Adjudication Service

What is it? 

Adjudication is a decision-support service designed to bring efficiency and consistency to your background screening process. Think of it as a smart filter for your candidate pool.

Verified First applies your company’s client-defined criteria (your "Matrix" or "Guidelines") to background screening reports. We then categorize completed files as either 'Approved' or 'Review'. This allows you to instantly identify candidates who meet your baseline standards versus those whose history requires a closer look by your team.

Crucial Distinction: Adjudication is intended for categorization purposes based on client-defined criteria and does not constitute a final hiring decision. Verified First facilitates file sorting for administrative efficiency but does not issue employment determinations. The 'Review' status serves as a signal that the candidate may require an individualized assessment per EEOC guidelines. Your team retains full authority and responsibility to review the final report and make the ultimate hiring determination.

Note: This service is an additional cost. Please contact your Account Manager or Sales Representative for pricing.

How does it work? 

The process is designed to be collaborative and tailored to your organization’s risk tolerance.

1. Define Your Criteria*: You collaborate with your Account Manager or Sales Representative to complete our Adjudication Matrix Template. This defines exactly which findings will result in an "Approved" vs. "Review" status.
   1. *By providing the criteria, the Client acknowledges that Verified First is acting solely as a service provider to categorize data based on the Client's internal policies. The Client confirms these criteria comply with all applicable local, state, and federal laws, including the EEOC’s guidance on the use of criminal records.
2. Implementation: Once the matrix is finalized and a service addendum is signed, we configure our system to apply these rules to your incoming reports.
3. Categorization: We process your files according to your matrix.

Service Levels

• Level 1 (Automated): Files with zero flags are automatically marked ‘Approved’. Any file with a flag is automatically marked ‘Review’.
• Level 2 (Manual Review): Files with zero flags are ‘Approved’. Files with flags are manually reviewed by our team and categorized specifically based on your unique matrix rules.
• Level 3 (Comprehensive): Every report—whether clear or flagged—is manually reviewed by our team and adjudicated against your matrix. This level can include MRO-verified drug screening results to ensure consistent application of your substance abuse policy, or multiple criminal convictions within a specified time frame.

Who needs this service? 

This service is essential for organizations looking to streamline their hiring workflow and ensure consistent decision-making. You should utilize Adjudication if you are:

• A high-volume employer seeking to reduce administrative "noise."
• An organization with specific, standardized hiring criteria (a matrix).
• An HR team looking to remove subjectivity and potential bias from the initial review process.

Why run it? 

Adjudication significantly reduces the time your team spends analyzing background checks. Additionally, applying a consistent matrix across all candidates helps ensure compliance with your internal hiring policies and supports a fair, defensible hiring process. 

If you have any further questions, or need a product enabled on your account, 
please contact Verified First Client Services for assistance.

Call 844-709-2708 or email ClientServices@VerifiedFirst.com