What is BS7858 Screening?
If you work in an industry where security is paramount, you’ve probably heard of BS7858 screening. In our experience, it is a source of confusion for those not experts in the field of background screening.
Here we’ll answer the most common questions about BS7858.
What is BS7858 screening?
So, what is BS7858 screening?
Basically, this is a collection of background checks that helps employers in certain secure industries make safe recruitment decisions.
Its full title is actually BS 7858:2019. This looks more complicated than it actually is, so we’ll breakdown what each part of the title means.
The ‘BS’ means that this is a standard set by the British Standards Institute (BSI).
The BSI are the UK’s national standards body, responsible for setting standards and creating best practice guidance across the UK economy.
The ‘7858’ is simply the number of this standard. The BSI manage tens of thousands of different standards, ranging from information security to agriculture.
The 2019 is the year of the most recent update to BS7858.
What checks are included in BS7858 screening?
According to the BS7858 code of practice, accredited screening packages should include:
ID Verification Checks
Right to Work Checks
5- or 10-year Occupational History Check – This should include an analysis of any periods of self-employment and employment gaps of more than 31 days.
Financial Checks – These should cover bankruptcy, IVA and insolvency, CCJ’s and any other relevant adverse financial information.
Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs) & Sanctions Checks. These should search for the individual's name(s) against various national and international sanctions, watchlists and fraud databases.
When would I need BS7858 Screening?
BS7858 was originally designed just for the security industry. But the comprehensive nature of the standard means it is now more widely applied.
The standard is only mandatory for those wanting to join the Security Industry Association’s (SIA) Approved Contractor Scheme. Any organisation offering screening to the BS7858 standard also needs to be accredited under this scheme.
Although this standard isn’t necessary for anyone else, many choose to follow it.
The BSI recommend BS7858 for:
“Any organization outside of the security sector which wants to screen people employed in sensitives areas such as critical infrastructure sites and those with access to sensitive information, materials or technology.”
The most common industries where BS7858 is followed, outside of security, are:
Facilities management companies
Human resource departments
Retail sector
Sports/entertainment sector
Local government
Basically any organisation where staff are likely to work in secure environments are recommended to follow the standards.
Is BS7858 screening a legal requirement?
The BS7858 is not a legal requirement. However, it is a regulatory requirement for anyone wanting to join the SIAs Approved Contractor Scheme.
If you need your staff vetted under the SIAs Approved Contractor Scheme, you need to contact them directly.
If you are wanting to complete the checks recommended in the BS7858 standard, Personnel Checks can help. We can support your recruitment with all of the background checks listed above.
For more information get in touch on 01254 355650 or submit a form here.