Why Use BPSS Checks?
Reduces Risk
Verifying identity, employment history and criminal record status helps organisations reduce the risk of fraud, misrepresentation or unsuitable individuals entering sensitive roles.
Improves Recruitment Confidence
Employers can make hiring decisions with greater confidence when key background information has been verified.
Supports Security Requirements
BPSS checks help organisations meet baseline security screening requirements, particularly when working with government departments or public sector organisations.
BPSS Checks For Employers
A BPSS check (Baseline Personnel Security Standard) is the UK government’s baseline pre-employment screening standard used for individuals working in roles that involve access to government assets, sensitive information, or secure environments.
The standard was introduced by the UK Government to ensure organisations verify key information about individuals before employment begins. It is commonly required for people working in government departments, public sector organisations, defence contractors, infrastructure providers, and companies supplying services to government.
The purpose of a BPSS check is to confirm that an individual’s identity, employment history, right to work status and criminal record position have been verified before they are given access to sensitive environments or information.
Know Your Workforce
A BPSS check is built around four core areas of verification. These checks help organisations confirm that individuals are suitable for roles where trust and security are important.
What’s Included?
A BPSS check includes all the following:
Basic DBS Check
Identity Verification
Right to Work Check
3 Year Employment History
PDF Summary
How It Works
Setting up a BPSS check for your candidate can be done in just a few clicks
Enter The Applicants Basics Details
Enter the applicants name and email to create their account
Select Your Check
You can go for the standard check package, or upgrade checks for additional security and validation
You’re Done!
We will let the applicant know, and provide them the relevant forms to complete the checks.
Frequently asked questions
1. What is a BPSS check?
A BPSS check is the UK Government Baseline Personnel Security Standard. It is a pre employment screening process used to verify identity, employment history, right to work status and criminal record information before an individual begins work in certain roles.
2. Is a BPSS check the same as a DBS check?
No. A DBS check is only one part of the BPSS screening process. BPSS checks also include identity verification, employment history verification and right to work checks.
3. Who needs a BPSS check?
The time required depends on how quickly identity documents, employment history and DBS checks can be completed. In many cases, the process can be completed within a few days once all information has been provided.
4. Can BPSS checks be upgraded?
Yes. Organisations may add additional screening depending on their requirements. This can include higher level DBS checks, extended employment history verification or enhanced background screening.
5. Is BPSS a security clearance?
No. BPSS is not a security clearance. It is a baseline personnel security screening standard that verifies basic background information before employment begins.
Pricing
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DBS, Identity Checks, and Employment History can be upgraded for an additional fee.
Documents Required for a BPSS Check
To complete a BPSS check, individuals are typically required to provide documents to confirm their identity and right to work.
To complete a Digital Identity check, you will need to provide one of the following:
- Biometric passport
- Non-biometric passport + UK driving licence
- Online Banking
For employment history verification, individuals also need to provide:
- employer details
- approachable references
- reference contact details
- evidence of self employment (if applicable)
Providing accurate and complete documentation helps ensure the screening process can be completed without delays.
BPSS Check Requirements
To complete a BPSS check, organisations must verify four key areas in line with UK Government guidance.
The individual must:
- prove their identity using valid documents
- demonstrate their right to work in the UK
- provide a verifiable employment history
- complete a criminal record check (Basic DBS – this can be upgraded if the applicant legally requires a Standard or Enhanced for their role)
Employers must ensure that all information provided is accurate and verified before the individual begins work.
Where information cannot be verified, additional evidence or references may be required.
This structured approach ensures that individuals are properly screened before accessing sensitive environments or information.
BPSS Check vs DBS Check
A BPSS check and a DBS check are not the same, although they are often confused.
A DBS check is a criminal record check that shows information about an individual’s convictions.
A BPSS check is a wider screening process that includes:
- identity verification
- right to work checks
- employment history verification
- a DBS check
This means a DBS check is only one part of the BPSS process.
Organisations that require BPSS screening must complete all elements, not just the criminal record check.
BPSS Check vs DBS Check
A BPSS check and a DBS check are not the same, although they are often confused.
A DBS check is a criminal record check that shows information about an individual’s convictions.
A BPSS check is a wider screening process that includes:
- identity verification
- right to work checks
- employment history verification
- a DBS check
This means a DBS check is only one part of the BPSS process.
Organisations that require BPSS screening must complete all elements, not just the criminal record check.