Welcome Address by Olufemi Ajayi (BOT Chairman)

Theme - Raising the Bar: Establishing Background Screening as a Security Risk Imperative

Good Afternoon Distinguished colleagues,

It is with great pride that I welcome you all to this year's Annual General Meeting of the Society for Professional Background Screeners. I stand before you today, not only as your Chairman, but as a proud witness, one of the founding fathers of this remarkable journey we have chosen to collectively embark upon.

You know it all began as a whisper amongst colleagues and a shared vision of a safer country.

• Can’t this background industry space be better organized?
• Can’t there be standards that reflect best practices when handling peoples confidential information?

Yes it began just like that. And like a seed it just spouted. Through countless rejections and challenges.

Like pioneers aiming to raise the bar in a new frontier, there were uncertainties. Yet, the unwavering dedication of our founding members, who juggled their demanding roles with this audacious dream, is a testament to the power of collective ambition.

Today, we stand tall as a vibrant community, not just a registered association. We are a thriving ecosystem of training, membership, and information resources dedicated to professional background screening. We have empowered 26 individuals with the Basic Background Screening Certification, welcomed 15 as Associate members, and embraced 9 organizations into our corporate fold. Our dedicated secretariat and informative website stand as testaments to our commitment to excellence.

However, the imperative to raise the bar demands continuous advancement. Our journey towards true impact and sustainability continues. Our gathering today signifies a collective commitment to raising the bar in the field of background screening. We are not just building an association; we are shaping the future of security by:

• Elevating the standards of practice: Through continuouslearning, knowledge sharing, and collaboration, we can refine andenhance our screening methodologies, ensuring they remain effectiveand relevant in the face of evolving threats.
• Advocating for industry recognition: By amplifying our voice, wecan establish ourselves as the trusted advisors to businesses andgovernment agencies, actively shaping policy and best practices.
• Championing ethical and responsible practices: We must upholdthe highest ethical standards, ensuring data privacy and fairnessthroughout the screening process, building trust and fostering anenvironment of integrity.

This is a call to action for each and every one of us. We have thecollective expertise and dedication to make a genuine difference. Letus leverage this AGM as a platform to:

• Engage in thought-provoking discussions on emerging trends,challenges, and opportunities in the field.
• Share best practices and collaborate on innovative solutions toelevate the effectiveness of background screening.
• Forge strategic partnerships with stakeholders across thesecurity spectrum, further solidifying our position as leaders in this critical domain.

Remember, the security of our nation rests, in part, on our shoulders. By raising the bar in background screening, we are building a safer and more secure future for all. This path forward requires collective action and unwavering commitment. As we delve into the discussions and presentations at this AGM, let us leverage our diverse expertise, share innovative ideas, and collaborate to raise the bar even higher.

Together, we can solidify the indispensable role of the SPBS in securing a safer future for all. Remember, the success stories we represent – every individual screened, every risk mitigated, every organization protected – are testaments to the lasting impact we create through our dedication.

I thank you for your unwavering dedication to this vital profession. Let us embark on this journey of raising the bar, united in purpose and empowered by collaboration. Together, we can shape a future where background screening is not just a service, but a security risk imperative.

Thank you