As recommended by NHS employers, NTW Solutions Limited has introduced electronic identity document scanning from 15 October 2020 for recruitment to Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (our parent organisation) and to NTW Solutions (we are a wholly owned subsidiary of CNTW).

Scanners work by taking a high-resolution image of an original document, using a dedicated reader, and comparing the facial image and security features embedded within the document to a database with data from many countries.

In line with NHS Employment check standards and to meet the requirements of the UK Border Agency (UKBA), NHS organisations have a duty to check potential employees’ documents before they are employed, to ensure they have the right to work in the UK.   If these checks are not carried out satisfactorily and the organisation is found to be employing an illegal worker, this can result in a fine of up to £20,000.

Benefits of using ID scanners:

• Provide increased assurance and enhance safeguarding of patients. 
• Allow documents to be checked quickly and consistently.
• Help to demonstrate compliance with relevant NHS Employers employment check standards.
• Provide an additional layer of assurance to the Care Quality Commission and UK Visa and Immigration of our recruitment practices.

Verifying a person’s identity is the most fundamental of all employment checks. Undertaking identity checks minimises the risk of employing or engaging a person in any activity who does not have a legal right to work. I’m delighted that as a company we provide the highest level of assurance we can to prevent illegal working in the UK.

Victoria Bullerwell – Head of Workforce at NTW Solutions Limited