Background checks are a key aspect to ensuring our drivers are fit and capable of working with us. All Sherpa drivers signing up with us will need to complete a criminal record check and work rights check through WorkPro.
1. Why are background checks compulsory across the Sherpa platform?
Background checks are a minimum requirement set by more and more new Clients. Drivers that do not meet those requirements will not be able to access those jobs on the Sherpa app. Implementing background checks helps drivers not only book more jobs from new clients, but existing clients will also be more willing to send more high-value items via Sherpa (as this is one of the most common requests we get).
2. What is included in the background check?
The background check consists of two items:
- Criminal record check
- Work Rights check
The criminal record check is made by yourself by applying for a copy of your criminal record through the Ministry of Justice. This is a free service and during the onboarding process with Sherpa, we will provide you with more information on how to do this. You can apply for a criminal record check here.
The work rights check is a background check made my Sherpa manually. During this check, we are confirming you are legally entitled to work in New Zealand but sighting either a copy of your New Zealand or Australian passport or New Zealand birth certificate. If you do not have these items, please securely upload a picture of your passport to WorkPro where our team can check your working visa status through VisaView, a New Zealand Immigration online system.
You will receive the login details for WorkPro in a separate email.
3. Can I use an existing police check and how do I upload this?
Yes, you can use an existing criminal record check that is issued less than a year ago.
You can upload your existing police check in WorkPro by following the prompts. For data security reasons, police checks submitted to Sherpa directly will not be processed.
4. What happens if I don't complete a background check?
You are of course free to decide not to go ahead with a background check, that is completely up to you. You are an independent contractor and are free to choose if you want to do Sherpa deliveries. If you chose not to complete this, you will lose access to the platform by 1 March 2020. Again, the cost of a background check is your business decision and we respect the outcome of this regardless.
5. I have a disclosable court outcome on my record. Does my account get unapproved because of this?
Not necessarily! Depending on the type of offence, whether or not you were convicted, and how long ago the offence took place, your account might get approved. Serious crimes will likely lead to account unapproval due to the nature of courier services.
Although all disclosable court outcomes will be assessed on a case by case basis, the following convictions are considered relevant for providing delivery driving services:
- Driving and road usage convictions within the last 5 years;
- Serious driving and road usage convictions within the last 10 years, i.e. causing direct loss of license
- Repeat driving and road usage convictions
- Theft, fraud and dishonesty convictions within the last 10 years
- Repeat theft, fraud and dishonesty convictions
- Assault and violence convictions within the last 10 years
- Repeat assault and violence convictions