Identity Verification
We verify the candidate's identity using appropriate identity documentation and verification processes.
BPSS Screening: Fast, Compliant Pre-Employment Screening
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Why BPSS Matters
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BPSS — the Baseline Personnel Security Standard — is the recognised pre-employment screening standard for individuals working within or for UK government and for contractors who require access to government assets.
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It helps organisations:
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Reduce the risks associated with identity fraud, illegal working and false employment histories
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Need BPSS screening for your employees or contractors? Speak to our vetting team.
What's Included in BPSS Screening?
A BPSS screening process covers four core areas:
Significant gaps, discrepancies or periods requiring clarification are identified and managed as part of the screening process.
Right to Work
Confirmation that the candidate has the legal right to work in the UK using the appropriate document, digital identity or Home Office verification route.
Employment History
Verification of the candidate's disclosed employment, academic history and/or qualifications, where applicable, covering a minimum of the previous three years.
Criminal Record
A check relating to unspent criminal convictions, completed using the appropriate criminal-record checking route.
Who Needs BPSS Screening?
BPSS is primarily used for people working within or for UK government, including:
Government employees
Government contractors and suppliers
Temporary and agency workers working on government contracts
Individuals requiring access to government assets
Employees who may subsequently require National Security Vetting
Organisations outside government may also choose to use BPSS-style screening as part of their own personnel security and risk-management processes.
Why Choose Checking Your Staff?
Experienced UK-based vetting team
We don't simply order checks. We manage the screening process and help resolve the issues that can prevent a candidate from reaching completion.
Complete screening management
From candidate onboarding through to employment verification and final reporting, our team manages the process for you.
Proactive GAP and discrepancy management
Where information is missing, inconsistent or requires further evidence, our team works to resolve it rather than simply passing the problem back to you.
Secure online platform
Clients can manage screening requests and monitor progress through our secure screening platform.
Clear compliance-led workflow
Every BPSS case follows a structured process designed around the requirements of the standard.
Actual Experts. Real Support.
When something doesn't fit neatly into a checkbox, you have access to people who understand employee screening and can help you decide what needs to happen next.
Our BPSS Screening Process
1
Candidate Onboarding
Candidate details and consent are collected securely.
2
Identity Verification
Identity information and supporting evidence are checked.
3
Right to Work
The appropriate UK right-to-work verification is completed.
4
Employment History
A minimum three-year employment, academic and/or relevant history is verified, with discrepancies and significant gaps investigated.
5
Criminal Record Check
The appropriate check for unspent criminal convictions is completed.
6
Review & Final Report
The screening information is reviewed and the completed BPSS record provided to the client.
BPSS Isn't Security Clearance
BPSS is sometimes referred to as a security check or security clearance, but there is an important distinction.
BPSS is a pre-employment screening standard — it is not National Security Vetting (NSV) clearance.
BPSS does, however, underpin National Security Vetting where higher levels of clearance such as CTC, Level 1B, SC or DV are subsequently required.
Typical Turnaround
Completion times depend on the candidate's circumstances and how quickly third parties respond to verification requests.
Our role is not simply to initiate the checks.
We actively manage the screening process, chase outstanding information and help resolve gaps and discrepancies to keep your candidates moving.
BPSS Screening – FAQs
What is BPSS screening?+
BPSS stands for Baseline Personnel Security Standard. It is the recognised UK government standard for pre-employment screening of individuals with access to government assets. The four principal checks cover identity, right to work in the UK, employment history and unspent criminal convictions.
How many years of employment history does BPSS require?+
Current BPSS guidance requires verification of disclosed employment, academic history and/or qualifications, where applicable, for a minimum of three years before the BPSS checks are conducted.
Is BPSS the same as security clearance?+
No. BPSS is not a National Security Vetting clearance. It is the baseline pre-employment screening process and provides the foundation for higher levels of National Security Vetting where these are required.
Does BPSS include a DBS check?+
BPSS requires a criminal-record check relating to unspent convictions. The appropriate checking route depends on the candidate and circumstances. Other levels of criminal-record checking may be required separately depending on the role and organisation.
Can Checking Your Staff manage the entire BPSS process?+
Yes. Rather than asking you to coordinate multiple checks and chase information yourself, Checking Your Staff can manage the BPSS screening workflow from candidate onboarding through to final reporting.
Get In Touch
Phone Number
0333 339 0021Email Address
enquiries@checkingyourstaff.co.ukOffice Address
Checking Your Staff
PO Box 381
Mirfield
WF14 9GB
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