Australia Post points Digital iD at job applicant checks

Australia Post has launched a new all-in-one platform for businesses and government to verify the identity of job applicants online using its Digital iD identity credential.

Dubbed Workforce Verification, the platform offers employers a streamlined way to screen candidates by offering identity, police and visa checks “in one interface”.

It is intended to accelerate the recruitment and onboarding process for both HR professionals and job hopefuls to reduce candidate dropout and administration costs.

The cost, hassle and delays for employees submitting documentation to clear criminal records check and immigration status requirements has become a serious headache over recent years. as checking requirements on organisations grow.

Failures by employers to fully check out new staff, whether permanent or contingent, has been a persistent criticism from both auditors and anti-corruption agencies when governance failures like fraud come to light. 

While Australia Post currently offers employment screening services such as police checks online, as well as in store, these are provided directly to consumers.

Using the platform, employers can invite job candidates to upload relevant documentation online and have it verified by AusPost.

The online identity checks are enabled by Australia Post’s Digital iD identity verification service, which allows users to create digital proof-of-identity.

Last month the service was accredited as a trusted identity service provider under the government’s federated identity scheme last month.

Applicants can also choose to complete the background check process in-store or start the process online and finish their check in-store.

Employers can then track the status of the employment checks in real-time.

AusPost’s head of product for identity services Christian Seely described the new Workforce Verification platform as a game-changer for HR professionals.

“Already a trusted leader in identity services and employment screening, and one of Australia’s most trusted brands, Australia Post’s new solution will verify employees faster and more efficiently through an easy to use low touch platform,” he said.

“We know the importance of businesses and government agencies knowing who they are hiring – and the strength of our offering is the flexibility to offer a dual online and in-store process, leveraging our extensive network of post offices.”

AusPost said nine customers were already signed up for the service and “many more” were set to join, though wouldn’t disclose who they were.

It is also looking to expand the platform in the future by adding “more sophisticated identity, qualification and integrity checks”.