Jo Swarbrick

Tell us a bit about yourself and your role

I’m Jo Swarbrick, Head of Screening at Morson. I joined Morson in 2022 having built up a wealth of screening experience in highly-regulated sectors, including aviation and nuclear. I now lead a team of 13, who work together to provide a screening solution that delivers thousands of annual checks and a consistently memorable experience for candidates, hiring managers, HR teams and compliance functions. I’m responsible for the strategic vision of the team and I try to focus on keeping the client and candidate experience at the forefront of our decision making.  

In your own words, what is risk management?

There are several risks within the screening industry, from managing KPI and contract performance, to candidate and client experience, achieving SLA and always ensuring compliance for new and in-employment checks. Risk management isn’t just about covering one of those bases; it’s about having the correct people and processes in place that allow all of them to be successfully managed day to day.

What are the current risks in procurement?

In a candidate buoyant market, if you don’t screen candidates in a fast and efficient manner while creating a memorable experience, you can leave them feeling frustrated with the process and cause them to look elsewhere for a different role with a new organisation. The cost of this to a company far outweighs the cost of choosing the right screening provider which can deliver what is promised on time and works with clients as a strategic partner rather than just a supplier.

Why is effective risk management important?

Effective risk management is crucial because it helps organisations identify and mitigate potential threats and uncertainties. By proactively addressing risks, organisations can minimise negative impacts on operations, reputation and strategic objectives, ultimately enhancing resilience, sustainability and long-term success. 

How can organisations ensure their procurement and supply chain risk management is strategic and driving value?

Organisations need to align with objectives set out and agreed at the start of contracts and assess and prioritise risks, whilst engaging with the relevant stakeholders on process. Using employee data to drive decisions and being able to continuously monitor and adapt is crucial when it comes to managing supplier relationships. Investing in the right technology and training allows for team performance to be measured against value-driven outcomes.

What value can effective risk management bring to procurement and supply chain?

Effective risk management can provide tangible benefits such as cost savings along with improved supplier relationships which, in turn, supports better decision-making and business continuity. Successful risk management means reputation and compliance remain positive, bringing growth opportunities and strengthening performance in the market.

What technology is available to support this strategy?

Technology plays a vital role in supporting effective risk management by providing tools and platforms that enable organisations to manage a host of different scenarios. This includes the technology used to provide screening in a fast and efficient manner, ensuring a smooth onboarding journey for candidates and a quick and easy process for employers and referees. The rich candidate data collected in this unique timeframe is also beneficial, highlighting engagement levels and possible red flags. Ultimately, technology helps teams to identify and manage risks and to be transparent and open with clients, which supports a smooth onboarding journey for candidates and allows for a focus on continuous improvement.

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