BS7858 Screening (BS7858:2019) – Pre-Employment Screening
10/02/2026
BS7858 Screening is the recognised British Standard for security screening of individuals working in roles where security, safety, and trust are critical. At UK Employee Checks, we provide fully compliant screening services to help organisations meet regulatory, contractual, and industry obligations with confidence.
The BS7858 screening standard is widely used across sectors such as security guarding, aviation, defence, transport, facilities management, logistics, data centres, and critical national infrastructure. It ensures individuals are thoroughly vetted before being placed into security-sensitive roles.
What Is BS7858?
BS7858 is a British Standard that defines the minimum screening requirements for people employed in security-related positions. The latest version sets out best practice for identity verification, background history checks, and criminal record screening.
Unlike basic pre-employment checks, BS7858 screening focuses on risk reduction, integrity, and trustworthiness, ensuring candidates are suitable for positions where they may have access to sensitive sites, assets, people, or information.
UK Employee Checks provides BS7858 screening services across the UK, supporting employers in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. As a UK-based pre-employment screening provider our BS7858:2019 screening solutions are trusted by organisations operating in regulated and security-critical environments nationwide.
What Does BS7858 Screening Include?
When you choose BS7858 screening with UK Employee Checks, the process typically covers:
✔ Identity Verification
Verification of the candidate’s identity using reliable and independent documentation.
✔ Right to Work Check
Confirmation that the individual has the legal right to work in the UK, conducted in line with current Home Office guidance.
✔ Employment History (Minimum 5 Years)
Verification of at least five years of employment, education, or unemployment history, with explanations and references for any gaps.
✔ Criminal Record Check
A Basic DBS check (or overseas equivalent where applicable) to identify any unspent convictions relevant to the role.
✔ Address History Verification
Confirmation of the candidate’s address history, typically covering the last five years.
✔ Overseas Checks (Where Required)
For candidates who have lived or worked abroad, relevant overseas criminal record checks are completed to maintain compliance.
Why Is BS7858:2019 Important?
The screening standard provides a consistent and auditable framework for screening individuals in security-sensitive roles. It helps organisations:
- Reduce insider threat and security risks
- Demonstrate due diligence and compliance
- Meet contractual and regulatory obligations
- Protect people, assets, and information
- Maintain industry accreditation and standards
Many governing bodies, insurers, and clients require the screening standard as a mandatory condition for contracts.
Who Needs BS7858 Screening?
The screening standard is commonly required for roles including:
- Security guards and officers
- CCTV operators
- Airport and aviation staff
- Defence and government contractors
- Facilities and site management staff
- Logistics and transport personnel
- Data centre and critical infrastructure workers
If a role involves access to secure environments, sensitive data, or high-risk assets, BS7858 screening is often essential.
Why Choose UK Employee Checks for BS7858 Screening?
At UK Employee Checks, we specialise in compliant, efficient, and cost-effective screening solutions for employers across the UK. We are the UK BS7858 screening specialists.
✅ Fully compliant with BS7858:2019
✅ Fast turnaround times
✅ Secure online screening platform
✅ UK-based expert support
✅ Experience across security-critical industries
We work closely with employers to tailor BS7858 screening packages that align with operational needs while maintaining full compliance with the UK BS7858 screening standard.
BS7858 Screening vs Other Pre-Employment Checks
Unlike standard pre-employment checks, BS7858 screening is specifically designed for security-sensitive roles and includes more in-depth background verification, longer employment history checks, and stricter identity controls.
It is often used alongside or in addition to other screening standards such as BPSS, depending on the role and sector.
Call us today on 01372 279 276 or visit our contact page to gain more information about this screening standard.
Turnaround time – Possible results in 24hrs via our Eform online portal.
We operate an online platform which applicants can use to complete and submit their applications with ease and convenience. Clients are also then able to use our online platform to track the progress of applications we have received.
No Registration Fee, Contracts or Minimum number of screenings required – Pay As You Go Employee Checks Service.
We are Proud to give something back so….
As an incentive for new clients to work with UK Employee Checks we promise to donate a percentage of our initial screening fee to the charity of your choice in your name. If you do not have a charitable organisation associated with your company we would be delighted to make a donation in your company name to our chosen charity Cancer Research. Feel free to call us for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is BS7858 screening?
BS7858 screening is a British Standard background screening process for individuals working in security-sensitive roles. It ensures candidates are vetted to a consistent and recognised level.
What is BS7858:2019?
BS7858:2019 is the latest version of the screening standard, outlining best practices for identity checks, employment history verification, and criminal record screening.
How long does the screening take?
Timescales vary depending on the complexity of the candidate’s history, but most BS7858 screenings are completed within 7–14 working days.
Is BS7858 screening a legal requirement?
BS7858 is not law, but it is widely mandated by industry bodies, regulators, and contracts, making it essential for many security-related roles.
Does BS7858 include a DBS check?
Yes, the screening includes a Basic DBS check (or an overseas equivalent where applicable).
Who is responsible for BS7858 screening?
The employer is responsible for ensuring compliance, although many organisations outsource the process to specialist providers like UK Employee Checks.
Get Started with BS7858 Screening Today
If your organisation requires compliant and reliable screening, UK Employee Checks is here to help. Our expert team ensures every BS7858:2019 screening is completed accurately, securely, and in line with the screening standard.
Contact UK Employee Checks today to discuss your screening requirements or request a tailored quote.
