If you’re applying for a government-related role in the UK, or you’re hiring staff who will work with sensitive public sector data, you’ve likely heard about the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). But what exactly does a BPSS check involve, and how does it relate to the broader UK security clearance process?
This guide explains what is checked during a BPSS check, how it fits into the UK’s personnel vetting framework, and what you should know about other types of UK security clearance.
What Is the BPSS Check?
BPSS (Baseline Personnel Security Standard) is the foundational pre-employment screening process for individuals working in or on behalf of UK government departments, public sector organisations, and certain regulated industries.
It ensures that individuals are:
- Who they say they are
- Legally allowed to work in the UK
- Free from unspent serious criminal convictions
- Employment-verified over a minimum period
While BPSS is not a formal security clearance, it is a mandatory requirement for many public sector roles and serves as a gateway to higher levels of vetting.
What Is Checked in a BPSS Check?
BPSS checks follow the RITE framework:
✅ Right to Work
- Confirmation of an individual’s legal right to work in the UK
- Includes verification of immigration status and supporting documents
✅ Identity Verification
- Validation of government-issued photo ID and supporting documents
- Ensures the person is who they claim to be
✅ Criminal Record Check (Trustworthiness)
- A Basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
- Identifies any unspent criminal convictions
- Helps assess initial levels of trust and integrity
✅ Employment History (Past 3 Years)
- Verification of employment, education, and any gaps
- May include reference checks
- Confirms consistency and reliability in professional history
Who Needs a BPSS Check?
BPSS checks are essential for:
- Civil servants and government contractors
- IT and digital roles in public sector systems
- Personnel with access to government buildings
- Employees in sectors like healthcare, transport, defence (support roles), and finance
BPSS is often the first step in vetting for individuals who may eventually undergo higher levels of BPSS security clearance.
Understanding UK Security Clearance Levels
While we specialises in BPSS-level vetting, it’s important to understand where BPSS fits in the broader UK government vetting process.
Here’s a quick, high-level overview of other UK security clearance levels, handled directly by government security vetting bodies:
1. Security Check (SC)
Required for roles with access to SECRET information
Includes:
- Criminal record checks
- Credit and financial background
- 5+ years UK residency
- Checks on overseas travel and associations
SC clearance is only processed through government or approved defence contractors
2. Developed Vetting (DV)
The highest level of UK security clearance required for roles with access to TOP SECRET data
Includes:
- Detailed background checks
- In-depth personal interviews
- Review of financial status, personal relationships, and foreign contacts
DV is strictly managed by UK Security Vetting (UKSV) or other approved national security authorities
3. Counter Terrorist Check (CTC) (for specific roles)
- Focused on preventing terrorist threats
- Required for individuals in sensitive public-facing or national infrastructure roles
BPSS vs SC vs DV – Key Differences
BPSS is the basic pre-employment screening for public sector roles. It checks identity, right to work, unspent criminal convictions (via a basic DBS), and 3 years of employment history. It’s handled by employers or approved vetting providers like BPSS Check.
SC (Security Check) is a mid-level clearance for access to SECRET information. It includes criminal, financial, and residency checks, and requires at least 5 years of UK residency. It is conducted by government departments or authorised contractors.
DV (Developed Vetting) is the highest level of clearance for access to TOP SECRET data. It involves detailed background checks, interviews, financial assessments, and review of personal and foreign associations. Managed exclusively by UK Security Vetting (UKSV).
Note: At BPSS Check, we do not provide SC or DV clearance, but we help organisations meet their BPSS compliance obligations as a trusted vetting partner.
Why Choose BPSS Check?
If you’re an employer hiring into sensitive roles or a candidate starting a public sector career, getting the BPSS process right is essential.
At BPSS Check, we:
- Provide fast and fully compliant BPSS checks
- Offer guidance on the documentation and process
- Help employers meet government standards with confidence
