Security and trust are essential when hiring employees who will access sensitive government assets, data, or secure environments. The Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) is the foundation of all government security vetting and a mandatory requirement for individuals working with or on behalf of the UK government. BPSS is the baseline screening for higher levels of Government vetting, such as DV, CTC and SC Clearance.
Who Needs BPSS Clearance?
BPSS clearance is required for individuals in roles where security and integrity are paramount.
This includes:
- Civil servants – Employees of government departments and agencies.
- Armed forces personnel – Members of the military who need secure access.
- Contractors and temporary staff – Individuals working with government organisations.
- Private sector employees handling sensitive government data – Those working in industries such as defence, security, and IT infrastructure.
What Does BPSS Screening Involve?
BPSS consists of four key checks, which confirm an individual’s identity, work eligibility, and security reliability:
- Identity Verification – Confirming identity using official documentation such as a passport, driving licence, or biometric residence permit.
- Right to Work in the UK – Ensuring the individual has the legal right to work and is not restricted by immigration status.
- Employment History Check – Reviewing at least three years of work history to assess reliability and identify any employment gaps.
- Criminal Record Check – Conducting a Basic DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check to identify any unspent criminal convictions that may pose a risk.
These checks help determine whether an individual is trustworthy and suitable for roles where security is a priority.
The recent changes to the Baseline Personnel Security Standard mean that the 3-year career history needs to be verified with any gaps over 6 months or multiple gaps cumulatively adding up to 6 months. Employment periods can be covered by using PAYE Records from HMRC provided by the Candidate if these correctly match the periods listed on the application. Written references will continue to be requested for employment periods which are not confirmed by PAYE.
At Staffvetting.com, we help businesses and organisations ensure their employees meet BPSS requirements efficiently and compliantly. Please contact us for further information.