Moreover, there's an increasing emphasis on completing all four key elements of the BPSS standard – identity, employment history, verification of unspent criminal convictions, and verification of the right to work in the UK. This holistic approach enhances security measures and reduces the potential risks associated with personnel who don't meet the required standards.
It may also involve social media checks to assess online presence.
Here are three key points to understand about the twostage screening process:
The screening process, albeit timeintensive and administratively demanding, is vital every single time to safeguard your company against various risks, regardless of how minimal they might seem. Neglecting to verify a candidate's credentials can lead to several issues, including unsuitability for the job, poor performance, and legal noncompliance risks.
The time needed for thirdparty checks to come back varies depending on the provider.
Investing in the right screening software or services can reduce both the time and expense involved in processing applications, with a wide array of options available to suit different needs and budgets.
The Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check are both used in the United Kingdom for background checks, but they serve different purposes and involve different levels of scrutiny.
While both are forms of background checks, their specific purposes, scope, and usage differ significantly, tailored to meet various security and safety requirements in employment and roles of trust
The BS7858 check refers to the British Standard (BS) 7858, which provides a code of practice for the security screening of individuals employed in a security environment. This type of vetting process is specifically designed for positions where the integrity and reliability of personnel are of paramount importance due to their access to secure areas, sensitive information, or involvement in the security sector. The BS7858 screening is often required for:
Security Personnel: This includes individuals working as security guards, CCTV operators, bodyguards, and any other roles directly related to physical security services.
Alarm, Lock, and Safe Engineers: Professionals involved in the installation, maintenance, or repair of security systems, locks, and safes, where they have unsupervised access to secure or sensitive areas.
Keyholders: Employees who have access to keys or codes for commercial properties, potentially outside of regular business hours, necessitating a high level of trust.
Staff in the Security Sector: This can extend to various roles within companies that provide security services, including management and support staff who might have access to sensitive operational information.
Individuals with Access to Confidential Information: Although not exclusive to the security sector, employees in roles where they handle or have access to confidential data or assets might also undergo BS7858 screening, depending on their employer's policies and the nature of the information.
Employees in Critical National Infrastructure (CNI): While not always mandatory, individuals working in or with CNI sectors (like energy, telecommunications, and water services) might be screened to BS7858 standards due to the sensitive nature of their work.
It's important to take into account legal implications when making such decisions, as they must be rooted in legitimate concerns. Communicate the reasons for the offer withdrawal to the candidate transparently and promptly after reviewing the screening results.
Compliance Database Check Searches against UK and international databases for links to bribery, terrorism, and fraud. Identify potential risks associated with the candidate.
• Engage with the Employer: It's important to communicate openly with the employer regarding any findings or discrepancies in your background check.
• Detailed career history checks to validate qualifications and experience.
Preemployment screening is an indispensable process that allows organizations to evaluate candidate suitability and guarantee legal compliance before making hiring decisions. By conducting thorough background checks, organizations can verify credentials, qualifications, and character traits of potential employees. This process helps mitigate risks, protect data security, and maintain compliance with HR regulations.
To facilitate the process of conducting personal record checks in the UK, you can directly request your own basic criminal record check for employment purposes.
• Global watchlist checks to flag individuals involved in illicit activities internationally.
Employers rely on these checks to protect their company and maintain a secure work environment. Below is a table showcasing the key elements verified during background checks:
• Increased absenteeism
Employers often request Basic DBS Checks for positions that don't involve working with vulnerable populations or sensitive information, where a higher level of disclosure is unnecessary. The process is simple and costeffective, with the Basic DBS Check costing £23 and being easily applied for online.
What Is the British Standard for Security Screening? The British standard for security screening, BS7858, outlines guidelines for vetting personnel to prevent theft and guarantee safety in sectors like security and retail.
1. Social Media Vetting: With 92% of companies using social media in recruitment, it's essential to assess candidates' online presence. Social media can provide valuable insights into a candidate's personality, professionalism, and potential red flags.
In addition to these standard checks, some employers conduct social media screenings to assess candidate behavior. Certain industries, like finance, may require specific checks such as credit checks or directorship suitability checks.
These checks aren't just a formality but a necessary step in mitigating risks and ensuring that only individuals with the right intentions and qualifications are entrusted with specific roles.
This check is a costeffective way to demonstrate your honesty and integrity, especially when applying for roles that don't require extensive background information. Consider obtaining an Individual Basic Check to stay informed about what information may surface during a standard background check process.
