“Helping businesses hire with confidence" | Laura Cruickshank & Core-Asset Verify

Core-Asset Verify is designed to support businesses to make informed, confident hiring decisions through thorough background checks and compliance screening. Laura, who oversees the Verify division, shares her experience and insights into the evolving world of vetting.

Hi, Laura! Tell us about your career journey so far?

I studied Business Management with Enterprise at Queen Margaret University, knowing it would open up a range of opportunities. I’ve always been drawn to roles that involve working with people, so joining Core-Asset felt like a natural fit, combining relationship-building with attention to detail.

When I joined Core-Asset, I began training in Verify, the company’s vetting and screening service. Verify helps businesses make confident hiring decisions by handling background checks, compliance, and due diligence. I quickly realised that my skills in organisation and detail were well suited to this work, and over time, I took on more responsibility.

Now, I oversee the division, ensuring that we provide a service that is thorough, efficient, and keeps the human element at the centre of everything we do.

What’s the best career advice you’ve received, and how has it shaped your approach?

Early in my career, I was told, “Details matter. It’s worth waiting to get it right.” When you’re starting out, there can be a temptation to try to work quickly to prove yourself, but I’ve learned that quality always comes first. In vetting and compliance, even the smallest oversight can have a substantial impact, so a thorough and accurate approach is essential. This mindset has shaped how I work every day: I take the time to ensure every detail is checked, every process is followed correctly, and every decision is well-informed.

How has Verify evolved to meet client needs?

As the hiring landscape has changed, so have the expectations around compliance and background checks. Initially, many businesses viewed vetting as just an administrative step, but more clients now recognise its importance in making informed hiring decisions and reducing risk. In response, Verify has expanded its services, refined processes, and embraced technology to provide more detailed checks, without losing the human analysis and insight that ensures fair and accurate outcomes.

We also take a more tailored approach, working closely with clients to understand their industry requirements, regulatory obligations, and specific business needs. Whether we’re handling complex international checks, adapting to new compliance standards, or offering guidance on best practices, our focus remains on giving clients the confidence to hire with trust.

What’s the most rewarding part of helping businesses with compliance?

It’s always rewarding to see the real impact of the service. Vetting is often seen as just another administrative step, but when businesses realise how it strengthens their hiring decisions, reduces risk, and protects their reputation, it becomes something they truly value. Watching that shift in mindset is one of the most fulfilling parts of the job.

There’s also real satisfaction in making compliance feel manageable. With changing regulations and complex checks, the process can seem overwhelming. Guiding clients through it, simplifying challenges, and providing solutions that genuinely work for their business makes a real difference.

Verify ensures people remain at the centre of vetting. Why does that matter?

People want to feel heard, whether they’re a client or a candidate. Vetting involves sensitive information, so trust is essential. We take the time to understand each business, shaping our approach around their needs and keeping them informed at every step. This is what really sets Core-Asset Verify apart from other vetting services, and it’s what makes me so passionate about our offering.

From the candidate's perspective, starting new employment, whether you are fresh out of university or have 20 years’ experience, can often feel daunting, which is why taking the time to understand our candidates is so important. It helps to build trust and to build a bigger picture of who our clients are hiring. We are often the first experience a candidate has with their new employer, so creating a positive experience is essential to what we do.

With technology advancing, some vetting companies rely heavily on automation. While digital tools help, they can introduce bias and miss key details. We combine technology with human judgment to ensure fair, accurate results. That balance makes all the difference.

What’s the key to building trust with clients and candidates?

Honesty and transparency. Clear communication about timelines, processes, and challenges keeps expectations realistic.

Every business has different needs, so listening is essential. Understanding what matters most to our clients helps us support them in the right way, making the vetting process smoother and more effective. Being open to feedback and adjusting our approach ensures we provide the best possible service, helping businesses stay compliant and confident in their hiring decisions.

How has vetting changed with the rise of digital and remote work?

We've seen a growing demand for social media screening checks in the market, which have become increasingly crucial in today's digital age. Employers want a fuller picture of candidates beyond their CVs. While this adds a layer of protection for employer brands, it also raises ethical considerations. We take this responsibility seriously, ensuring our process is fair, transparent, and compliant with regulations.

Remote work has also increased demand for international background checks. Companies are hiring candidates from a much broader geographical area, which means that employers are more likely to come across applicants who have worked in various countries or have obtained qualifications from international institutions. To ensure they are making informed hiring choices, employers should verify a candidate’s background from across all regions where they have lived and worked.

What advice would you give businesses looking to improve their vetting process?

A strong vetting process protects a business from risks while ensuring fair hiring. Clear, consistent checks help avoid costly mistakes, like hiring candidates with false qualifications. Vetting also needs to evolve with new regulations and market trends.

Working with a trusted vetting team makes a big difference. We stay on top of changes and help businesses adapt their processes to stay ahead. If your business wants to strengthen its vetting process, we’d love to help.