Security – Background Checks Landing Page
What Checks Are Involved In Security?
Security vetting is crucial for ensuring the integrity and reliability of individuals working in secure environments. The British Standards Institution’s BS7858:2019 sets out comprehensive guidelines for pre-employment screening. These checks are designed to mitigate risks and ensure that only trustworthy individuals are employed in roles across the UK’s Private Security industry.
Are You Compliant?
To hire in the security sector, the following background checks are essential:
- Public Record Information (a.k.a. Credit) Check: A Credit/Financial Check assessing a candidate's financial stability helps prevent employing individuals who are ineligible for employment, or who might be susceptible to financial pressures that could lead to unethical behaviour. Bankruptcy and CCJs could impact job performance and ultimately an individual’s eligibility to work in the UK security sector.
- Right to Work Check: Confirms the candidate’s legal right to work in the country and to prevent illegal working.
- ID Verification Check: Confirms the authenticity of an individual’s ID documents to ensure that employers know who they are employing.
- Address Verification: Verifying an individual's address history helps confirm their identity. It ensures that the person is who they claim to be, reducing the risk of identity fraud.
- Criminal Record Check: Ensures candidates have no relevant convictions that could make them unsuitable for employment in the security sector. Licenced Officers must have Standard DBS checks as part of their vetting before taking on a new role, but these checks are undertaken by the Security Industry Authority (SIA). All other roles are likely to only be eligible for Basic DBS checks, which can be requested by the employer.
- Credentials Verification: Verifies that candidates have the professional qualifications, licences and memberships that they claim hold.
- Employment History Verification: Verifies the candidate’s last 5 years of work history and must include verification of all gaps greater than 31 days within the period.
- International Sanctions: A comprehensive global PEP, Sanctions and Watchlists check. Searches candidate names against global governmental sanctions lists, as well as various international watchlists and enforcement lists, to assess potential risks related to corruption, bribery, and money laundering. Also identifies individuals considered Politically Exposed Persons (e.g., government officials, diplomats, high-ranking executives).
Other checks to consider, depending on the role, include:
- Directorship Search: Authenticates an individual’s current and past directorship roles in companies to assess their professional affiliations and identify any potential conflicts of interest.
- Open-Source Internet / Social Media Checks: Introduced as a recommendation by the SIA in the latest version of BS7858 in 2019. These checks help identify potential risks, such as inappropriate behaviour, hateful or discriminatory remarks, illegal activities, which could impact the candidate's suitability for the role.
Why Adopt The Security Vetting Guidelines?
Ensuring Compliance
Adhering to BS7858 is vital to maintain SIA Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) approval, a key requirement for companies in private security. The SIA enforces BS7858, with the National Security Inspectorate (NSI) providing support with training, accreditation, audits, and guidance.
Thorough Screening
BS7858 sets the standard for security screening in environments where the safety of people, goods, or property is essential. This ensures individuals in secure settings undergo comprehensive screening to mitigate risks and maintain high levels of trust and safety.
Safeguarding People and Assets
By employing trustworthy personnel, organisations in the security sector not only ensure the safety of individuals, property, and assets but also build a foundation of reliability and trust.. Security vetting is key to preventing threats and maintaining a secure environment.
Why Choose EBC Global?
Software Solutions That Provide Full Regulatory Assurance for Every Hire
Regulatory Compliance: Our software ensures employers can comply with security industry requirements.
Fast Background Checks: Complete the necessary security checks quickly, reducing your time-to-hire.
Automated Processes: Automate compliance and background screening to save time and reduce manual errors.
Customisable for Security: Tailor our software to meet specific regulatory requirements and additional recommended background checks.
Real-Time Reporting: Get immediate reports and audit trails to ensure compliance and transparency in your hiring process.
Annual Rechecking: Ensure ongoing compliance with automated yearly rechecks of employee backgrounds, keeping your workforce up-to-date and risk-free.
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