BS 7858 Security Screening: What It Is and Why It Matters

What is BS 7858 Security Screening?

BS 7858 is the British Standard for security screening of individuals employed in a secure environment. BS7858 Security Screening helps organisations obtain essential background information to make informed hiring decisions based on risk assessment. This rigorous vetting process is designed to ensure that individuals who have access to sensitive information, critical infrastructure, or secure premises are thoroughly vetted for trustworthiness and reliability.

What’s Included in a BS 7858 Package

A BS 7858 package includes several checks designed to provide a holistic view of a candidate's background:

• Identity Check: Verification of official identification documents to confirm the individual’s identity.
• Employment History Check (5 years): Review and verification of the candidate's employment history for the past five years.
• UK Right to Work Check: Validation of documents confirming the individual’s right to work in the UK.
• Unspent Criminal Record (Basic DBS): Check for any unspent criminal convictions.
• 5-Year Address History: Verification of the candidate’s residential addresses over the past five years.
• Credit Check: Assessment of the individual’s financial history to identify potential financial pressures or risks.
• AML PEPs & Global Sanctions Check: Screening against anti-money laundering (AML) protocols, Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs), and global sanctions lists.
• Directorship Check: Review of the candidate’s directorship history to identify any conflicts of interest or governance issues.

This package is tailored for candidates based in the UK. For international checks, organisations can contact Complygate here to discuss specific requirements.

Who Needs BS7858 Security Screening?

For the Security Industry: Organisations within the security sector must adhere to BS 7858 standards to gain approval from the Security Industry Authority (SIA). The SIA, under the Private Security Industry Act 2001, mandates that all security personnel meet stringent vetting requirements to ensure the highest levels of integrity and trustworthiness. Companies seeking SIA Approved Contractor Scheme status must demonstrate compliance with BS 7858 to validate their commitment to security and professionalism.

For Sensitive Non-Security Roles: BS7858 vetting is essential for any organisation that requires stringent vetting of personnel working in sensitive areas. This includes sectors like retail, sports, entertainment, facilities management, and local government, where employees may have access to sensitive data, materials, or technology. By implementing BS7858 screening, these organisations can protect their assets, data, and reputation from potential internal threats.

BS7858:2012 vs. BS7858:2019

BS7858 Vetting underwent significant updates in 2019 to enhance the robustness and comprehensiveness of security screening processes. The 2012 version primarily focused on basic identity, employment, and criminal record checks, providing a foundational level of vetting. However, the 2019 revision introduced several key enhancements to address emerging security challenges and ensure a more thorough assessment of candidates.

These updates include a more detailed credit check, the inclusion of global sanctions and PEPs (Politically Exposed Persons) checks, and a more rigorous examination of address history and right to work status. Additionally, the 2019 standard places greater emphasis on continuous monitoring and reassessment, ensuring that individuals maintain their suitability for sensitive roles over time.

Why BS7858 Security Standard?

Confidence: The implementation of a single, robust standard like BS7858 assures both companies and the public that individuals working in secure environments are thoroughly vetted and reliable. This confidence is crucial when dealing with critical infrastructure and sensitive information, as it ensures that only competent and trustworthy personnel are employed.

Minimising Risk: Employers benefit from BS7858 security screening by showing their workforce's competence. This process helps identify and exclude candidates with concerning red flags or significant discrepancies, thereby reducing potential risks associated with hiring unvetted individuals.

Holistic Vetting Approach: BS7858 offers an all-inclusive vetting process that includes essential checks and additional screening solutions. This approach provides a complete assessment of an individual's financial history, criminal background, and global footprint, ensuring that all aspects of their profile are scrutinised before employment.

BS 7858 security screening is an essential process for any organisation that values security and compliance. By implementing the right vetting procedures, you can protect your business from potential threats, enhance your reputation, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. For more information on how BS 7858 screening can benefit your organisation, contact Complygate today.

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