Institute, London, 15 October 2009

CPD Seminar: Lessons for risk management from 'The Great Recession'
Securities & Investment Institute, London, 20 October 2009

Employee Wellbeing Forum 09
Symposium Events, London, 21 October 2009

ACAS Code of Practice
JSB Training and Development, London, 27 October 2009

Training Competence and Managing Expertise in a Regulated Environment
Securities & Investment Institute, London, 3 November 2009

The HR Leadership Alliance’s 2009 Annual Congress
Osney Media, London, 5 November 2009

CIPD Annual Conference and Exhibition
CIPD, Manchester, 17-19 November 2009

The Essentials of Global Human Resource Management
JSB Training, London, 1 December 2009

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