A career in public service can be a rewarding path to follow, with many opportunities to be involved in unique types of work. While some choose to put their skills to work at the local or state levels of government, others decide to look for employment with the many departments of the federal government. Doing so often requires bringing specific skills to the table. Still, applicants will be expected to complete other stringent requirements, including passing the necessary background checks for government work. 

These background check requirements are essential to understand when pursuing an interest in government jobs. Unlike the vetting process one might undergo for a regular job with a private business, the government has a much keener interest in protecting itself, the public, and the public's money from wrongdoing. Hence, background check procedures for government employees are very stringent & detailed. To better understand the background checks for government employees, one should first comprehend the nature of their responsibilities. Let’s begin with first understanding the nuanced roles of government employees.

 

Index Unique responsibilities of government employees Risks involved in hiring government employees without Background verification What should be covered in a government employee background check? Benefits of comprehensive background verification FAQs

Unique responsibilities of government employees

The Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan establishes the roles and responsibilities of each government level. The Federal Government, for example, is responsible for the country’s defense and currency creation. All of these responsibilities are spelled out in our constitution. A government employees’ list of obligations and tasks is seemingly limitless. However, here are some common duties and responsibilities of government employees in Pakistan:

1. Adherence to Rules and Regulations: 
   Government employees are expected to adhere to the rules, regulations, and policies set by the government and their respective departments. They are expected to conduct their duties in accordance with the law and established procedures.
   
   
2. Adherence to Rules and Regulations: 
   Government employees are expected to adhere to the rules, regulations, and policies set by the government and their respective departments. They are expected to conduct their duties in accordance with the law and established procedures.
   
   
3. Upholding Public Interest: 
   Government employees are expected to work in the best interests of the public and the government. They should act impartially and without bias in carrying out their duties.
   
   
4. Accountability and Transparency: 
   Government employees are accountable for their actions and decisions. They are expected to maintain transparency in their work and be open to scrutiny by the public and government authorities.
   
   
5. Ethical Conduct:
   Government employees are expected to conduct themselves ethically and with integrity. They should avoid conflicts of interest, corruption, and any form of unethical behavior.
   
   
6. Efficient Resource Management: 
   Government employees are responsible for managing resources efficiently and effectively. This includes financial resources, human resources, and other assets entrusted to them.
   
   
7. Compliance with Laws and Policies 
   Government employees are expected to comply with all relevant laws, policies, and guidelines. They should stay updated on changes in regulations and ensure their work complies with them.
   
   
8. Professional Development:
   Government employees are encouraged to engage in continuous learning and professional development to enhance their skills and knowledge in their respective fields.
   
   
9. Teamwork and Collaboration: 
   Government employees often work in teams and are expected to collaborate with colleagues, other government departments, and external stakeholders to achieve common goals and objectives.
   
   
10. Public Relations: 
    Government employees may be required to interact with the public, address grievances, provide information, and represent the government professionally and courteously.
    

This is an overview of the duties and responsibilities that government employees in Pakistan are expected to uphold. Specific roles within the government may have additional responsibilities based on the nature of the position and the department or agency they work for.

Risks involved in hiring government employees without Background verification

Government employees are public servants, & most of them are appointed by public votes. The public, nonetheless, wants honest politicians who have integrity, and operate within the rules, over and above delivering outcomes, finds a new report by the UCL Constitution Unit. To cater to this image of an honest public servant, background checks play a crucial role, however, disregard for background checks can result in government employees who are unfit for such responsible roles.  

Here are the risks involved in hiring government employees, when you fail to conduct a background check. 

• Accessing the Wrong Talent: 
  Government jobs have specific requirements when searching for new employees to add to their teams. Every staff member has a purpose, and their success depends on their skills. Unfortunately, some candidates over-sell themselves on their resumes to improve their chances of being hired. Failing to conduct a background check means one can’t be certain that the credentials their candidate claims are real. 
  
  In certain government roles, where specific certifications are required for a professional to do their job safely, hiring unqualified talent is extremely dangerous. Also, a government officer is required to have a certain amount of experience, depending on their job specifications. Hiring someone with less experience or knowledge than they claim to have could also harm the rest of the team members in that government body, who may have to cover for the newcomer’s inadequacies.
  
  
• Exposure to Criminal Activity: 
  Failure to conduct a background check may also mean that the vacant seat ends up with someone with a criminal history. Although there’s no guarantee a person with a criminal background will have malicious intent toward the government or their role in particular, yet, it drives up risks. Various instances of corruption, stolen cash, fraud, and cybercrime by civil employees is a reality and it’s particularly important to ensure that government bodies do not bring an extra outside risk into their organization. Examining the candidate’s history will give an insight into whether they’ve ever been accused of government-harming activities in the past. 
  
  
• Threat to state security and assets:  
  Hiring an employee without verifying them also places people and the state’s assets at risk. If a new staff member has a dubious employment record, which was omitted in their credentials, this places not just other employees in the office in harm’s way but also the public. Consequently, the specific wing of the government or the country could suffer legal repercussions, too.   
  
  
• Reputation Problems: 
  As the saying goes, “Government by the people and for the people!” The people hired as civil servants reflect the governance of that country. Government employees are essentially the faces of a country, showing politicians, diplomats, and people of other countries what a country stands for. If it comes to light that one of the members has a negative history, this can significantly influence the country’s image.
  Most people will judge countries not just by the actions of their civil servants and the things they say, but by the way that official members conduct themselves in everyday environments. Doing a background check helps ensure that those people are hired people who uphold the values and expectations of the public and the country.  Alternatively, if a wrong person is hired, it could end up scaring away foreign investors, and diplomatic partners who get the wrong impression about the country.
  
  

What should be covered in a government employee background check?

Government employees are necessarily subject to a thorough vetting process that involves more than the verification of prior employment. Many government positions require security clearance and a suitability review process that can take months to complete. Listed below are the different types of checks included in a government employee screening:  

• Criminal background checks at the federal, state, and county levels
• Identity Check 
• International background searches
• Drug and substance abuse screenings
• Credit records checks
• Verification of education and prior employment
• Professional references check

A more in-depth government employment background check may also include:  

• Searching the FBI’s fingerprint database
• Checking a candidate’s residential address history

Additionally, government jobs may require security clearance checks, which can add to the overall processing time. It’s essential for applicants to be patient and prepared for potential delays, as the thoroughness of the background check process is crucial for ensuring the integrity and security of government positions. Applicants should also ensure they provide accurate and complete information to expedite the screening process.  

Benefits of comprehensive background verification

Government employee screening can range in depth and scope depending on the position. Regardless, there are high expectations for government employees to portray ethical behaviour daily. Citizens and government regulators demand public workers meet their job responsibilities in a morally and socially acceptable manner. It is also required of them to demonstrate honesty, integrity, and fairness. 

Background checks allow the government to get a more complete picture of a candidate, which may help them:

• Hire the most qualified candidate;
• Avoid workplace harassment and safety issues;
• Prevent theft and other criminal behaviour; and
• Preserve their company reputation and brand image.

The checks that makeup government background screening programs help verify candidates’ qualifications, assess their trustworthiness, and identify any potential risks that could compromise national security or public safety. These can mitigate the likelihood of hiring individuals with a history of criminal activity, fraud, or other misconduct.

It probably goes without saying, but a background check for government employment is vital due to the sensitive nature of government roles and access to confidential information. A personnel security clearance is required before a government employee may access classified information, assets, or work sites.

For this reason, it is important to choose a screening partner who is as invested in the hiring process as you are. Check Xperts customize solutions for your unique organization and the various positions you are trying to fill. They work with organizations whether large or small, helping them build dependable workforces. When you partner with Check Xperts, you work with a top background check company that is invested in your hiring success. They keep things simple, compliant, and effective. 

FAQs

1. Is background verification a mandatory part of government employment? 
   Background verification for government employees is even more stringent and detailed as compared to regular background vetting for employment. This includes criminal background checks at the federal, state, and county levels, identity checks, international background searches, drug and credit record checks, and prior employment and professional references checks.  
   
   
2. Can I get a government job if there are discrepancies in my record? 
   Disc discrepancies in your record may hinder your chances of getting a government job, as background checks are thorough and integrity is a key criterion.
   
   
3. What if an employee commits a crime or fraud after getting a government job? 
   If a government employee commits a crime or fraud after being hired, they could face disciplinary action, including termination and potential legal consequences.