Survey Software: A Data Collection Tool Based on the Principles of the Decision Board Analysis

In 2002 the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) was established in the United Kingdom to help ensure safer recruitment decisions could be made for posts involving vulnerable persons. Specifically, the CRB may be utilised to facilitate safer recruitment decision-making practices by providing employers with wider access to an applicant’s criminal record information through a disclosure service. The disclosure service consists of both standard and enhanced checks, giving details of an applicant’s personal and criminal record information.
However, how these checks are impacting upon recruitment decisions is yet to be examined. In order to identify how recruitment decisions are being made based upon CRB information, a computerised data collection tool based on the Decision Board Analysis Technique (DBA) entitled Survey Software Version 5 has been created.
This software has the ability to administer a series of questionnaires and surveys. In doing so, data is simultaneously recorded, sorted and processed at the time of input. Databases, files, reports and forms are incorporated within the program, expanding its functionality. Further, an in-built security system, including a password protected interface, helps to ensure that all information that is entered into the software can be kept confidential. The focus of this paper is to explore the creation of Survey Software Version 5 as a tool in data collection surrounding the information utilised in the recruitment decision-making process.