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Pre-employment screening
Access Screening vs EBC Global: Which platform delivers the best features and ROI for your recruitment vetting?
Choosing the right screening software is a critical business decision that impacts compliance, time-to-hire, and your bottom line. Both Access Screening and EBC Global are strong, accredited UK providers with automated background screening platforms, but they differ in breadth, ecosystem integration, and target use cases. This comparison aims to help you decide which is the right fit for your organisation.
*This blog post was updated to rectify previous inaccuracies.
Access Screening vs EBC Global: side-by-side comparison
| Feature / Metric | Access Screening | EBC Global | Strategic advantage for Access |
|
Core USP |
Versatility & Ecosystem Integration: 140+ checks, Open API, and part of the Access Product Suite | Automated pre-employment screening across multiple sectors: DBS, Right to Work, identity verification, referencing, and more | Both platforms emphasise automation, compliance, and time savings. |
|
Available Checks |
140+ checks via integrations: Right to Work, Identity, DBS (Basic/Standard/Enhanced), Qualification, Credit, Occupational Health, Sanctions, Directorships, Adverse Media, DVLA, and more. | Right to Work, DBS (Basic/Standard/Enhanced), Identity (including government-issued ID worldwide), Credit, International Sanctions, Social Media, DVLA, Employment History (including HMRC PAY), Disclosure Scotland, and more. | Access offers a larger overall check library. EBC covers a broad range of regulated checks including international identity verification and sector-specific compliance packages. |
|
Workflow Automation |
Highly customisable, role-led workflows with pre-built templates. Automated reminders and personalised, branded candidate portals. | Automated referencing (including sending and chasing), automated DBS countersigning, gap detection, employment timeline tracking, and bespoke application forms. |
Both platforms provide strong workflow automation. |
|
Integrations |
Open API for integration with any platform. Ready-to-use integrations with Access Recruitment CRM, Onboarded, DocuSign, CIFAS, etc. | Employment Check API available for partner integrations and revenue-sharing partnerships. Primary focus on UK government integrations (DBS, DVLA, HMRC). | Access's broader ecosystem integration is a clear advantage for organisations with complex HR/ATS/CRM stacks. EBC offers API access for partners and integrators. |
|
Support Model |
24/7 support and thorough training. | Dedicated customer support team with positive customer reviews consistently highlighting responsive and helpful service. Priority support included with Employment Check Pro. Video tutorials built into the platform. | Access's 24/7 model offers an advantage for global operations. EBC's support is well-regarded by its users, though operating hours are not explicitly stated on their website. |
|
Security & Accreditations |
Enterprise-grade security, GDPR compliance. |
Cyber Essentials and ISO 27001 accredited. DBS Registered Body. |
Both platforms take compliance and security seriously. |
|
Accessibility |
Built-in ReciteMe toolbar to facilitate an inclusive application process. | Not explicitly detailed. | Access has a published accessibility feature in ReciteMe. |
See how to ensure trust with reliable background checks
The ROI breakthrough: Access Screening’s proven financial advantage
Both platforms make strong claims around efficiency:
- Access Screening reports up to 50% faster time-to-hire and up to 40% reduction in admin time.
- EBC Global claims approximately 70% time savings on the new hire process through automation of referencing, background checks, and gap management.
Who would be best suited?
Consider EBC Global If...
You are a UK-based organisation looking for a streamlined, cost-effective automated screening solution with strong sector-specific, global compliance packages, including aviation, BPSS/government, NHS/healthcare, education, security, and recruitment.
EBC is particularly well-suited to organisations that need fast DBS and Right to Work turnaround with a simple, well-supported platform and no requirement for deep integration into a wider HR ecosystem.
Consider Access Screening If...
Your organisation is focused on scalability, broad check variety, and deep integration across your HR and recruitment tech stack. This includes:
- Recruitment Agencies needing brandable workflows and direct CRM integration within the wider Access product suite.
- Enterprise Organisations requiring 140+ checks for diverse, global, or complex roles (finance, security, high-level compliance).
- HR Teams who need an Open API for integration with existing systems and the reassurance of 24/7 support coverage.
Considering a move? The Access Screening advantage
Access Screening and EBC Global both offer capable, automated background screening platforms with genuine strengths. Access Screening is built to be an extension of your recruitment team:
- Unmatched Breadth: Consolidate your screening with 140+ checks, removing the need for multiple vendors for niche screenings (e.g., Directorships, Adverse Media).
- True Integration: The Open API ensures a seamless flow of data across your entire recruitment ecosystem, something a single-focus solution often can't deliver.
- Risk Mitigation: Enterprise-grade security, GDPR compliance, and the 24/7 support model protect your business around the clock.
Ready to Accelerate Your Hiring with a Future-Proof Solution?
Stop settling for limited screening tools. See how Access Screening's expansive features and superior ROI can transform your recruitment process.
See what Access screening software can do
Resources
5 Steps to digitising your candidate compliance strategy
A helpful guide to evolving your onboarding process and delivering a reliable compliance strategy through automation.
Candidate Screening Solutions in the UK
In this guide, we explore the importance of screening, the specific checks required by different industries, and how automated screening software can streamline the process.
Candidate onboarding checklist for UK temp agencies
This checklist gives you exactly that sector-specific guidance, automation tips, and practical steps to help you move at speed without slipping on compliance.