The BS7858 Security Screening Standard refers to the code of practice released by BSI (British Standards Institution) according to which the foundations for the best practices and guidelines for the security screening of individuals employed within a security environment are being laid upon in the best interest of the public.
This British Standard helps employers to screen security personnel before they employ them all the while giving best-practice recommendations that set the standard for the security screening of staff in an environment where the safety of people, goods or property is essential.
The BS7858 involves through search checking the employment history of every individual for the last five years and that narrows it down to the best of the best which are then hired by security companies across the UK with trustworthy and professional individuals with dignity, integrity and amazing work ethics.
If you are a security company in the UK then this is your ultimate guide to knowing what the BS7858 Standard is and why exactly do you need it along with its key features. And If you’re a security employee, then you will get to know how you can adapt according the new standards.
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Benefits OF BS7858 Security Screening Standard
The BS7858 security screening standard has a lot of benefits that are not only limited to the employers but to the general well being of the public as well as extending to the other employees in the workforce. It is not only crucial for organizations who want to be a part of the SIA Approved Contractor Scheme but also for any non-security organization too, seeking to examine personnel working in sensitive locations that involve critical infrastructure sites and those with access to sensitive data, materials, or technology which might be threatened.
- As far as critical information and assets are at risk having a single comprehensive standard of screening gives the employers and the general public more faith in placing their trust in individuals who are well competent for the role of guarding and safe keeping. This also confirms the fact that adherence to the same standard will ensure compliance with the legal and regulatory requirements.
- It helps in filtering out potential red flags which might cause internal theft, fraud and security breaches. The screening also allows the company to disqualify anyone who is not aligned with the company’s core values and security requirements thus, improving employee quality.
- Implementing the BS7858 security screening standard allows organizations to identify and mitigate potential risks associated with hiring new employees. This proactive approach to risk management can prevent costly incidents and protect the organization’s assets.
- The standard is a comprehensive approach that includes mandatory checks alongside supplementary screening solutions that provide a rounded assessment of a person’s financial background, criminal history and global footprint. This reduces biases and provides a structured framework for hiring where evaluation is based on the same criteria promoting consistency and fairness in hiring practices.
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Key Points of BS7858 Security Screening Standard
As the BS7858 standard is a comprehensive screening standard so it involves almost everything that one can possibly think of when hiring a security personnel inducing high professionalism among the workforce.
- Identity verification: It includes the verification of the individual’s name, date of birth and residential address through authentic documentation confirming their identity.
- Financial checks: It involves checking the financial history of the individual and identifying if there are any financial malpractices that might affect their role as a security personnel when faced with challenges keeping financial information private.
- Employment history verification: The screening thoroughly checks the employment history for the last five years focusing on the verification of employment dates, positions held, reasons for leaving and investigating gaps in employment if there are any.
- Criminal record check: The employment of a security personnel requires them to be absolved of any criminal records.
- Character references: The screening requires checking character references to validate the integrity of the potential employee.
- Right to work and education checks: It checks the educational qualification of the individual and their right to work in the UK through proper documentation.
- Terrorism checks: The screening checks against terrorism lists and databases.
- Ongoing screening: The standard also suggests periodic re-screening or continuous monitoring of employees to ensure they remain compliant with the security requirements over time.
- Documentation and record keeping: Not the employees but the employers are also required to keep all the data safe and secure in compliance with the law without risking the privacy of their employees.
- Risk assessment: There are multiple security risks associated with various positions that the security personnel are to be hired for and the screening requires. The screening requires the employers to conduct a risk assessment to determine the level of screening necessary for different roles.
- Data protection and privacy: The standard emphasizes the importance of handling all personal information collected during the screening process in a manner that is compliant with data protection regulations, ensuring the privacy and rights of the individuals are respected.
Also Read: Top 6 Platforms to Find Security Jobs in the UK
If you are interested in serving the security industry then do visit Agile Security Training as we offer multiple SIA training courses related to different roles ranging from Door Supervisors and Security Guards to CCTV Operators.
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