Make informed recruitment decisions for positions of trust.
BS 7858:2019 provides a recognised framework for screening individuals who work, or are being considered for work, within secure environments.
A secure environment is one in which an individual could have access to people, property, sensitive information, systems, data or other valuable assets. In these circumstances, unsuitable personnel could present a risk to safety, security, service delivery or organisational reputation.
The objective of screening is to obtain and verify sufficient information to help an organisation make an informed decision about employing or engaging an individual in a position of trust.
Who does BS 7858 apply to?
Although originally developed for the security industry, BS 7858 can be applied by any organisation employing individuals within secure or sensitive environments.
It applies equally to:
The standard can be relevant across security services, facilities management, retail, events, local government, critical infrastructure and other sectors where individuals have trusted access.
Establish a consistent and controlled screening process
BS 7858 places responsibility on the employing organisation to ensure that screening is properly managed, adequately resourced and completed by competent personnel.
The screening process considers areas including:
Where screening is outsourced, responsibility remains with the employing organisation. It must be satisfied that the external provider follows the applicable requirements and that the information obtained is sufficient to support its recruitment decision.
Reduce the risks associated with positions of trust
A consistent screening process can help your organisation:
Screening cannot guarantee an individual’s future honesty or behaviour. It provides a structured, risk-based process that helps organisations obtain and assess relevant information before placing someone in a position of trust.
A supporting requirement for security services
BS 7858 is a supporting requirement referenced by a range of security service standards.
Effective screening helps ensure that individuals involved in guarding, keyholding, response, CCTV operation, door supervision and other security activities are subject to an appropriate and consistently managed pre-employment process.
Applicable requirements relating to employment, equality, right to work, data protection and the lawful use of background information must also be met.
Independent certification from SSAIB
SSAIB certification provides independent assurance that your organisation has established and maintains an effective screening process in accordance with BS 7858.
Achieving certification demonstrates your commitment to responsible recruitment, effective risk management and the protection of people, information and other valuable assets.