BS7858 Screening
For employees working in security, sensitive areas or with vulnerable adults or children.
Accredited, regulated & certified
What is BS7858:2019 screening
BS7858:2019 screening is essential in industries where employees require access to sensitive information, assets, or premises related to the security sector, education or healthcare sector.
The BS7858 code of practice, established by the British Standards Institution, ensures that organisations adopt a structured and consistent approach to vetting employees.
This screening process involves comprehensive background checks, enabling companies to make informed, risk-based decisions about employing individuals in roles that demand trust and reliability.
NSI Gold & SSAIB regulated & certified
These certifications reflect our full compliance with rigorous British and international screening standards, including:
- BS EN ISO 9001:2015 – Quality Management
- BS 7858:2019 – Screening of Individuals in Secure Environments
- NSI NCP 111 – Code of Practice for Security Screening
Our screening practices are regularly audited by appointed inspectors, who are granted direct access to our screening files to ensure full transparency and strict adherence to BS 7858:2019.
What’s included in our BS7858 screening service
We ensure you’re supported at every stage, from seamless onboarding, applicant management, through to audit preparation.
Sample certificate
Checks included
- Digital Identity Verification
- Right To Work
- Consumer Information (Credit Check)
- Criminal Records (DBS Check)
- Activity History
- Directorship Check
- Sanctions & PEP
- See optional checks you can add
Reports & Certificates
- Applicant Submission Report
- Limited Screening Report
- Final Report & Supporting Documents
- Applicant BS7858 Certificate
Management Platform
- Track screening progress & history
- View and download audit-ready reports
- Get instant updates & notifications
BS7858 – 5 Year
For standard risk roles, in regulated sectors such as in the security industry, healthcare and education.
Checks included:
- Digital identity verification
- Address verification
- Right to work
- References check
- Activity history
– 5 year employment & or education verification
- Consumer information search
Optional:
- Criminal records check
- Basic, Standard or Enhanced DBS
BS7858 – 10 Year
Checks included:
- Digital identity verification
- Address verification
- Right to work
- References check
- Activity history
– 10 year employment & or education verification
- Consumer information search
Optional:
- Criminal records check
- Basic, Standard or Enhanced DBS
Customise
Extend your BS7858 screening package with optional checks tailored to your specific risk profile. Ideal for non-standard roles.
Additional:
- Add additional checks as required
More than a screening provider, we are a trusted partner to thousands of organisations
“You’re not just buying a screening service, you’re partnering with experts who understand screening inside and out.”
We know the risks, regulations, and real-world challenges you face. That’s why we deliver not only compliant employment screening, but also practical support, fast turnaround, and clear communication every step.
- 20 years of experience in screening
- Fully regulated, professionally certified & nationally accredited
- Specialists in screening for high-risk roles
- No setup, onboarding or platform fees
- Dedicated account handler
- NSA Partners Programme
- Digital Identity as standard
Frequently asked questions
Who needs a BS7858?
Anyone working in a sector where individuals are trusted with sensitive data, access to premises, or public safety — such as security guarding, keyholding, CCTV, and event stewarding.
How long does BS7858 screening take?
The standard allows up to 84 days to complete, but we typically complete screening in 2–3 weeks, depending on how quickly third parties respond.
When is a BS7858 certificate issued?
Once all checks are complete and signed off by compliance, a certificate is issued to confirm full adherence to the standard.
How long does a BS7858 certificate last?
There’s no expiry date, but re-screening every 1–2 years is recommended as circumstances like credit, sanctions, and criminal history can change.
When is 5-Year Screening Appropriate?
A 5-year BS7858 screening is typically sufficient for roles with moderate security requirements. These are positions where:
- Access to sensitive information or secure areas is limited
- The risk to people, property, or data is relatively low
- Public trust is important, but not critical to operations
This level of screening is considered suitable for routine security environments, where employees are handling non-sensitive assets or providing services with standard risk exposure.
Common roles include:
- Security Guards
- Alarm System Installers
- Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) Operators
- Keyholding and Mobile Response Personnel
When is 10-Year Screening Required?
A 10-year BS7858 screening is recommended or mandated for roles with higher levels of risk, where individuals are granted significant access to:
- Classified or sensitive information
- Secure or high-value environments
- Critical national infrastructure or data systems
These positions demand a deeper level of background investigation to ensure the highest levels of trust, accountability, and regulatory compliance.
Common roles include:
- Personnel in financial institutions, government contracts, or aviation
- Employees in data centres or critical IT infrastructure
- Cash and Valuables in Transit (CVIT) operatives
- Any role where security failure could cause harm to people, damage to property, or reputational loss
Do you need re-screening for BS7858?
Yes, while the standard doesn’t enforce renewals, the 2019 update by the British Standards Institution encourages it. Best practice is to re-screen every 1–2 years to update DBS, credit, and sanctions checks.