BS7858-2019 Vetting - Security Screening Standard
Cambridge I Bury St Edmunds I Ipswich I Lowestoft I Suffolk I Essex I East Anglia
What is this standard about? This standard outlines the process for screening individuals who wish to work in 'secure' environments, defined as any location where an insider could compromise the integrity of data, information, or other physical or intellectual assets, or endanger people's safety. Who is this standard for? The security industry. The workforce within this sector is regulated by the Security Industry Authority (SIA), which derives its authority from the Private Security Industry Act 2001. Organisations wishing to join the SIA Approved Contractor Scheme must demonstrate their adherence to relevant British Standards, including BS7858-2019 compliance. Additionally, agencies offering employee vetting processes under the Approved Contractor Scheme must comply with these standards. BS7858-2019 – Security screening of individuals employed in a security environment. Code of Practice This British Standard assists employers in the security screening of personnel prior to hiring them. It provides best-practice guidance and establishes the benchmark for the security screening standard, particularly in environments where the safety of individuals, goods, or property is paramount. This includes areas such as data security, sensitive service contracts, and confidential records. The standard is also applicable in cases where security screening serves the public interest. It outlines the necessary steps for conducting a security screening process and covers ancillary staff, acquisitions and transfers, and the security protocols for contractors and subcontractors. Additionally, it addresses matters relating to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and the Data Protection Act.
Who else might use this standard?
Any organisation outside the security sector that needs to screen individuals employed in sensitive areas, such as critical infrastructure or those with access to sensitive information, materials, or technology, could benefit from the BS7858-2019 compliance. Potential users include:
• Facilities management firms
• Human resources departments
• The retail industry
• The sports and entertainment sectors
• Local government
Why should you use this standard?
Although originally intended for the security industry, this security screening standard can be applied across any sector that employs individuals who work within secure environments. This includes staff with access to IT infrastructure, laboratories handling sensitive materials or technology, or even cleaners working in secure locations like government buildings. The employee vetting process aims to gather sufficient information to allow organisations to make informed decisions regarding the employment of individuals in secure environments. Additionally, some insurers may require BS7858-2019 compliance as part of their policy conditions, often with additional requirements, such as a longer screening period.
Additional benefits:
Having a single standard across the UK provides reassurance to the public and employers that security personnel are as trustworthy as possible. Mitigating risks in this manner is essential for employers, as assigning unstable staff to events or dishonest employees in retail environments can cause significant reputational damage to a company. The standard also incorporates other UK legislation, such as the right to work, which is a legal requirement for all UK employers. This means that one check can cover both basic employment and security screening duties.
Note: This British Standard applies equally to all individuals in relevant employment, including full-time and part-time employees, sole traders, partnerships, temporary and permanent staff, as well as individuals at all levels of seniority, including directors.