Building Trust Through Integrity: How Sonya Lea Skipp Grew iFacts Into a Leading Employee Screening Business

Sonya Lea Skipp is the CEO of iFacts (Pty) Ltd, a South African-based background screening and verification company that provides comprehensive pre-employment vetting services to organisations across various industries. Founded in 2001 and based in Johannesburg, South Africa, iFacts offers services including identity verification, criminal record checks, qualification and employment verification, credit checks, reference checks, and other due diligence solutions.

Sonya's leadership journey has been driven by a commitment to integrity, compliance, and service excellence. Her leadership has played a key role in building a trusted and reputable screening business that supports clients in managing risk and protecting their organisations.

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From Client Liaison to CEO

Sonya joined iFacts in 2010 as a Client Liaison Manager. Due to her exceptional communication and customer service skills, as well as invaluable contributions to the company, she moved up through the ranks and is now the CEO.

Today, Sonya is considered an expert on local and international employee screening and background checks. She is constantly looking for new and innovative online solutions to ensure the process for clients is as efficient and seamless as possible.

She is responsible for:

• Brand development

• Operational systems

• Marketing strategies

• The consistent development of the iFacts online screening platform

What Makes iFacts Unique

iFacts distinguishes itself through its commitment to accuracy, compliance, personal service, and industry expertise. The company understands that background screening is more than simply verifying information—it is about helping organisations make informed hiring decisions while managing risk and protecting their reputation.

What sets iFacts apart:

• Tailored screening solutions that meet each client's specific requirements—not a one-size-fits-all approach

• Advanced verification processes combined with a strong understanding of South African legislation, including POPIA and the National Credit Act

• All screening activities conducted lawfully and ethically

Why clients choose iFacts over other providers:

• Accuracy and Reliability – Thorough, high-quality verification results that clients can trust

• Regulatory Compliance – Processes aligned with applicable legal and data protection requirements, reducing compliance risks

• Personalised Service – Dedicated support and direct access to experienced professionals

• Fast Turnaround Times – Timely results without compromising quality

• Industry Experience – Extensive experience in identifying potential risks and providing valuable insights

• Flexible Solutions – Customised screening packages for organisations of all sizes, industries, and risk profiles

• Trusted Partnership – Long-term relationships as a trusted extension of clients' recruitment, HR, and compliance teams

Ultimately, clients choose iFacts because it offers a combination of professional expertise, compliance-focused processes, responsive service, and dependable results that help them hire with confidence.

Comprehensive Screening Services

iFacts specialises in comprehensive employee screening and vetting services, helping businesses mitigate people risk and ensure trust in their workforce.

Services include:

• Criminal Record Checks – Assessing criminal history to ensure workplace safety

• Employment Verification – Confirming past employment and qualifications

• Credit Checks – Evaluating financial responsibility, particularly for positions involving financial management

• Reference Checks – Gathering insights from previous employers and colleagues

• Skill Assessments – Testing specific skills and competencies

• Vendor Verification – Supporting procurement processes by verifying legitimacy of vendors

• Social Media Risk Evaluations

• Integrity and Behavioural Assessments

• Psychometric Assessments and Training

• Employee Engagement Services

Local Expertise with International Reach

While iFacts is firmly rooted in South Africa, its experience extends beyond borders. The company leverages international expertise and maintains associations with global screening and background verification industry leaders.

This unique combination of local knowledge and international standards allows iFacts to deliver unparalleled services that cater to diverse business needs, no matter where clients operate.

iFacts is a member of the following associations:

• PBSA (Professional Background Screening Association)

• NCR (National Credit Regulator)

• Fully compliant with POPIA (Protection of Personal Information Act)

Overcoming Challenges in a Regulated Industry

Sonya's journey involved navigating several challenges common to building and leading a successful business in a highly regulated industry.

Key obstacles included:

• Establishing credibility and trust in a competitive market where accuracy, confidentiality, and compliance are critical

• Building a reputation for reliability through consistent delivery of high-quality services and a strong commitment to ethical business practices

• Adapting to evolving regulatory requirements including POPIA, the National Credit Act (NCA), and other data protection requirements

• Balancing growth with day-to-day operations, client relationships, and team leadership

• Navigating increasing complexity in background screening, advances in technology, changing client expectations, and economic uncertainties

Through continuous learning, innovation, and a focus on customer service, Sonya successfully positioned iFacts as a trusted partner to organisations seeking reliable screening and verification solutions.

Her determination, commitment to excellence, and ability to adapt to change have been instrumental in overcoming these obstacles and building iFacts into a respected and reputable business within the industry.

A Leadership Philosophy Built on Integrity and Accountability

Sonya's leadership at iFacts is focused on fostering a culture of:

• Accountability

• Continuous improvement

• Client-centric service

She is passionate about:

• Empowering her team

• Embracing innovation

• Ensuring the organisation remains responsive to the evolving needs of the employment screening industry

Her approach combines professional expertise, ethical business practices, and a commitment to helping organisations manage risk and protect their reputation through informed hiring decisions.

Industry Recognition and Credentials

iFacts holds the following credentials:

• NCR Registration Number: NCRCB37

• POPIA Compliance Certificate

• PBSA Membership Certificate

• PAIA Manual

• Information Regulator – Form 2 & Form 3

These credentials reflect the company's commitment to regulatory compliance and ethical business practices.

Client Testimonials

Clients consistently praise iFacts for its service excellence:

"Went for a police clearance and the ladies were very helpful, parking is plentiful and place is easy to find." – Genevieve Gerke

"Very helpful, kind and understanding." – Daniella Jesus

"The team at iFacts always provide a positive experience and working with their team is an absolute pleasure." – Christopher Watkins

"Excellent service and very fast, I already have my results after one day." – Ziviso Mutema

"Quick and efficient. Great customer service. Thorough in their background checks." – Wendy Harrison

Sonya's Advice to Women Entrepreneurs

"Believe in your vision and don't wait until everything is perfect before taking the first step. Many successful businesses started with an idea, determination, and a willingness to learn along the way.

Be prepared to work hard, stay resilient, and view challenges as opportunities for growth. There will be setbacks and moments of uncertainty, but persistence and consistency are often what separate successful entrepreneurs from those who give up too soon.

Build a strong support network of mentors, advisors, peers, and team members who can provide guidance, encouragement, and honest feedback. Surrounding yourself with people who believe in your vision can make a significant difference during difficult periods.

Don't be afraid to ask questions, seek help—continuous learning is essential, especially as industries, technology, and customer expectations evolve.

Most importantly, trust yourself. Women often underestimate their capabilities, but confidence grows through experience and action. Lead with integrity, stay true to your values, and remember that success is not only measured by business growth, but also by the positive impact you create for your employees, clients, and community.

For Sonya Lea Skipp, success is not just about business growth—it is about building trust, protecting organisations, and creating positive impact for employees, clients, and the community.

Quick Profile

Founder/CEO: Sonya Lea Skipp

Company: iFacts (Pty) Ltd

Founded: 2001

Location: Johannesburg, South Africa

Industry: Employee Screening & Vetting Services / Security and Investigations

Specialization: Pre-employment vetting, criminal record checks, qualification verification, credit checks, reference checks, social media risk assessments, vendor verification

Accreditations: PBSA Member, POPIA Compliant, NCR Registered (NCRCB37)

Mission: Helping organisations make informed hiring decisions while managing risk and protecting their reputation through accurate, compliant, and reliable screening solutions