What are the Distinctions Between BPSS Checks and BS7858?

In the realm of personnel and security screening, two terms often surface: BPSS checks and BS7858. While both play pivotal roles in ensuring the integrity of individuals within various professional settings, it’s crucial to understand their differences to make informed decisions when it comes to employment and security protocols.

Background and Personnel Security Screening (BPSS) Checks

BPSS checks serve as a fundamental layer in assessing an individual’s suitability for a specific role, primarily within government agencies and organisations dealing with sensitive information. 

This screening process consists of several key elements:

Identity Verification: BPSS checks begin by confirming the individual’s identity, ensuring that the provided personal details align with official records.

Right to Work: Employers ascertain the candidate’s legal right to work in the country, considering immigration status and work permits.

Employment History: Thorough scrutiny of the candidate’s employment history, responsibilities, and reasons for leaving previous positions.

Criminal Record Check: A critical component involves examining the individual’s criminal record for any convictions or pending charges that might pose a risk to the organisation.

Pre-employment screening agencies, like Eurocom CI, specialise in conducting this security standard. 

BS7858:2019 – Security Screening of Individuals Employed in a Security Environment

BS7858, on the other hand, is a British Standard specifically tailored for the security industry. It outlines the requirements for the screening of individuals employed in roles where security is of paramount importance. 

Here are the key aspects of BS7858:

Residency and Right to Work: Similar to BPSS checks, BS7858 includes a verification process for the candidate’s residency status and right to work in the UK.

Previous Employment Verification: An in-depth examination of the candidate’s previous employment, emphasising security-related roles and responsibilities.

Criminal Record Check: A comprehensive criminal record check is mandatory, focusing on offences relevant to the security environment.

Financial Probity: BS7858 places importance on financial probity, assessing the candidate’s financial history for any irregularities that might pose a security risk.

Credit History: In line with financial probity, credit history is scrutinised to evaluate the candidate’s financial responsibility and potential vulnerabilities.

Gap Verification: Addressing any gaps in the candidate’s employment history to ensure a comprehensive understanding of their background.

Key Distinctions

While both BPSS checks and BS7858 share commonalities in aspects like identity verification, right to work, employment history and criminal record checks, BS7858 places a specific emphasis on security-related roles within the industry. 

It delves deeper into aspects such as financial probity, credit history and security training, tailoring the screening process to align with the unique demands of security environments.

To Wrap Things Up

In summary, understanding the distinctions between BPSS checks and BS7858 is crucial for organisations aiming to establish robust personnel screening processes. 

Whether operating in sensitive government sectors or security-centric industries, aligning with the appropriate screening standards ensures a thorough evaluation of individuals, fostering a secure and reliable workforce.