What is Screening?
What is Screening?
The British Standard for security vetting of individuals working in secure or sensitive environments is BS7858. It establishes a rigorous, standardised process for background checks to ensure staff are trustworthy, reliable, and suitable for high-risk roles.
BS7858 includes checks such as:
- Identity verification
- Right to work checks
- 5–10 year employment history verification
- Financial background (bankruptcy, CCJs, insolvency)
- Basic criminal record checks
- Sanctions / watchlist checks
It is most commonly used in the security industry but is also applied across sectors such as facilities management, retail, local government, events, and anywhere sensitive access is involved.
Why Do Security Companies Need BS7858 Screening?
Security roles involve access to:
- Secure premises
- Sensitive information
- Keys, alarms, CCTV systems
- Public safety responsibilities
This creates high insider threat risk.
By following the BS7858 standard, companies can:
- Ensure employee trustworthiness – Reduces risks linked to fraud, theft, data breaches, and internal sabotage.
- Enhance safety for clients and the public – Ensures staff are safe and reliable.
- Build client confidence and protect reputation – Demonstrates professionalism and due diligence.
- Support regulatory compliance (SIA Approved Contractor Scheme)
- Minimise insider threat costs – Reduces risks associated with costly insider incidents.
What is Limited Screening?
While the BS7858 standard allows up to 12 weeks (16 weeks for 10-year checks) to complete full screening, many companies cannot wait that long to deploy staff.
To address this, some accredited screening providers offer a Limited Screening Report, which:
- Allows companies to place personnel more quickly
- Provides an interim vetting snapshot while full checks continue
Note: Limited screening is not the full BS7858 process — it is a temporary solution to allow employees to begin work while meeting minimum initial assurance requirements.
Documents for Limited Screening
- Screening File – Establish an employee screening file
- Application Form – Fully completed, signed and dated
- Identity Verification – Original document check and photograph taken
- SIA Licence – Verified and checked against the register
- Address Confirmation – Verified with supporting documents
- Global Watchlist Check – Cross-referenced against sanctions and fraud databases
- Public Record Check – Includes electoral register and financial/legal records
- Career History – Minimum 3 years employment/education verification
- Screening Sheet – Required progress tracking for all employees
For acceptable document lists and guidance: