How to Do Background Checks on Potential Helpers and Nannies

Hiring a helper or nanny is a big decision that requires trust and confidence in the person you’re bringing into your home. Whether they will be responsible for your children, your home, or your elderly relatives, it’s crucial to ensure that the person you hire is reliable, trustworthy, and competent. Performing a background check can give you peace of mind and help ensure the safety and well-being of your household.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps of conducting a comprehensive background check on potential helpers and nannies in South Africa.

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Why Background Checks Are Important

A background check helps you confirm that the information provided by a potential employee is accurate and provides insight into their personal history. For helpers and nannies, this can include:

• Work history verification – Ensuring they have the relevant experience and skills.
• Criminal background check – Ensuring they have no serious criminal offenses.
• Reference checks – Getting feedback from previous employers.
• ID verification – Confirming their identity to prevent fraud.
• Health checks – Verifying they are physically able and healthy enough for the role.

By doing these checks, you protect your family and avoid potentially harmful situations.

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Steps to Perform a Background Check on Helpers and Nannies

Here’s how to perform a detailed and comprehensive background check before making your hiring decision:

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1. Verify Identification

The first and most essential step is confirming the person’s identity. This ensures that the helper or nanny is who they claim to be.

How to Verify ID:

• Request a copy of their ID (South African ID or passport if foreign) and check that the details match those they provided.
• Use online ID verification services, such as the one provided by the Department of Home Affairs, to confirm the validity of the document.
• If the helper is a foreign national, check their work permit to ensure it is valid.

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2. Check Employment History and Experience

Next, verify the helper or nanny’s previous employment history to ensure they have the experience required for the job.

How to Check Employment History:

• Ask for a CV or detailed list of previous employers and roles.
• Contact previous employers to confirm their employment, duties, and duration of work. Some questions you could ask:
  • Was the individual reliable and punctual?
  • Did they complete their tasks satisfactorily?
  • Would you hire them again?
• Check if they have relevant childcare or household management training, especially if they will be caring for children or vulnerable family members.

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3. Perform a Criminal Background Check

A criminal record check is critical, especially for those who will be caring for children or the elderly. You can’t rely solely on a good interview or references for this — you need to be sure there are no past offenses.

How to Conduct a Criminal Background Check:

• Visit your nearest police station to request a Police Clearance Certificate. The helper or nanny will need to consent to this, as fingerprints are required for the search.
• Alternatively, use private companies like MIE (Managed Integrity Evaluation) or Afiswitch, which offer online criminal background checks. These services charge a fee but are quicker and more convenient than waiting for police clearance.

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4. Contact References

Speaking to past employers is one of the most effective ways to evaluate a potential helper or nanny’s character and work ethic.

Questions to Ask References:

• What duties did they perform?
• Were they reliable and punctual?
• How did they handle emergencies or stressful situations?
• Were there any issues or concerns during their employment?
• Would you recommend them for a similar role?

References can give you a clearer picture of what to expect from the candidate on a day-to-day basis.

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5. Health and Fitness Checks

For helpers or nannies who may be working with children, the elderly, or performing physically demanding tasks, ensuring they are healthy and fit for the job is important.

How to Conduct Health Checks:

• You can request that they undergo a basic medical check-up to ensure they are physically capable of performing their duties.
• For nannies working with young children, immunization status (e.g., for TB, measles) may be important to ensure they don’t pose a health risk to the children.
• Some families request a negative TB test or HIV status (with the individual’s consent), although it’s crucial to approach this sensitively and with respect for privacy.

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6. Verify Skills and Training

Many nannies and helpers undergo training, particularly in childcare, first aid, and household management. These skills are invaluable, especially for nannies who will be working with children or the elderly.

How to Verify Skills:

• Request copies of certificates for any training programs or courses they have completed.
• Verify these certificates by contacting the institution where they were obtained, ensuring they are authentic.
• For helpers who may need to drive, check their driver’s license to confirm it is valid and up to date.

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7. Review Social Media Presence (Optional)

In the digital age, social media profiles can provide additional insight into someone’s character and values. While this isn’t always necessary, it can be helpful to check a potential helper’s online presence to get a sense of their personality.

How to Review Social Media:

• Look through their public profiles on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
• Check for any concerning behavior or inconsistent information about their identity or background.

Be cautious, though — people’s online behavior doesn’t always reflect their professionalism or work ethic.

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8. Final Interview

Once you’ve verified all of the above, conduct a final interview with the helper or nanny. This allows you to address any concerns or inconsistencies you found during the background check and assess their communication skills and demeanor one last time before making a final decision.

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Hiring a helper or nanny is a big responsibility, and conducting a thorough background check is key to ensuring the safety and security of your household. By following these steps—verifying identification, employment history, criminal records, and more—you can make a well-informed decision and hire someone who is trustworthy and competent.

Remember, it’s not just about finding someone to do the job; it’s about finding someone you can trust to care for your home and loved ones. Don’t rush the process—take your time to verify everything and ensure you’re comfortable with your choice.

By conducting a thorough background check, you’ll be one step closer to making the right decision for your family’s needs.

Helpful Links

Here are some helpful links for conducting background checks on potential helpers and nannies in South Africa: