Thinking about implementing some extra security at your company? Well, starting at the hiring office may be the most efficient way to do so.
Ensuring safety and security is becoming more and more essential for businesses looking to scale up. The BS7858 standard plays a crucial role in this by setting a benchmark for employee background checks.
This comprehensive guide will delve into BS7858 screening, its importance, and how it is implemented to safeguard sensitive environments. Let’s start!
What is BS7858 Screening?
BS7858 is a British Standard for the screening of individuals applying for workplaces where security is critical. This standard is pivotal in roles involving sensitive data, high-value assets, or areas requiring enhanced protection.
You can get a BS7858 background check on your candidate list by getting in touch with our team.
Procedure for Security Screening by using the BS7858 Standards
Personal Identity Verification
This involves checking the candidate’s name, date of birth, and address against official documents such as passports and driving licenses. Additionally, verifying the right to work in the UK is essential, as it involves immigration status and work permits. Credit checks may also be conducted in this step to validate identity and address, providing additional insights into financial integrity.
Employment History Verification
Employment history verification is an extensive process covering a minimum of five years. All the information on employment is verified, including start dates, job titles, and reasons for leaving. Any gaps in employment, such as periods of unemployment or time spent in education, must be accounted for and explained.
Government Watchlist and Sanctions Checks
This check adds an additional layer of protection by ensuring that individuals with potentially harmful intentions are not placed in sensitive roles. Government watchlist checks are essential in maintaining the overall robustness of the BS7858 screening process.
Criminal Record Check
A criminal record check is a vital part of BS7858 screening. This involves checking an individual’s criminal history through the UK’s Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The depth of this check depends on the role; for instance, a teacher would require a more thorough check compared to a fast food delivery driver.
Financial Checks
Financial checks assess an individual’s financial integrity by reviewing economic history, including County Court Judgments (CCJs), bankruptcies, or Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs). These checks help identify potential risks associated with financial mismanagement, particularly for roles involving financial responsibilities.
Document Verification
Critical documents like passports, driving licenses, and utility bills are verified during the screening process.
Screening Timeframe
This process also requires an assessment of the last five years of a candidate’s history. However, depending on the industry or role, this timeframe could be extended. Senior positions or roles with heightened sensitivity might necessitate a longer review period.
Data Protection and Privacy
The process must comply with the GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. This ensures privacy rights are upheld and dictates how long data can be stored, used, and disclosed.
Ongoing Checks
These ongoing reviews help ensure that employees continue to meet the standard’s requirements, identifying any changes that could affect their suitability for their roles.
Who Requires BS7858 Screening?
The following positions typically require this level of scrutiny:
⦁ Security Guards
⦁ CCTV Operators
⦁ Security Control Room Staff
⦁ Sensitive Data Handlers
⦁ Financial Sector Employees
⦁ Aviation Workers
⦁ Healthcare Professionals
⦁ Private Security Personnel
Benefits of BS7858 Employee Screening
Risk Reduction
The primary benefit of BS7858 screening is risk reduction. This allows organisations to protect themselves from various risks, including data breaches and theft.
Compliance
Adhering to BS7858 is often a regulatory requirement for specific industries. Compliance helps avoid penalties and ensures the organisation can operate without restrictions.
Building Trust
Conducting thorough background checks builds trust with clients and stakeholders, demonstrating a commitment to security.
Quality of Hire
Background checks ensure that hires are reliable and qualified, improving overall staff quality and service delivery.
Employee Morale and Safety
A rigorous screening process enhances employee morale and safety, leading to a more productive and secure work environment.
Protection of Reputation
Preventing security breaches and misconduct helps protect the organisation’s reputation, avoiding potential damage from fraud or theft.
Reduction in Employee Turnover
By ensuring suitability, BS7858 screening reduces the likelihood of issues that could lead to high employee turnover.
Efficient Decision Making
A standardised background check process streamlines hiring decisions, which is essential for quickly filling positions.
Ensuring Continuity
The requirement for annual checks under the 2019 standard helps maintain compliance and security over time.
To Wrap Up
BS7858 security screening stands as a cornerstone in maintaining the highest standards of safety across various industries. By implementing this thorough background check process, organisations not only comply with essential security standards but also enhance their operational integrity.
When you ensure that individuals in sensitive roles are properly vetted, it helps protect against potential threats, safeguard valuable assets, and uphold public trust, from security guards to healthcare professionals.
Committing to BS7858 screening is not merely about compliance; it’s about fostering a secure and reliable environment. Screen your own candidate pool with the BS7858 vetting service provided by BPSS Check today!
Frequently Asked Questions
BS7858 screening is a British Standard for background checks used in security-sensitive roles. It ensures candidates are trustworthy by verifying identity, employment history, criminal records, and financial status, helping organisations reduce risks and maintain workplace security.
BS7858 screening includes identity verification, five-year employment history checks, criminal record screening via Disclosure and Barring Service, financial checks, document verification, and government watchlist checks to ensure comprehensive candidate evaluation.
BS7858 screening is required for roles involving high security or sensitive data, such as security guards, CCTV operators, financial sector employees, healthcare professionals, aviation staff, and private security personnel.
BS7858 screening typically reviews at least five years of a candidate’s history. The timeframe may vary depending on the role, industry, and complexity of checks, especially for senior or high-risk positions.
BS7858 screening helps reduce risks, ensure legal compliance, improve hiring quality, protect company reputation, and enhance workplace safety. It also supports better decision-making and lowers employee turnover in sensitive roles.
