Recruitment firm launches its own passport check system

In response to increased security measures at UK airports, national recruitment firm Encore Personnel has announced the launch of its ‘Agency Passport’ system to the UK aviation sector.

Through the Agency Passport, employers are able to see and review full, detailed documentation pertaining to each potential candidate – both land and airside – to ensure all personnel surpass the stringent security checks required of airport staff.

Lucy Dean, senior consultant at Encore Personnel, said: “Each candidate with the potential to work in UK airports requires a set of documents to ensure they have a ‘work ready’ status, completed in line with Heathrow online standards and Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) audit status, as well as meeting our own high internal audit criteria.

“With this in mind – and to offer additional protection to our clients – we have developed our Agency Passport system, a rigorous auditing process that is being rolled out for each potential candidate looking to work in this sector, including above and below wing staff, ground staff, forklift truck drivers and warehouse cargo operatives.”

To support its growing client base in airfreight, Encore manages the process from start to finish, meaning that clients have a lower candidate processing time and candidates are able to acquire the relevant airside and landside clearance more quickly and efficiently.

Documentation includes applicant forms, ID checks, reference files, declarations, aviation clearance and proof of relevant skills and qualifications.

Additionally, all of Encore’s airfreight recruitment meets the compliance standards as instructed by the CAA, including a five-year checkable work history, proof of a valid level D certificate (Cargo Operative Course), a DBS check and tamper-proof ID card.

Lucy added, “In light of the increased counter-terrorism measures that have been put in place in recent years, it is our responsibility as recruitment consultants to both advise our clients of these requirements and ensure that we are doing everything that we can – not just the bare minimum – to assess the suitability of our candidates for roles in the aviation industry.

“Our clients put their trust in us to source dependable candidates and to produce the relevant documentation for each of their employees to comply with internal and external auditing. It is through the ‘Agency Passport’ we are able to support our clients most effectively and remove all traceable risks for their potential employees.”