Check the Box

I have reviewed many procedures and policies. I’ve conducted my fair share of internal audits. A common concern I come across is the mindset of simply checking the box. 

If you’re wondering what the check the box process includes, it’s where documents are checked off a list, and nothing more transpires. Identification documents? Check. Address verification documents? Check. Form completed? Check. The employee that receives the document is not held accountable for reviewing the contents of those documents. Did the client complete the form correctly? Is the address an actual address? Does the address match all other documents provided? Does their ID match the information given? Are details on each document consistent?

Too often, a checklist is used without proper review of what’s being checked off. In any process, one must take the time to ensure that the document meets the requirements in relation to its purpose before checking it off the list. A review must be conducted to ensure that no discrepancies exist as it may lead to issues and concerns in the future. Simply checking off boxes from a list is a pointless exercise and almost the same as skipping the process altogether.

The next time a box is checked off a list, make sure that it meets the requirements, and no inconsistencies are lurking to leave a trail for future inspectors to find.