BS7858 Screening Guide

Security staff are there to serve and protect valuable assets, buildings, and people. Therefore, security staff must be honest and have a reliable past history. Background checks are an essential part of recruiting in the security industry as well as many others such as the police force, finance, education and healthcare. 

When it comes to the security industry, there is an industry-standard known as BS7858 screening that we will talk about in this blog in some detail. 

All about BS7858

The BS7858 screening was initially introduced in 2012. The British Standards Institution created it to set best standards practices for screening in the security industry. The BS7858 (2012 standards) has since been withdrawn and updated in 2019 and is now governed by the Security Industry Authority (SIA). 

The BS7858 is a rigorous vetting process that gives employers peace of mind that their staff are trustworthy. 

What changes have been made since the 2012 BS7858 standard?

The 2012 standard was withdrawn on March 31st 2020, with the 2019 standard replacing it. Several changes were made, and we have detailed the main changes below:

• Character references are no longer used
• Social media checks are now included as pre and post-employment checks
• Global watchlists checks are now included
• Background checks are retained during the period of employment, with unsuccessful applicants being kept for 12 months
• Right-to-work checks in accordance with Disclosure and Barring Service identity requirements
• Permission for checks to be portable from one job to the next
• Those involved in BS7858 checks should be fully trained
• Some records are to be held for seven years after the employment period has ended 

What documents can be used for BS7858 screening?

The documents you’ll be asked to provide include the following:

• Passport
• Birth certificate
• Driving licence
• Bank statements
• Utility bill 
• Council Tax Bill
• PAYE records 

Please note that the utility bill cannot be for a mobile phone, and providing PAYE records is the best evidence of your career history. 

Other documents that can be accepted include:

• P45 or P60
• Payslips
• Employment contract/letter
• Self-assessment tax returns
• Invoices to clients 
• Accountant’s statements
• Educational qualification certificates

Some of these are applicable to those who have been self-employed. 

The BS7858 process

When you begin the BS7858 security screening process, you will fill in an application and provide documents. You will likely be contacted throughout the screening process. This will probably be to give more information or documentation as required. You must check the information you provide and ensure the names and dates are correct. If you provide inaccurate information, this will cause delays. The screening process is always done with your full consent. No one that is contacted on your behalf is legally obliged to respond to the company carrying out the screening. 

The screening company merely gather information; they do not pass judgement on the application or the candidate’s suitability. The best tip we can give you if you want your screening process to go as smoothly as possible is to download your PAYE online. This is a far easier way to track someone than stacks of payslips and P45s.