You may have come across the terms ‘Security Screening’ and ‘Background Checks’ when recruiting, applying for a job or getting your business accredited but do you know what these terms actually mean and whether or not it is just different ways of saying the same thing?
Security Screening
In order to ensure that quality and standards are maintained, the government and several governing bodies have introduced security screening standards, which are different background checks combined in order to fit a specific purpose.
Below, you will find the most typical security screening standards and when they may be necessary. For further details on what kind of checks are included in each standard, please see our services page.
BS7858:2019 Security Screening
The BS7858 Security Standard typically relates to the security industry, which includes the security of people, premises, goods or data. Examples of these roles could be security guards, alarm and CCTV system installers, data centre staff or cyber security engineers. This standard is also recognised by many organisations and would be required for SIA, SSAIB, NSI accreditations to name a few.
Baseline Personnel Security Screening (BPSS)
Baseline Personnel Security Screening is required for anyone who, in the course of their work, has access to government assets. Quite simply, this is the first level of screening for government contracts. BPSS also forms a part of more advanced government screening standards, such as Security Clearance (CS) or Counter Terrorist Check (CTC), which are typically required when access to SECRET government assets is necessary.
BAA Airside Pass Security Screening
As you are now familiar with some of the different screening standards, you would probably think that the Airside Pass Security Screening standard refers to anyone wishing to work at an Airport? Well, you are almost correct, as contractors who require access to airport Restricted Zones (RZ) in the course of their work require an Airside Pass; a requirement to obtain this pass is to complete Airside Pass Security Screening.
Background checks
Background checks are the building blocks of a comprehensive identity verification process, but what exactly can people check? The most typical checks are:
- Previous employer(s) referencing
- Criminal Record Checks
- Financial history checks, such as credit rating or County Court Judgments
- Career gap periods verification
- Character references
- Right to Work in the UK and identity document verification
- Media and social media searches
These are just examples of the types of background checks that may be carried out and the level and length will always depend on the purpose of screening.
Now that you know what background checks and the most common screening standards are, you probably want to find out which one is relevant to your business.
Get in touch with our team of experts:
enquiries@security-vetting.co.uk
+44 (0)1962 600 110