Why Use BS7858 Checks?
Stronger Risk Management
BS7858 checks provide a more detailed understanding of an individual’s background, helping organisations identify potential risks before employment begins.
Compliance with Industry Standards
Following the BS7858 standard helps organisations meet recognised screening requirements, particularly in regulated industries.
Improved Trust and Security
Thorough background screening helps ensure that individuals working in secure environments are trustworthy and suitable for their role.
BS7858 Checks For Employers
BS7858 checks refer to the screening process defined by the British Standard BS7858:2019, which sets out best practices for vetting individuals working in secure environments.
This standard is widely used across industries where employees have access to sensitive information, systems, property or people. It is particularly common in sectors such as security services, finance, data centres, infrastructure, and regulated industries.
BS7858 checks are designed to ensure that individuals are thoroughly vetted before employment begins, helping organisations reduce risk and maintain high levels of security.
What Is BS7858:2019?
BS7858:2019 is the current version of the British Standard for screening individuals working in secure environments.
It provides clear guidance on how employers should verify a person’s background, including their identity, employment history and financial position.
Unlike basic pre-employment checks, BS7858 screening is more detailed and requires a structured approach to verifying an individual’s history.
The standard is often required by organisations that need to demonstrate strong security procedures and due diligence.
Know Your Workforce
BS7858 checks involve multiple layers of verification to ensure an individual’s background is fully understood.
What’s Included?
DBS Check
Identity Verification
Right to Work Check
5 Year Employment History
Politically Exposed Persons Check
Sanctions Check
6 Year Credit Check
PDF Summary
How It Works
Setting up a BS7858:2019 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 are BS7858 checks?
BS7858 checks should be completed before an individual begins work in a role that involves access to secure environments or sensitive information.
Employers should ensure all checks are completed and verified before granting access to systems, facilities or data.
2. Who needs BS7858 checks?
BS7858 checks are commonly required in industries such as security services, finance, infrastructure and any environment where individuals have access to sensitive systems or data.
3. What is the gap rule in BS7858?
Any employment gap of 31 days or more must be explained and supported with evidence or references.
4. Can BS7858 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. Are BS7858 checks mandatory?
BS7858 checks are not required by law, but many organisations adopt the standard to meet security and compliance requirements.
Pricing
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DBS, Identity Checks, and Employment History can be upgraded for an additional fee.
BPSS vs BS7858 Checks
BPSS and BS7858 checks are both used for pre-employment screening, but they serve different purposes and are used in different types of roles.
Understanding the difference between a BPSS check and a BS7858 check helps organisations choose the right level of screening.
What is the difference between BPSS and BS7858?
A BPSS check is the UK government’s baseline screening standard. It is typically used for roles connected to government, public sector work, or positions involving access to sensitive information.
A BS7858 check is a British Standard used for screening individuals working in secure environments. It involves more detailed checks and is commonly used in security, finance and infrastructure sectors
Key Differences
Level of Screening
BPSS checks provide baseline screening.
BS7858 checks provide a higher level of screening with more detailed background verification.
Employment History
BPSS checks usually verify 3 years of employment history.
BS7858 checks require at least 5 years of employment history, with all gaps explained and verified.
Gap Verification
BPSS checks may review gaps in employment where relevant.
BS7858 checks require that any gap of 31 days or more must be explained and verified.
Typical Use Cases
BPSS checks are commonly used for:
- government contractors
- public sector roles
- defence-related work
BS7858 checks are commonly used for:
- security companies
- financial services
- data centres
- critical infrastructure
Which Should You Choose?
Choosing between BPSS and BS7858 depends on the level of screening required for the role.
If you need baseline screening for government-related roles, a BPSS check is usually sufficient.
If your organisation requires more detailed background screening for secure environments, BS7858 checks are more appropriate.
Some organisations use BPSS as a starting point and then apply additional checks depending on risk.
Documents Required for a BS7858 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:2019 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 (this can be done through a Digital ID check)
- 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.
BS7858:2019 Check vs DBS Check
A BPSS:2019 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
- additional checks
This means a DBS check is only one part of the BS7858 process.
Organisations that require BS7858 screening must complete all elements, not just the criminal record check.