BS7858 Screening Standard
This background screening check contains the latest recommendations set out by the British Standards Institution regarding the background screening (vetting) of individuals employed in an environment where the security and safety of people, goods or property is a requirement of the employing organisation’s operations or where such security screening is in the public interest.
This new standard came into effect in 2020 and is widely considered to be the ‘Industry Standard’ for vetting personnel throughout the entire employment spectrum and not just confined to the security industry for which it was originally intended.
The BS7858:2019 changes involve additional Directorship and Sanction checks but the requirement to gain one or two character references have been dropped.
Pre employment Screening to British Standard 7858:2019 is usually required for accreditation purposes so many organisations that do not require this higher level of security vetting choose scaled down versions, specifically tailored to meet their own organisational needs. Please see a list of our background screening packages for full details.
The BS7858 standard comprises of the following checks.
Applicant checks
- ID confirmation
- Five years address history
- Right to Work check – Via Identity Verification Technology (IDVT)
- SIA Licence check (if applicable)
- Directorship check
- Sanction check (global watchlists, sanctions and fraud databases)
Financial checks
- Bankruptcy / Insolvency / IVA
- CCJ (Up to £10,000)
- Credit score
- Five or Ten years employment history
- Gap referencing (more in depth and extended to 31 days)
Criminal records
- Basic Disclosure
Call us today on 01372 279 276 or visit our contact page to gain more information about this screening standard.
Turnaround time – Possible results in 24hrs via our Eform online portal.
We operate an online platform which applicants can use to complete and submit their applications with ease and convenience. Clients are also then able to use our online platform to track the progress of applications we have received.
No Registration Fee, Contracts or Minimum number of screenings required – Pay As You Go Employee Checks Service.
We are Proud to give something back so….
As an incentive for new clients to work with UK Employee Checks we promise to donate a percentage of our initial screening fee to the charity of your choice in your name. If you do not have a charitable organisation associated with your company we would be delighted to make a donation in your company name to our chosen charity Cancer Research. Feel free to call us for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions About BS7858.
1. What is BS 7858?
BS 7858 is the British Standard that outlines best practices for screening individuals working in secure or sensitive environments, especially in the security industry. It ensures that individuals are trustworthy and suitable for roles involving access to sensitive data or locations.
2. Who does BS 7858 apply to?
It applies to:
- Security personnel (e.g., guards, CCTV operators)
- Individuals with access to confidential data, financial records, or restricted sites
- Contractors or temporary staff in secure environments
3. What checks are required under BS 7858?
The standard requires:
- Identity verification
- Right to work check
- 5-year employment history verification (including gaps)
- Character references
- Criminal record check (Basic DBS)
- Credit check (financial probity)
- Global watchlist/sanctions check (if applicable)
4. How long does BS 7858 screening take?
It varies, but typically 5 to 15 working days, depending on the availability of references and the candidate’s history.
5. Is BS 7858 a legal requirement?
No, it is not legally mandatory, but it is considered industry best practice, especially for companies regulated by the SIA (Security Industry Authority) or those working with critical infrastructure.
6. What is the difference between BS 7858 and a standard background check?
BS 7858 is more rigorous and specifically tailored for security-sensitive roles, requiring a full 5-year history and stricter verification standards compared to general background checks.
7. How should employment gaps be handled?
Any employment gap longer than 31 days must be explained and documented (e.g., with personal references, travel records, or benefits documentation).
8. Can I hire someone before the BS 7858 screening is complete?
Yes, but only if:
- A risk assessment is conducted
- The person is supervised at all times
- You complete limited initial checks first (e.g., ID, right to work, DBS)
9. How long must BS 7858 records be kept?
Records must be retained for at least 7 years after employment ends, or as per your organization’s data retention policy.
10. Can screening be outsourced to a third-party provider?
Yes, many companies use certified screening providers. However, the employer remains responsible for compliance with BS 7858.
