Trust is the foundation of security, and background screening is the key to building it. 

Have you ever imagined hiring a security officer without credential verification only to find them disgraced later? Such mistakes make the businesses, assets, and reputations vulnerable. This is where thorough background screening comes into play in hiring only those of verified reliability. 

The BS7858 screening standard is a recognized vetting system that has been developed for the security industry. It is an essential backbone for maintaining safety, compliance, and trust in security-related industries.  

This guide will explain the core purpose of BS7858 checks, its main features and advantages, and best practices for implementing it. 

What are BS7858 Checks?

BS7858 is a British Standard for security screening of individuals engaged in sensitive roles, mainly in services related to security. It serves to give reasonable assurance that a full background check has been made to ascertain that the applicant is in fact suitable for working in a role where a great deal of trust and responsibility is at stake. 

The screening process assesses an individual’s employment background, identity, credit history, and criminal background aimed at preventing the risks arising from employing individuals holding unverifiable credentials.  

Though initially aimed at the security industry, BS7858 screening has since found application in sectors such as finance, healthcare, and software, where hired professionals would have access to confidential data or assets.  

Why Is BS7858 Screening Important?

Security companies have a duty to comply with regulations specific to the industry and to protect people, property, and information entrusted to them. It involves the hiring process to avoid placing in the workplace those people who, for whatever reason, maybe a threat to security.  

BS7858 compliance ensures:

• Safety enhancement: Risk creation is addressed before problems take root. 
• Legal compliance: Remain within the law and avoid being penalized. 
• Confidence of Clients: Diligently hiring responsible employees. 
• Risk Control: Reduces the risk of internal threats, fraud, or data breaches.  

Key Components of BS7858 Checks

1. Identification

Acceptable identity verification requires the employer to verify the candidate’s identity using an official document, such as a passport or driver’s license, even before the background check may commence. This step would help to prevent identity fraud and make sure that the applicant is, in fact, who he or she claims to be.

2. Criminal Record Checks

An extensive criminal background check is carried out to determine whether any past convictions would be relevant in determining the applicant’s suitability for the job. In the UK, employers generally rely upon the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to check such criminal records.

3. Employment History Verification

Examining prior work over the last five years will reveal gaps or inconsistencies. Thus, references from past employers validate the reliability and work ethics of the candidate.

4. Financial Background Checks

This financial review will ensure credit history checks and bankruptcies provide verification that the applicant is financially trustworthy. In such professional settings, where the potential employee would be involved with financial transactions or sensitive information, financial distress can lead to unethical behaviour.

5. Right to Work in the UK

Employers must ensure that the candidate has the right to work in the United Kingdom. This step leads to compliance with immigration laws and enforces preventing working without authority. 

6. Residency Verification

The applicant’s residency is examined for a minimum of five years to confirm its consistency with employment history and identification records. 

Benefits of BS7858 Screening for Employers

• Creating a Trustworthy Workforce 

Security professionals must have integrity because they deal with sensitive situations. BS7858 checks to safeguard the employment of people with clean records and verified backgrounds.  

• Protects Company Reputation 

Hiring an employee who later engages in misconduct can seriously damage an organization’s reputation. Proper vetting will ensure that the company maintains its credibility and, therefore, clients’ trust.  

• Protects Against Legal Risks 

Not adhering to screening guidelines may result in fines, lawsuits, or termination of contracts. Adhering to BS7858 staff vetting standards allows companies to comply with legislation.  

• Improves Workplace Safety 

Filters out high-risk candidates and thereby makes for safer work conditions, reducing risks to colleagues, clients, and company assets.  

• More Client Confidence 

Many clients prefer to work with security firms whose personnel is hired based on strict hiring criteria. Compliance with BS7858 reassures clients that security personnel working for them have undergone stringent background checks.  

Best Practices for Implementing BS7858 Checks

• Partner with a Reputable Screening Provider 

This is to guarantee compliance and accuracy; it is the best practice to engage a reputable candidate screening provider that is fully versed in the standards.  

• Standardize the Vetting Process 

Set in place a clearly defined policy for carrying out background checks to ensure uniformity in all cases concerning hiring decisions. Ensure that HR teams are trained in the right procedure to eliminate deviations. 

• Maintain Confidentiality 

Because of the sensitivity of personal data, background checks conducted by businesses should be maintained safely and under strict confidentiality amid regard to GDPR and other regulations on data.  

• Review Policies and Procedures on Screening 

The periodic review of screening policies and procedures ensures that current industry regulations and best practices govern the screening processes. This will keep the businesses compliant and maintain competitiveness.  

• Check with Due Diligence 

Cross-check everything, from employment details through financial records to criminal background checks, to avoid fraud slipping through an application.  

• Keep Clear Records 

Keep detailed records of all checks for auditing purposes. Good record-keeping will show compliance when questions arise from legal or clients.  

• Train Employees on the Importance of Screening 

Ensure that every employee understands background-checking processes and how they impact security and integrity in the workplace.  

Common Challenges in BS7858 Screening and How to Overcome Them

• Delayed Background Checks 

A recruitment setback by a delay in processing. Digital verification can speed up background checks, especially during a partnership with a trusted screening company.

• Obtaining Complete Employment History 

The candidates may have difficulty producing a complete work history. Encourage the candidate to be open and honest and give assistance in obtaining past employment records.  

• Maintaining Consistency 

Not all employers perform checks consistently. Standardizing procedures ensures all employees are treated with equal scrutiny, thus minimizing the risk associated with hiring.  

• Legal Compliance Issues 

A lapse in complying with data protection laws can bring legal hazards. HR teams should seriously train compliance regulations to avoid breaches. 

Final Thoughts

In this trust-based security world, being able to screen background is a must in hiring security personnel. The BS7858 standard ensures a comprehensive approach to vetting individuals into positions of high trust for the safety and well-being of the concerned parties, in compliance with given safety.  

Hence, by following the best practices and trying to mitigate challenges, Smart Workforce does its bit in forming a workforce that clients and stakeholders can trust. 

Investing in a proper employee Background screening process today can guarantee a safer and more secure working tomorrow. So, book a demo today or get a 14-day trial for free.b