Driving smarter onboarding compliance: what we learned at the CIPD Festival of Work

By Sarah Croft | June 26, 2025 | Compliance, HR & Recruitment, News

Last week, the TrustID team was delighted to attend the CIPD Festival of Work – an inspiring event that brought together HR professionals, business leaders, and workplace innovators from across the UK. Over two packed days, we had countless valuable conversations with people tackling the most important people challenges in today’s workforce.

Here’s some of the key things we learned:

1. There’s a growing focus on Digital checks

One of the most talked-about topics at our stand was the shift towards digital. And in particular, we had lots of questions about digital DBS identity checks.

With more organisations recognising the need for faster, more efficient, and secure background screening, digital DBS is increasingly in focus. We explored how this technology helps HR teams speed up recruitment while reducing the risk of manual errors and lost documents — making compliance simpler and turnaround times shorter.

2. There’s a need for end-to-end compliance throughout the onboarding process

From identity verification to Right to Work checks, attendees were eager to learn how they can remain compliant at every stage of their onboarding process.

Many shared their concerns about juggling multiple systems, the risk of error that creates and the time they waste. Some were concerned about relying on manual checks and whether that exposes them to potential fraud, risk and fines.

We showcased how TrustID’s identity verification solutions bring peace of mind by helping businesses stay aligned with the latest Home Office guidance — all while keeping their processes efficient and auditable.

3. Integrated services are key across an organisation

We heard from HR teams, IT leads, and operational managers who are all looking for ways to connect their hiring systems – from ATS platforms to payroll and background checks. Integration was a major theme, and it’s something we’re passionate about supporting.

We spoke about how TrustID’s API-driven platform helps organisations bring together their onboarding tools into one connected ecosystem, saving time and improving data accuracy.

4. The candidate experience is key

In today’s competitive hiring market, HR teams are more aware than ever that they need to drive a positive candidate experience. Many attendees told us they’re keen to reduce friction and make onboarding feel seamless. We were excited to show how a smoother digital identity journey — with fewer touchpoints, faster checks, and clear guidance — can help new hires feel confident and welcomed from day one. It’s all part of creating an experience that reflects your brand — and builds trust from the first click.

The conversations we had at this year’s Festival of Work confirmed that digital transformation is high on the agenda for HR teams. From ensuring compliance to delivering a great candidate journey, the right tools can make all the difference.

If you’re ready to rethink your onboarding process, or you want to explore how TrustID can support your digital compliance journey, we’d love to hear from you.

Click here to contact us!