In the UK security industry, hiring honest and competent staff is essential. Your staff has the responsibility of protecting individuals, property, and sensitive information, and a poor hiring decision could result in reputational damage, lost money, or legal cases. This is the importance of thorough background checking.

But one question is in the back of every employer’s mind: How much does a background check cost?

This guide provides a more in-depth understanding of background check costs in the UK security industry, the variables that affect cost, and how you can save money and still obtain value without compromising compliance or thoroughness. 

Types of Background Checks and Their Associated Costs

Different types of background checks come with different price tags. Here’s a breakdown of the most used checks in the security sector, determining how much does a background check costs:

• Basic DBS Check: £18 to £25 per check. This discloses unspent criminal convictions.
• Standard DBS Check: £38 to £45. Covers both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and final warnings.
• Enhanced DBS Check: £60 to £70. Includes everything in the standard check plus additional information held by local police forces.
• BS7858 Security Screening: Costs range from £60 to £120+ per applicant, depending on the provider and depth of screening.
• Credit Checks: Around £8 to £20 per person.
• Right to Work Verification: Typically bundled with ID verification services and may cost £8 to £15 per check.
• Education and Employment Verification: £10 to £25 per institution.
• Global Sanctions & Watchlist Screening: £5 to £15.
• Social Media Screening: £20 to £50 depending on provider sophistication.

Cost Summary Table

What Determines the Cost of a Background Check?

Several variables influence background check cost:

• Depth of Screening: The more detailed the screening (e.g., BS7858), the higher the cost. 
• Turnaround Time: Faster services come at a premium. 
• Volume Discounts: Larger companies conducting background checks at scale may benefit from reduced per-applicant costs. 
• Technology Used: Automated platforms may offer more cost-efficient services than manual vetting. 
• Compliance Standards: Checks that meet legal frameworks (like BS7858) often require additional verification, impacting the cost. 

Why BS7858 Compliance Costs More—But Is Worth It

BS7858 vetting is the benchmark for pre-employment screening for security companies in the UK. These checks can cost from £100 or more for each applicant. However, such background checks produce: 

• Verification of employment history for the past 5 years 
• Proof of identity and right to work 
• Address history validation 
• Criminal background check 
• Financial checks 
• Character references

BS7858 checks ensure you have fully met your legal obligations and help to improve the level of trust that clients have for your firm, as well as improve your chances of successfully tendering (e.g., bidding) on government contracts.  

For example, a security firm bidding to provide security for a high-value government contract could find themselves disqualified if all their guards are not BS7858 vetted (e.g., this is often the minimum standard). Having spent £100 and invested an average of £500,000 on the screening, they may potentially save upwards of half a million.

Free vs Paid Background Checks: What You Need to Know

While some free online tools claim to offer background information, they are rarely compliant or reliable for business use—especially in the security industry. 

Risks of free checks include:

• Incomplete or outdated information 

• No legal standing in disputes or audits 

• Non-compliance with data protection laws (GDPR) 

Paid, professional services are an investment in your legal safety, company integrity, and service quality. 

How Much Should You Budget for Background Checks Annually?

Budgeting depends on your hiring volume and the level of compliance required. For example: 

• Small security firm hiring 10 staff/year: 
• Basic checks: ~£300/year 
• BS7858 checks: £1,000-£1,500/year 
• Medium-sized firm hiring 50 staff/year:
• BS7858-compliant vetting: £5,000 – £6,000/year 

Factor in: 

• Turnover rate 
• Contractual screening obligations 
• Legal compliance requirements 

Remember, not budgeting for thorough checks can cost you more in fines, lawsuits, and lost contracts. 

How to Save on Background Check Costs Without Compromising Quality

• Use Smart Vetting Platforms: Automated platforms like Smart Workforce offer cost-effective BS7858-compliant solutions. 
• Bundle Services: Choose providers that offer packages including ID checks and references in one place. 
• Negotiate Volume Deals: If you’re hiring at scale, discuss discounts. 
• Set a Standard Vetting Policy: Streamlining processes internally saves time and money. 

Think of Background Checks as an Investment

Hiring in the security sector is serious business. A single bad hire can lead to some serious reputational damage, regulatory fines, or worse! Yes, the cost of doing background checks can look all-encompassing, but rest assured that the price of poorly or improperly conducting advanced background checks is far higher.

While BS7858-compliant checks are more expensive, they give you peace of mind while being operationally and legally sound. So, do not think about it as a cost; treat it as insurance for your workforce! 

Final Thoughts

Smart Workforce is built to support UK security companies with simplicity and automation to remain compliant with BS7858 background screening. Our background vetting platform is very user-friendly, offers quick turnarounds, accurate checks, and full compliance help all in one place!

Are you ready to step up your background completion? Use our BS7858 vetting feature, and let this compliance be your competitive edge!