BPSS (Baseline Personnel Security Standard) checks are a type of security clearance that combines four individual checks. It has been set to protect national security, government information and assets, address identity fraud and reduce the risk of illegal workers. Due to this, it is required for all people with access to government assets.
The Centre for Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI) states in their best practice guide to security clearance screening that, 'Pre-employment screening is a fundamentally important element of any personnel security regime', especially if the 'organisations that own or operate assets, services and systems...form part of the UK Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) and therefore have a responsibility for pre-employment screening'.
BPSS security clearance combines four individual checks:
Time abroad - Individuals will need to give a reasonable account of any periods of 6 months or more over the last 3 years.
If a Candidate or client needs support at any step of the process, our dedicated Customer Success team are easily contactable through support@vetting.com. Similarly, if a check requires clarification or more information, we will contact the Candidate directly to keep the process simpler, faster and safer.
BPSS security screening is required for people working for the UK government, contractors on government projects, or anyone handling government data or systems.
This includes roles such as admin staff, project managers, IT support, software developers, cybersecurity and data analysts, HR and finance staff in government departments, and engineers in defence, transport, energy or NHS related work.
In general, it is needed whenever a role involves government work or sensitive public sector information.
COMPLETION TIME: USUALLY 2-14 DAYS
COVERAGE: UK
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Hopefully we can answer all of your BPSS check questions below, but if you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us.
Once cleared, individuals will have access to:
Both the CPNI and Cabinet Office have stressed the importance of performing security checks through an appropriate and properly accredited organisation. This is particularly important if the checks cannot be conducted in-house.