HR Gazette: Why PBSA General Accreditation Is A Must For Screening Providers Outside The U.S.

Originally posted on HR Gazette, written by Susie Thomson, PBSA Secretary/Treasurer and COO at Matrix.

The Impact of PBSA General Accreditation on Global Background Employment Screening

If you’re a client or user of outsourced background screening services outside the United States, you might not yet be familiar with the Professional Background Screening Association (PBSA) or its groundbreaking General Accreditation programme. Launched in 2024, this general accreditation will become a vital differentiator for background screening agencies operating in regions outside the U.S., where the industry has historically lacked formal regulation.

The PBSA, with its mission to advance excellence in background screening and its vision of being the trusted global authority for the industry, has long been established in the U.S. With over 800 member companies, it has set high standards for screening agencies domestically. However, in regions outside the U.S., in an unregulated market, companies and clients have struggled to find reliable, accredited screening partners. This is where a general industry accreditation will be transformative.

Why Accreditation Matters

The absence of a recognised accreditation standard has led many clients to select background screening agencies based purely on marketing appeal rather than quality. In a world where digital presence often overshadows true operational integrity, the introduction of general accreditation gives clients a solid baseline to assess the quality and governance of these agencies. Now, companies can confidently choose providers that meet the rigorous standards required to deliver secure and accurate verifications across multiple jurisdictions.

Read the full article here.

A New Era for Background Screening

In conclusion, the introduction of the PBSA’s General Accreditation programme is long overdue. It marks the beginning of a new era for background screening services outside the U.S. and provides clients with the assurance that they are working with reputable, accountable partners. For background screening providers, this is an opportunity to elevate their service, differentiate themselves from competitors, and contribute to the professionalisation of the industry.

I encourage all companies—whether you are a background screening provider or a client—to embrace this change. Accreditation is not just a badge of honour; it’s a vital step toward ensuring a more secure, trustworthy, and transparent industry for all.

Originally posted on HR Gazette, written by Susie Thomson, PBSA Secretary/Treasurer and COO at Matrix.