Understanding the BS7858 Screening

What is BS7858 Vetting?

BS7858 Screening, a UK standard applicable beyond security, ensures safe work environments. BS7858 Vetting aids informed, risk-based hiring decisions.

BS7858 Vetting is a screening process designed to assess and verify the backgrounds of individuals in the UK. It involves a series of checks and investigations, including identity verification, employment history, and criminal record checks. BS7858 Vetting is a crucial component for various industries, particularly those that require employees to work in secure environments.

This screening process ensures that individuals are suitable and reliable for roles with security implications. It helps organisations make informed decisions about hiring and ensures compliance with industry standards. BS7858 Vetting plays a vital role in enhancing workplace security and trustworthiness. It provides peace of mind to employers and helps create a safe and secure work environment.

What is the latest version of BS7858?

The most recent version of BS7858, the trusted standard for vetting and screening employees in secure environments, is BS7858:2019. This updated edition maintains the rigorous criteria required for BS7858 Vetting, BS7858 Screening, or BS7858 Checks, providing organisations with a dependable framework to assess and verify individuals' suitability for roles involving access to secure areas or confidential information.

How long does BS7858 Vetting take?

The time for BS7858 Vetting varies based on individual backgrounds and screening efficiency. Generally, it takes several weeks due to comprehensive checks, including criminal records, references, etc. Employers should consider this duration for roles needing BS7858 Screening, prioritizing security and compliance.

What is difference between BS7858 and security clearance?

BS7858 Vetting and Security Clearance, though related to personnel security, serve different purposes.

• BS7858 Vetting: This is a screening process mainly used in non-government sectors like finance and retail. It assesses an individual's trustworthiness for roles involving financial responsibility or access to sensitive information. It includes checks on identity, employment history, and criminal records.
• Security Clearance: This is typically government-related and pertains to national security. It involves in-depth investigations, interviews, and background checks. Security clearance comes in various levels like SC (Security Check) and DV (Developed Vetting) and often includes access to classified information.

BS7858 Vetting suits various industries needing standard security checks, while Security Clearance is an extensive process for high-security positions tied to classified data and national interests. Your choice depends on your industry and specific security demands.

What is acceptable proof of address for BS7858 Check?

For a BS7858 Check, individuals must provide official documents that verify their address. These include utility bills (e.g., gas, electricity), bank statements, council tax statements, and official government letters (e.g., from HM Revenue and Customs). Such documents should display the applicant's name and current address, dated within the last three months.

What do vetting officers check in BS7858 Screening?

BS7858 is a British Standard for security screening and vetting procedures for individuals working in roles where security and trustworthiness are paramount. Vetting officers check the following in BS7858 security screening:

• Identity: Identity check establishes the applicant's identity by examining their passport, driver's licence, or other government-issued id.
• UK Right to work: The Right to Work in the UK check confirms that the applicant is legally permitted to work in the United Kingdom.
• Unspent criminal record (basic DBS): This check checks for any unspent convictions on the applicant's criminal record.
• 5-years address history: This check verifies the applicant's residential history over the last 5 years.
• Credit check: A credit check screens for any unfavourable information about the applicant's credit history.
• AML PEPs & global sanctions check: An AML PEPs & Sanctions check compares the application to databases of known criminals, terrorists, and sanctioned persons.
• Directorship Check: A directorship check determines whether the applicant is a director of any company that has been involved in financial or legal issues.

Is BS7858 Check a legal requirement to work in the Security industry?

The BS7858 screening is a well-known and widely approved standard for personnel screening in the security profession in the United Kingdom. It is important to note, however, that BS7858 check is not a legal requirement enforced by the government or any regulatory entity. Instead, it is a voluntary norm accepted by businesses, particularly those in industries that require thorough employee verification for security reasons.

Does BS7858 Screening include DBS Check?

BS7858 screening generally do not include DBS checks for roles within the security industry that require an SIA license. This is because the SIA performs its own rigorous criminal background checks during the registration procedure. However, for roles that do not need an SIA licence, a Basic DBS check may be part of the BS7858 vetting process to verify individuals fulfil the appropriate security and integrity criteria for employment in the sector.

What does BS7858 Screening include?

BS7858 Screening package includes the following:

• Identity Check
• 5-year employment history check
• Right to work in the UK check
• Unspent criminal record (basic DBS)
• 5-year address check
• Credit Check
• AML PEPs & global sanctions check
• Directorship check

What can make you fail BS7858 Screening?

BS7858 check is a thorough procedure that assesses an individual's background, character, and integrity, particularly for professions that need a high level of trust and responsibility. While the particular criteria for passing or failing the screening may differ significantly depending on the organisation, there are a few common causes that might result in a failed BS7858 vetting:

• Criminal Convictions: A history of serious criminal convictions, such as violence or dishonesty may fall into this category.
• Outstanding Legal Issues: During the screening process, any ongoing legal concerns, such as outstanding criminal charges or unresolved civil disputes, might be a reason to worry.
• Financial Instability: A history of financial issues, such as bankruptcy, unpaid debts, or poor credit history, can also raise red flags during the screening process.
• Employment Gaps or inconsistencies: Gaps or inconsistencies in an individual's employment history may raise eyebrows during screening.

While these issues may all lead to a failed BS7858 security screening, each organisation may have its own set of criteria and risk assessment parameters. Individuals who have made mistakes in the past but have demonstrated rehabilitation and a desire for positive change may still have an opportunity to pass the screening.

Conclusion

BS7858 vetting is a vital process that goes beyond mere security checks; it helps in the formation of secure and trustworthy work environments in a various of sectors around the UK. This standard, as demonstrated by the most recent version, BS7858:2019, provides a reliable framework for evaluating individual's suitability for roles that require accessibility to secure areas or confidential data. While not a legal necessity, BS7858 screening is generally recognised and adopted by companies, providing employers with peace of mind and enhancing workplace security. Complygate offers BS7858 screening package, that includes extensive checks, which makes it critical in making informed hiring decisions and ensuring secure workplaces.

Contact us if you need any further assistance on BS7858 vetting or book a demo to get an insight about our BS7858 screening package.