An Employer’s Guide to a BPSS Clearance

The BPSS (Baseline Personnel Security Standard) is the degree of screening necessary for everyone who has access to government assets as part of their job.

It is a legal procedure for anyone who wants to cooperate with the UK government, and it is done to ensure that a person is not in danger of engaging in unlawful activities by executing a BPSS check. It offers layers of protection to national security and government assets.

What is a BPSS Check?

A BPSS check is a UK background check designed to limit the risk of employing illegal workers and combat identity fraud.

Because it is viewed as a procedure to assist preserve national security, individuals cannot request BPSS Clearance on their own; only an employer may request a BPSS check.

Why do you need BPSS Checks?

BPSS checks help to:

• Ensure that all new, directly hired employees are qualified for the position in issue and, when applicable, fulfill nationality standards for government service.
• Avoid hiring anybody who poses as a potential employee for commercial or personal advantage.
• Provide a solid foundation for any future NSV requirements.

What are the kinds of background checks included in a BPSS?

The BPSS is made up of four components: the right to work, identification, criminal records, and employment history (for the past 3 years). This is frequently referred to using the abbreviation RICE. In addition to the RICE criteria, the check also seeks to see if a candidate has spent any time abroad in the last three years; the standard is 6 months or more.
 

• Right to Work Check: A right to work check is a process used by the Home Office to ensure that each employee or temporary worker has the legal right to work in the UK prior to when they begin work.
• Identity Check: An ID check is an identity verification process used to assess the authenticity of an applicant's identification document (e.g., passport, ID card, driving licence, etc.). The goal is to gather, retrieve, and analyse identifying data to validate government-issued identification papers.
• Criminal Record Check: An overseas criminal record check is a background check designed to obtain information about a person's criminal history. It may reveal records of arrests, detentions, indictments, criminal charges dispositions, and penalties.
• Employment History Check: The process of establishing a candidate's previous work history is known as employment verification. This confirms the individual’s experience to do the desired job properly. It can also identify fake employment claims, gaps in employment, and job title forgery.

Who needs a BPSS Clearance?

A BPSS clearance is really a legal obligation for the following individuals:

• UK public officials
• Military Personnel
• Government Contractors
• Temporary workers under the government

Furthermore, it is a prerequisite for anybody requesting NSV security clearance.

F.A.Q. about BPSS Checks:

1. Can you fail a BPSS Check? 
   The BPSS is not intended to be a "pass or fail" check, but rather a risk reduction strategy. The goal is to guarantee that government agencies know who works for them and that any risks associated with it are managed.
    
2. Is a BPSS the same as a DBS?
   No, a BPSS shares your qualification in terms of job records, criminal background, and identification, whilst a DBS check ensures that you are safe to contact vulnerable individuals and children.
    
3. What is required for a BPSS check?
   This criterion requires verification of identification, nationality, and immigration status, as well as job history (within the last three years) and a criminal record.
    
4. Does a BPSS check expire?
   A BPSS check does not have an expiration date for UK nationals. The BPSS could be kept in effect indefinitely if the employee continues employed with the same employer.
    

A BPSS clearance is an important aspect of your background screening procedure to limit risks and ensure that the person you're employing is qualified for the post.

At Complygate, our highly qualified and experienced personnel understand how to do your background checks promptly and efficiently. Click here to know more about our BPSS Checks.