BS7858 Vetting
Ensure your workforce meets the security industry’s most recognised standard.
Our team can guide you through the process, answer any questions and help you choose the correct level of screening for your roles.
Our BS7858:2019 service includes:
- Identity verification of name, date of birth & address
- Verification of Right to Work in the UK
- Criminal record disclosure or SIA licence verification
- Education checks as necessary
- Employment/self-employment/unemployment checks for the past 5 years
- Financial Probity checks
- Independent verification of career history gaps exceeding 31 days
- Screening for any financial sanctions
- Limited Screening (If applicable)
What is BS7858 Vetting?
BS7858 security screening is the UK’s recognised standard for thoroughly vetting individuals who work in security-sensitive or high-risk environments. Complying with the BS7858:2019 standard demonstrates trust, integrity and due diligence when recruiting staff who may have access to sensitive information, high-value assets or private premises. Established by the British Standards Institution (BSI), the BS7858 standard sets out the core elements of screening.
Common roles for BS7858 Security Screening
BS7858 screening is commonly required for roles involving access to sensitive sites, systems or assets, such as:
- Fire alarm system installation
- Alarms & CCTV installation
- Smart metering
- Confidential waste handling
- Data destruction
- Data hosting
- Any workplace requiring trusted, security-cleared personnel
Secure your workforce with BS7858 Security Screening
Ensure your workforce meets the security industry’s most recognised standard. Our team can guide you through the process, answer any questions and help you choose the correct level of screening for your roles.
Our BS7858 Security Screening
Our service simplifies the entire BS7858:2019 screening process with modern technology and clear workflows, delivering fast, accurate and fully compliant screening with audit-ready documentation to support accreditation reviews and insurer requirements. Typical end-to-end completion is 20-30 working days. Once we receive a complete application and evidence set, we can provide an accelerated, compliant start where operational timelines demand it, allowing you to keep projects moving while full screening concludes.
To maintain consistency and prevent rework, we also provide BS7858 training for in-house teams, so the standard is understood and is applied correctly from day one. Once all checks are complete, we issue a full certificate of screening and written confirmation of compliance and a complete audit-ready evidence pack for personnel files, insurer validation and external compliance checks.
BS7858 accreditation standards
BS7858 security screening is widely adopted to meet accreditation and audit expectations, including NSI, SSAIB and SIA-ACS; it is often a condition of insurance for certain roles or contracts. Beyond compliance, consistent vetting reduces insider threat, protects sensitive assets and strengthens your position when tendering for high-value contracts or demonstrating due diligence to clients and regulators.
What our experts say about this service
“BS7858 vetting is the gold standard for security roles, and it’s something we work with every day. We understand how strict and detailed the requirements are, which is why we put real focus on getting every stage right with consistency and expertise. Our BS7858 screening is rigorous, transparent, and designed to ensure every candidate meets the highest levels of trust, integrity, and reliability. It’s all about giving our clients confidence that their workforce is fully vetted to recognised industry standards.”
Steve, Director
Why choose BS7858?
BS7858 provides the highest industry-recognised standard for vetting individuals working in secure or high-risk environments. It helps organisations demonstrate full compliance with UK security standards, meet accreditation requirements, and protect their reputation through rigorous background checks. By adopting BS7858, businesses ensure thorough identity, employment, and criminal record verification, reduce hiring risks, and strengthen trust with clients and regulators. It also supports applications for additional accreditations and can be essential for meeting insurance conditions, giving companies added protection and peace of mind.
Start your BS7858 Vetting today
Ready to secure your hiring process? Whether you need comprehensive criminal history searches, employment verification or tailored screening solutions, our expert team is here to help you make informed decisions with confidence. Fill out the form below s and one of our dedicated compliance specialists will reach out with a personalised solution.
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Our BS7858 Vetting Process
Step 1
Submit candidate details & required documentation
Provide the candidate’s basic details and initial documents, including identity evidence, Right to Work, address history and employment history for the previous five years. Your dedicated vetting officer will confirm what is needed and ensure everything is captured from the start.
Step 2
Full BS7858 screening completed by SVS
We conduct all mandatory BS7858 checks, including employment verification, gap clarification, financial probity checks, sanctions screening, character references (where required) and criminal record confirmation. You’ll receive regular updates and be notified immediately if any issues arise.
Step 3
Results, certificate & audit-ready evidence pack
Once screening is complete, you will receive a certificate of screening, written confirmation of compliance and a full pack containing all documents required for audits, inspections, accreditations or insurer validation. For urgent operational needs, we can also support Limited Screening to allow conditional employment.
SIA BS7858
Looking for BS7858 vetting for your SIA-licensed security guards?
Visit our Security Guarding sector to learn how we streamline compliance and screening.
What our clients say
Why choose SVS Security & Vetting Solutions?
Fast Turnaround
We understand the importance of keeping recruitment and operational timelines on track. Our efficient systems, dedicated Vetting Officers, and streamlined digital processes enable us to deliver fast, reliable screening results without compromising on accuracy or compliance.
Dedicated Vetting Officer
Your candidates’ dedicated Vetting Officer tracks each application closely, providing regular updates and flagging any issues early. You’re kept informed at every stage, ensuring a smooth, efficient, and predictable screening process.
Industry Expertise
With deep knowledge of regulated industry screening, we tailor our processes to meet the unique compliance standards of each sector, ensuring every check is completed efficiently, accurately, and in line with relevant regulations.
BS7858 Security Screening FAQs
How long does BS7858 screening take?
BS7858 screening typically takes between 15 and 30 working days to complete, depending on how quickly employment references, identity documents, address history and other supporting information can be verified. Complex employment histories, overseas checks, missing documentation or slow candidate and referee responses can extend the process.
Many organisations and employers use Limited Screening to allow candidates to commence work while the remaining checks are being completed, provided that initial requirements of BS7858:2019 are met.
Is BS7858 a legal requirement?
BS7858 is not a legal requirement in the UK. However, it is widely recognised as the industry standard for personnel screening in the security sector and is often required by security companies, organisations working with sensitive information and businesses seeking compliance with industry regulations and accreditations.
Many organisations use BS7858 screening to demonstrate due diligence and reduce security risks when recruiting staff.
What is the BS7858 screening process?
The BS7858 screening process verifies an individual’s identity, integrity, employment history and criminal record. The process typically includes:
• Identity verification
• Right to Work checks
• Proof of address verification
• Verification of a minimum of five years’ career history
• Employment reference checks
• Education verification where applicable
• Criminal record disclosure
• Confirmation of a valid SIA licence if applicable
• Financial probity checks
The aim is to ensure there are no unexplained gaps or concerns that could present a security risk through insider threat.
What does BS7858 include?
BS7858 includes a range of background screening checks designed to verify a candidate’s identity and history. These typically include identity verification, Right to Work checks, address history verification and confirmation of at least five years of career history, education or other activity.
Additional checks such as criminal record and financial probity checks will also be conducted.
What is the difference between BS7858 and BPSS background checks?
BS7858 and BPSS are both screening standards, but they serve different purposes.
BS7858 is the British Standard for security screening personnel and is commonly used in the private security industry. It requires a comprehensive review of a person’s recent history, including employment, identity, address verification and criminal record.
BPSS (Baseline Personnel Security Standard) is the minimum screening standard used by the UK Government and includes identity verification, Right to Work checks, employment history and criminal record.
In summary, BS7858 security screening is more detailed and is often required for security-related roles.
What would make you fail BS7858 vetting?
Failing BS7858 screening is not usually based on a single factor. Concerns may arise where an applicant cannot provide sufficient evidence to verify their identity, employment history, address history or Right to Work status. Criminal record may also be considered in accordance with the organisations own policies.
Unexplained gaps, false information, fraudulent documents or a failure to cooperate with the screening process may affect the outcome. Each case is assessed individually, and employers will consider the nature and severity of any concerns before making a decision.
Looking for Digital Identity Verification?
Digital Identity Verification fee from £6.50 per check (ex VAT)
Our fast, secure ID, address and Right to Work confirmation is completed directly by the candidate, reducing delays and protecting against fraudulent documentation.





















