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Top BPSS Check FAQ

What checks are included in BPSS screening?

BPSS security clearance combines four individual checks:

  • Basic DBS (Unspent criminal record check and Address history check – covering 5 years)
  • Identity
  • Referencing - covering 3 years of Employment history including verifying any career gaps longer than 31 days
  • Right to Work check

In addition to this, individuals will need to give a reasonable account of any periods of time spent abroad totalling 6 months or more over the last 3 years.

What is the process of BPSS checks with VETTING.com?
  1. The client requests a BPSS check on their VETTING.com dashboard.
  2. The Candidate will receive an email and text message asking them to set up a password.
  3. The Candidate will be asked to give consent for the background screening to be performed.
  4. They will then see the list of individual checks to complete clearly and will be guided through the information needed to complete each check.
  5. Once the Candidate has submitted the information required for each of the checks, it will automatically be sent to the relevant governing body who will perform the check and return the results into the platform for the client to review.

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.

Who needs BPSS Security Screening?

All individuals with entry-level government access will need to have a BPSS check. This includes, but is not limited to, members of the armed forces, civil servants, temporary staff working in government departments, and government contractors.

COMPLETION TIME: USUALLY 2-14 DAYS

COVERAGE: UK

Our platform provides the option of a single or multi check report for all checks that you carry out. All the information you need is available to read and save at the click of a button.

Sneak Peek

DBS Check Candidate Flow
Candidate Flow
DBS Check Sample Report
Sample Report

Our Platform

Built for humans

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Status at a glance

View and filter checks on our candidate dashboard

Full detail

See all the data about your check and it's progression

VETTING.com candidate list

Tailored packages

Compile multiple settings & checks into a package

Simplified workflow

Mobile optimised candidate & referee workflows

Global support

Always available global support team, contactable by phone


Why use VETTING.com?

Further BPSS Check FAQ

Hopefully we can answer all of your BPSS check questions below, but if you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us.

What does BPSS clearance give access to?

Once cleared, individuals will have access to:

  • The UK OFFICIAL assets.
  • Occasional access to the UK SECRET assets. 
  • Areas where SECRET and TOP SECRET information may be overheard. 
  • The Public Services Network (PSN).
Why should I outsource my BPSS checks?

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.

What sectors are part of the UK Critical Infrastructure (CNI)?
  • Communications
  • Emergency services
  • Energy
  • Finance
  • Food
  • Government and public services
  • Health
  • Transport
  • Water
Advice for Candidates doing their BPSS checks with VETTING.com
  • You will be asked to give consent for each of the individual checks that make up BPSS screening. If you do not give consent, you won’t be able to proceed with entering the details for a check.
  • You can view the progress of your checks at any point by logging into your VETTING.com account. Here you will see if you have anything left to do.
  • You will be asked to provide a range of dated documents to prove your name, address, date of birth etc. Don’t worry though! The platform will prompt you at each stage and guide you through what documents are needed.
  • You can swap between devices at any time during your application. The platform will save where you are up to, and you can pick it up where you left off.
  • If you have any questions, you can email them to support@vetting.com and one of our Customer Success team will be in touch.