"In 2024, our sustainability efforts became even more vital as we welcomed Sterling to First Advantage. Our combination provides an opportunity not just to grow, but to lead—with a deeper sense of purpose, responsibility, and impact. Together, we are building a global software and data company that puts people first, operates responsibly, and helps our customers make smarter, more informed decisions."
— Scott Staples, Chief Executive Officer
Human-powered, human-centered. People are at the heart of everything we do.
First Advantage is a leading provider of global software and data in the HR technology industry. Enabled by its proprietary technology and AI, First Advantage’s platforms, data, and APIs power comprehensive employment background screening, digital identity solutions, and verification services. With a strong emphasis on innovation, automation, and customer success, First Advantage empowers 80,000 organizations to hire smarter and onboard faster.
Access our 2024 Sustainability Impact Report
We are focused on operating with leading sustainability practices around people and community, environment and climate, governance and accountability, and policy and process — embedding these focus areas into our corporate culture, strategy, and objectives.
Sustainability Report At-A-Glance
The success of our company and the value we can provide to our customers lies in the strength of our global workforce. Our team members empower each other to be their authentic selves and treat all with respect, integrity, and fairness. We continue to advance employee experience initiatives to support and retain top talent. This is especially evident in the work being done to expand and invest in our six Employee Impact Groups (EIGs) -- African, Black, Caribbean (AB&C), Gen-fluencers, People Caring for People, Pride, Women @ FA, and ¡Viva!
Maintaining data privacy and security is a top priority at First Advantage. We have robust systems in place to protect against data security events for our customers’ data as well as their candidates’ data. First Advantage maintained its ISO 27001 and ISO 27701 certifications, with its Australian operations newly certified in 2024. The company also earned Data Privacy Framework certifications across its EU, UK, and Swiss locations, reflecting its global commitment to data protection and regulatory compliance.
First Advantage provides long-term education programs for policy training, security and data protection awareness, and country-specific training. In 2024, employees across 19 countries completed 131,740 training hours. The company also introduced The FA Way; a structured technical training methodology designed to eliminate waste in learning design and accelerate time to productivity by enabling trainees to perform independently sooner. This initiative resulted in a 74% increase in the speed at which new hires became ready to work on live cases. Additionally, the company scaled its award-winning leadership development program, SOAR, to support approximately 100 managers and emerging leaders, equipping them with the skills to lead with purpose, empathy, and effectiveness.
First Advantage takes its responsibility to shareholders, customers, employees, and our customers’ candidates seriously. These obligations require robust governance principles and practice. First Advantage is committed to a strong board of directors, as shown by its well-qualified directors of diverse backgrounds who oversee the Audit, Compensation, Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees.
As a global company, we are keenly aware of the impact that corporate operations can have on the surrounding environment. Knowing this, we work alongside a third-party consultant to analyze our company’s carbon footprint, including Scope 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This assessment reflects our commitment to systematically seeking ways to manage, reduce, and positively influence our environmental impact. In 2024, First Advantage continued to reduce its environmental footprint by consolidating physical offices, curbing non-essential business travel, and expanding remote work to improve operational resilience.
We believe in continuing to foster our sense of internal community by giving back to the communities in which we live and do business. We encourage and support corporate volunteerism through our FA Cares program. This past year, multiple FA Cares events were planned so employees could participate in philanthropic activities across different regions.
Operating ethically is a key priority for First Advantage. The company initiated the onboarding of suppliers acquired through the Sterling acquisition to its supplier platform, enabling the assessment of these suppliers for 2025. All suppliers are required to adhere to a standardized Code of Business Conduct which outlines key expectations for ethical and responsible business practices.
Looking Ahead, 2025 and Beyond
By engaging with newer technologies, implementing policies that foster employee engagement, and being strategic in our decision making as we evolve as a company, we intend to strengthen our workforce, so they continue to help our customers to hire smarter and onboard faster. This does not happen without an ongoing commitment to enhancing our sustainable and human-centered practices.
As mentioned, data privacy and protection is a Company pillar, so we will continue to strive to ensure customer trust is maintained. This includes the newly designed, user-friendly Global Privacy Center, which will further expand in 2024.
Our commitment to sustainability will remain strong while we continue to gather relevant information to enhance long-term climate planning and more robust reporting. Our goal is to continue delivering superior customer experiences leveraging leading technology, automation, and analytics, and expanding our extensive global capabilities supported by our vast employee base. By keeping responsible business practices at the center of our strategy, we will adhere to our company values and continue to be a trusted background screening provider.