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:
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.
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.
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
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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.