Understanding the essentials of BS7858 security vetting.
The employment screening standard established by the British Standards Institution.
What is BS7858 employment screening?
What is BS7858 employment screening?
BS7858 is the British Standard for employment screening, often referred to as BS7858 security vetting or BS7858 security screening. Designed by the British Standards Institution, it aims to vet individuals employed in the security sector and other secure environments where roles impact the security and safety of people, property, and goods.
The National Security Inspectorate (NSI)
The NSI is a not-for-profit, independent, UKAS-accredited certification body that awards gold or silver statuses to successful applicant companies, auditing them yearly to ensure that all of them are maintaining the high standards required to achieve the certificate.
NSI certification is a mark of excellence in BS7858 security vetting.
It assures clients that rigorous vetting processes, robust risk management, and best practices are consistently upheld with yearly audits to ensure compliance is maintained. Through NSI Gold certification, employment screening agencies demonstrate their commitment to BS7858 security screening standards and provide assurance of their dedication to excellence in BS7858 security vetting.
To read more about the NSI visit their website.
The importance of an NSI Gold certified employment screening agency.
Employment screening agencies that have been awarded NSI Gold status, such as National Screening Agency, amongst only a few, have demonstrated the highest standards of security, integrity, and compliance in the industry.
This not only enhances trust and credibility but also reduces risks for businesses relying on accurate and reliable BS7858 vetting. An NSI Gold certified screening agency offers unparalleled expertise in BS7858 security screening, ensuring that every aspect of the vetting process meets stringent requirements.
By choosing a BS7858 NSI Gold-certified provider like National Screening Agency, organisations can be confident that their candidate screening is in expert hands, safeguarding their reputation and ensuring ongoing compliance with regulatory requirements.
SSAIB Certification and BS7858 Screening
For companies seeking to obtain or maintain SSAIB certification, it is essential to ensure that their employees involved in security-related services or working in secure environments undergo BS7858 screening. This requirement reflects the SSAIB’s commitment to upholding rigorous standards within the security industry and fostering trust in certified organisations.
What Does BS7858 screening include for SSAIB certified companies
The BS7858 vetting process consists of several key components and by aligning with these best practices, organisations enhance their reputation, build stronger client relationships, and contribute to raising overall standards.
- Identity Verification: Confirming the candidate’s identity using government-issued documents (e.g., passport, driving licence).
- Employment History Verification: Verifying the past 5 years (10 years if required) of employment, education, and any gaps in employment.
- Criminal Record Check: Conducting a Standard DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check to ensure no relevant criminal history.
- Financial History Check: Checking for financial stability to reduce the risk of coercion (e.g., CCJs or bankruptcy).
- Character References: Obtaining character references, especially for employment gaps or self-employment periods.
- SIA Licence Confirmation: Ensuring that the individual’s SIA licence is valid and up to date, confirming their eligibility to operate within the security sector.
National Screening Agency is certified to screen BS7858 by both NSI & SSAIB
National Screening Agency is certified to screen BS7858 by both NSI & SSAIB
National Screening Agency is the only employment screening provider to hold both NSI Gold and SSAIB certifications. These certifications reflect a commitment to maintaining high standards of security and compliance.
NSI Gold is recognised for its rigorous audit processes, ensuring consistent quality and integrity in screening procedures. Similarly, SSAIB certification demonstrates adherence to industry-specific standards, particularly in security and risk management.
Not all BS7858 vetting is equal!
By holding both NSI Gold and SSAIB certification, National Screening Agency provides an added layer of trust and reliability, giving organisations confidence in the screening processes they depend on.
For more information call us on 0800 999 7858
BS7858 is for employees working within any secure environment.
As the definitive benchmark for security screening in the UK, BS7858 sets the foundational guidelines for vetting procedures. It provides a comprehensive framework for background checks, ensuring consistency and reliability across industries.
While this pre-employment screening standard was originally intended for the security industry, BS7858 security vetting can also be applied to any industry – depending on the nature of the role – where an employee is expected to work within a secure environment.
Whether in private security, finance, healthcare, government, or aviation, there is a need for trust, integrity, and risk mitigation and the rigorous vetting process of BS7858 screening helps organisations mitigate risks, prevent fraud, and maintain a secure environment.
Implementing BS7858 screening for employees working in sectors requiring a secure environment ensures that all personnel entrusted with sensitive information or access are thoroughly vetted to the highest standards.
What’s the definition of a Secure Environment?
A secure environment refers to any setting where a person could compromise the integrity of data, information, physical or intellectual assets, or pose a threat to people’s safety. Additionally, it is highly recommended that BS7858 security vetting is used by any organisation (outside of the security sector) that employs people in sensitive areas. This ensures that all personnel undergo thorough BS7858 screening to uphold the highest standards of security.
Why is BS7858 Security Screening Important.
BS7858 security screening is an important process for organisations that require the highest level of trust and security. It ensures that individuals working in sensitive environments are thoroughly vetted to maintain safety and integrity.
Without thorough background checks and screening, organisations expose themselves to risks ranging from data breaches to financial fraud, theft, or even physical harm to individuals and property.
7858 vetting provides a structured framework to safeguard operations by ensuring all employees in high-stakes positions are properly vetted. This reduces vulnerabilities and reinforces trust within the workplace, protecting both people and property.
Beyond mitigating risks, BS7858 security screening also enhances an organisation’s credibility. Clients, stakeholders, and regulatory bodies are increasingly prioritising security and compliance, making it essential for businesses to demonstrate due diligence in their hiring processes.
A robust screening process not only ensures regulatory alignment but also fosters a culture of accountability and integrity.
By implementing BS7858 security vetting, organisations can solidify their commitment to security and demonstrate to all stakeholders that they prioritise the safety and integrity of their operations.
7858 screening for security-sensitive roles.
National Screening Agency are specialists in employee vetting and DBS screening for the Security, Healthcare, Education & Financial sectors.
Through comprehensive BS7858 security vetting, we help organisations ensure that their staff meet the highest standards of trustworthiness and reliability.
As an NSI Gold accredited employment screening agency, National Screening Agency can support your organisation in meeting these standards efficiently, ensuring your staff are thoroughly screened to BS7858.
Checks undertaken for a BS 7858 screening.
The BS7858 employment screening process includes comprehensive verification of an individual’s background.
The British Standards Institution outlines several key components in this vetting process for screening individuals employed in secure environments. BS7858 security vetting encompasses the following background checks:
Identity Verification
Confirming an individual’s name, date of birth, and address history through official documents such as a passport or driving licence, including right-to-work checks and often using digital identity verification – step in BS7858 screening.
Employment History Checks
Criminal Record Checks
Conducted through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to assess any past convictions relevant to the role. A basic DBS check or criminal record check ensures the individual does not pose a risk to the security sensitive environment. This is a critical component of BS7858 security screening.
Financial Integrity Checks
Examining financial history, including County Court Judgments (CCJs), bankruptcies, or Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs), to evaluate potential risks. This aspect of the background check is vital in pre-employment screening to prevent fraud and is integral to BS7858 security vetting.
Sanctions Checks
Cross-referencing candidates against national and international watchlists to prevent individuals involved in financial fraud or criminal activities from gaining employment in sensitive roles. This ensures that BS7858 security screening is thorough and comprehensive.
Updates to BS7858 screening standard. What Changed in 2019?
The BS7858 standard was revised in 2019 by the British Standards Institution to enhance security screening procedures, aligning with modern risk management practices. Key updates in the code of practice include the following.
Ongoing Screening
Encourages annual rescreening of BS7858 screening checks to maintain compliance and detect any new risks, ensuring continuous security in the workplace through regular BS7858 security vetting.
Greater emphasis on risk assessment
Employers must assess which roles require BS7858 security vetting based on security risk, focusing on screening individuals employed in sensitive positions.
Expanded Definition of Screening
Now includes risk-based assessments such as financial checks, not just factual verifications, enhancing the vetting process. This expansion in BS7858 security screening allows for a more comprehensive understanding of a candidate’s suitability.
Data Protection Compliance
Reinforced alignment with GDPR to ensure responsible handling of sensitive data during the pre-employment screening process as well as afterwards, crucial for BS7858 security vetting.
More Detailed Guidance
Provides clearer instructions to help employers implement effective security screening, facilitating more efficient BS7858 security vetting procedures. Detailed guidance simplifies the implementation of BS7858 security standards.
No More Character References
Previously required references are now omitted to streamline the process, focusing on objective background checks within BS7858 security screening.
Watchlist Checks Introduced
Employers must now check candidates against national and international watchlists to identify potential threats, a significant addition to BS7858 security vetting.
Who Needs BS 7858 Employment Screening?
BS 7858 is applicable across multiple industries where individuals are entrusted with security-sensitive roles, including:
Security Personnel
Security guards, CCTV operators, and control room staff who need to access sensitive areas in the security environment require BS7858 security vetting.
Financial Sector Employees & HR Departments
Staff handling sensitive customer data and financial transactions, where pre-employment screening can prevent fraud. BS7858 security vetting is essential in these roles.
Aviation / Rail Industry Staff
Personnel responsible for airport and rail security requiring thorough vetting processes to ensure passenger safety. BS7858 security screening in these sectors can enhance public trust.
Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals
Individuals with access to patients and confidential patient information helping to meet regulatory compliance in both medical and pharmaceutical fields. BS7858 security vetting adds an extra layer of trust.
IT / Telecommunications
Required for roles in cybersecurity, data centres, and cloud services. Those managing critical systems and data security, where background checks help in safeguarding sensitive data for which BS7858 security screening is vital.
High-Value Goods Handlers
Individuals handling high-value goods or operating in secure environments, necessitating comprehensive screening checks through BS7858 security vetting.
Government & Public Sector
Local councils, law enforcement support roles, and contractors working in government buildings often require BS7858 checks. BS7858 security vetting ensures these individuals are thoroughly screened.
Education & Sports
While DBS checks are standard, BS7858 security vetting can apply to roles handling sensitive student data or working in secure facilities. Implementing BS7858 security screening in education promotes a safe learning environment.
Note:
Subcontractors, temporary staff, and self-employed professionals may also be subject to BS7858 screening, depending on the nature of their role within the security industry or the secure environment.
Record Retention for BS7858 checks.
Organisations must retain screening records for at least two years, regardless of whether a candidate is hired. This ensures compliance with audits and provides a reference point for post-employment investigations if needed.
For an employee that was hired, the data must be held for seven years since last accessed. Proper record retention is a key aspect of BS7858 vetting compliance and helps maintain transparency in BS7858 security screening.
2 years data retention
For an employee that wasn’t hired.
7 years (since last access)
For an employee that was hired.
Benefits of BS7858 Screening for security-sensitive roles.
Implementing BS7858 background checks offers several advantages.
Risk Reduction
Mitigates the likelihood of fraud, theft, or security breaches by ensuring thorough pre-employment screening through BS7858 security vetting. – BS7858 security screening identifies potential risks before they become liabilities.
Regulatory Compliance
Ensures adherence to industry regulations and British Standards, avoiding fines and legal consequences. BS7858 security screening keeps your organisation compliant.
Building Trust
Enhances stakeholder confidence in your organisation’s security measures and commitment to protecting people and property through effective BS7858 security vetting.
Higher Quality Hires
Ensures candidates meet the highest standards of integrity and reliability through comprehensive vetting processes, central to BS7858 security screening.
Improved Employee Morale
Creates a safer and more secure working environment, fostering trust among staff, thanks to BS7858 security vetting.
Protecting Reputation
Helps prevent incidents that could damage an organisation’s credibility. BS7858 security screening safeguards your reputation.
Reduced Employee Turnover
Identifies financial red flags through financial integrity checks, including basic DBS checks, that could pose risks to an organisation. BS7858 security vetting contributes to staff retention.
More Efficient Hiring Decisions
A standardised process speeds up decision-making without compromising security, streamlining pre-employment screening through BS7858 security vetting.
BS 7858 Security Screening
National Screening Agency are specialists in employee vetting and DBS screening for Security, Healthcare, Financial & Educational organisations.
As an NSI Gold accredited employment screening agency, National Screening Agency can support your organisation in meeting these standards efficiently, ensuring your staff are thoroughly screened to BS7858.
Our commitment to excellence in BS7858 security vetting sets us apart.
For more information call us on 0800 999 7858
Ensuring Compliance with BS7858 employment screening.
Managing security screening can be complex, especially when tracking re-checks and evolving compliance requirements. Partnering with a background screening provider proficient in BS7858 screening can simplify the process. Here are a selection of to choose from.
Secure Your Workforce with BS7858 Employment Screening.
Adopting BS7858 security screening fosters a culture of trust, safety, and integrity. By implementing comprehensive background checks, including criminal record checks and disclosure barring service enquiries, organisations protect their people, assets, and reputation while promoting operational efficiency in security sensitive environment.
If you’re looking to simplify your security screening processes and stay compliant with British Standards, contact us today to learn how we can support your BS7858 vetting needs.
Our expertise in employment screening and adherence to standards will help you safeguard your organisation through effective BS7858 security vetting.
Implementing BS7858 security screening is an investment in your organisation’s future.
BS 7858 Security Screening
National Screening Agency are specialists in employee vetting and DBS screening for Security, Healthcare, Financial & Educational organisations.
As an NSI Gold accredited employment screening agency, National Screening Agency can support your organisation in meeting these standards efficiently, ensuring your staff are thoroughly screened to BS7858.
Our commitment to excellence in BS7858 security vetting sets us apart.