Probity Check Essentials
WorkPro is committed to helping business easily administer national and global background and probity checks to assist with timely hiring and robust compliance management
We achieve this with a simple on-line application process and a network of accredited data sources or Partners across the Globe. This resource is designed to give insight into the process, highlight any known delays in country and provide information about checks available, data sources and a guide for prices and turnaround times.
Download a copy of the Check Catalogue that includes a definition of the check, data sources and a guide for turnaround time (for Australia).
Download a copy of the Guide that gives you and your Teams an overview of the cost of a check and a guide of turnaround time.
WorkPro offers flexibility to manage most probity checks in a secure end-to-end online platform. (The exception is International Police Checks, and we are currently designing a workflow that will integrate this check.)
Once checks are requested from the platform, the candidate will log in to their compliance profile and enter personal details, and where required upload identity documents, and provide electronic consent.
You are then invited into the platform to select the countries you’d like the data checked, or qualifications or employment validated. You’ll see the cost for each check in the portal so you can make a financial and risk assessment.
Once submitted, our vetting team will check the application and the identity and submit the check for immediate processing.
Once the check is finalised, you’ll receive an automated email to the platform to view/download the check.
WorkPro is accredited to access certain databases, and partners with probity check specialists in some countries to get access to other databases or sources of information.
We are provided with a guide for typical turnaround times here which is included in our Catalogue. We ask you to use these times as a guide only as we are not in control of the process, and in many cases, the check is manual, so the chain of events can be elongated depending on the availability of personnel to conduct the check.
We have designed and implemented as many automated workflows as possible to ensure we are able to finalise your check in a timely manner. We also work with our appointed partners and Agencies to minimise delays and exceeded timeframes and strive to have all checks finalised in a sensible timeframe.
Requests for Information (RFIs)
We make every effort to capture all required details during the application process. However, from time to time, additional information may be requested to complete a probity check.
Probity checks can be complex, and in many cases, we won’t know further details are required until after the check has been submitted.
If we receive an RFI, our team will notify you within hours to minimise delays. We ask that you work promptly with your candidate to provide the requested information and return it to us as soon as possible.
The WorkPro platform will send automated reminders every 48 hours while the RFI remains outstanding. If no response is received after four reminders, the check will be automatically cancelled, and the full check fee will still apply.
Please note: Any delay in responding to an RFI will delay the completion of the check. Once the additional information is returned to our partner, the standard turnaround time for the check will restart.
Requesting to Withdraw a Check
There may be times when you need to withdraw a check after it has been submitted for processing.
Whilst we take every effort to minimise cancellation fees, once the check is submitted, processing commences which means fees may apply for the withdrawn check, depending on when you advise you would like to withdraw it. This link outlines details of cancellation fees that will be applied to your account in the next billing period.
Some probity checks may be delayed if there is manual processing involved. This delay depends on the check and country.
NOTICE 20th March 2026:
Due to ongoing regional conflict affecting international public records and verification services across parts of the Middle East., a state of emergency has been declared in some areas. This has resulted in the temporary closure of non-essential government offices and reduced staffing across other institutions, which is impacting processing timeframes.
Suspended services
The following services are currently unavailable:
- Iran: Criminal Records Checks are suspended indefinitely
- Lebanon: Services in Southern Lebanon are suspended
- Israel: Financial Regulatory Search is suspended
Delayed services
Processing delays may occur in the following countries:
Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, UAE
We are continuing to monitor the situation closely with our international partners and will provide further updates as more information becomes available.
WorkPro continues to vet and submit all probity checks as usual, so please continue to lodge them as normal.
Thanks for your patience and understanding while we work with our partner to restore normal processing times.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are probity checks used for in recruitment and workforce compliance?
Probity checks are used to help employers assess whether a candidate meets the integrity, trust, and compliance standards required for a role. They are often used where positions involve regulated work, vulnerable people, financial responsibility, licensing requirements, or access to sensitive information.
What types of checks are usually included in a probity screening process?
A probity screening process can include criminal history checks, qualification checks, employment history checks, work rights checks, licence or registration checks, and other role-specific verifications. The right combination depends on the responsibilities of the role and the level of risk involved.
How should an employer decide which checks to include in a probity screening process?
An employer should choose checks based on the role’s duties, the level of trust involved, any legal or regulatory obligations, and the organisation’s internal risk framework. The goal is to make sure the screening is relevant, proportionate, and aligned to the actual role requirements.
Why do probity checks take different amounts of time to complete?
Probity checks can take different amounts of time depending on the type of check, the country or jurisdiction involved, the responsiveness of the source, and whether manual review is required. Some checks are returned quickly, while others depend on external agencies or verification partners.
What usually causes delays in probity checks?
Delays can happen when additional information is needed, when records are incomplete, when a check depends on manual processing, or when external authorities are experiencing backlogs. Delays are often linked to the data source or issuing body rather than the employer’s own process.
What happens if more information is needed after a probity check has started?
If more information is needed, the check may pause until the missing details or documents are provided. This can happen if there is incomplete information, a mismatch in records, or a request from the verification source for clarification or extra evidence.
Can turnaround times change after additional information is submitted?
Yes. In many cases, the processing timeframe may change once additional information is provided because the check resumes from the point at which the source can continue assessing it. Employers should factor this into recruitment timelines where complex checks are involved.
Can a probity check be cancelled or withdrawn after it has been requested?
In many cases, a probity check can be cancelled or withdrawn, but whether this is possible and whether fees apply depends on the stage of processing and the provider’s cancellation rules. Employers should review these terms before requesting higher-volume or more complex checks.
How should completed probity checks be reviewed and stored?
Completed probity checks should be reviewed in line with the role requirements, internal policies, and legal obligations that apply to the employer. Records should be stored securely, accessed only by authorised people, and retained only for as long as they are needed under the relevant policy or legal framework.
Who usually provides the information used in probity checks?
Probity checks may rely on a mix of official databases, issuing authorities, accredited channels, verification partners, and other approved sources, depending on the check type. The exact source of information will vary based on what is being verified.
How can employers reduce delays in a probity screening process?
Employers can reduce delays by collecting accurate information early, making sure candidates understand what documents are required, responding quickly to requests for more information, and using a process that gives clear visibility over outstanding actions. Preparation often has a major effect on turnaround time.
What should a business look for when choosing a process to manage probity checks?
A business should look for a process that supports appropriate check selection, clear communication, secure recordkeeping, visibility over progress, and consistent handling across different check types. The main issue is not just ordering checks, but managing them in a way that supports timely and reliable decision-making.
