What is Vetting?

As discussed in the previous page, limited screening is a temporary, partial vetting approach used to get personnel working sooner before full BS7858 checks are completed.

BS7858 is the UK’s British Standard for security screening of individuals working in security-sensitive environments. It defines best practice procedures for vetting anyone who will have access to people, property, confidential data, or secure areas. This process is detailed, audited, and designed to ensure trustworthiness, reliability, and low insider threat risk.

Full screening must be completed:

• Within 12 weeks after conditional employment has commenced – for 5-year referencing
• Within 16 weeks after conditional employment has commenced – for 10-year referencing

What is Full Screening / Vetting?

BS7858 requires a documented, auditable trail of all background checks, which must be retained for 7 years after employment. Without full screening, organisations cannot demonstrate compliance in:

• Insurance audits
• SIA inspections
• Contractual reviews
• Internal governance or risk assessments

Requirements to Complete Full Screening

To meet BS7858 requirements, the organisation must establish:

• Written References – From employers, government bodies, or educational institutions covering 5 or 10 years
• Career Gaps – No unverified periods of 31 days or more
• Criminal Records Check (DBS) – Typically issued with an SIA licence, but may be repeated based on role requirements
• Credit and Financial Integrity Checks – Required if not completed during limited screening

Due to emerging technologies and widespread use of social media, it is recommended to carry out social media and open-source checks. These can help identify potential social or financial risks to the organisation.

Security staff often have access to restricted areas, keys, alarm systems, sensitive data, or vulnerable individuals.

Full BS7858 screening ensures:

• No unexplained gaps in employment
• No adverse financial indicators
• No disqualifying criminal history

This helps protect the client, the public, and the employer.