Do you need to get your workforce through BPSS Clearance for a project or contract you’ve just won? You may be wondering where to begin and what’s involved with gaining BPSS Clearance. In this blog, you’ll learn what BPSS is, why it’s important and how businesses can implement it to screen candidates effectively.
BPSS is an employment screening process that was introduced to ensure that individuals working in sensitive roles meet baseline security requirements which are set out by the UK Government. This type of clearance is frequently used in the UK as a prerequisite for hiring individuals working in public sector jobs, civil servants or roles that require access to sensitive data.
Identity Verification Check: Ensures the candidate is who they claim to be.
UK Right to Work Check: Confirms your candidate is legally allowed to work in the UK.
3-Year Employment History Check: Reviews you candidate’s employment history over a 3-year period
UK Criminal Record Check: Identifies any unspent convictions
Although BPSS clearance is not a formal security clearance like SC (Security Check) or DV (Developed Vetting), it sets a foundation for trustworthy hiring practices and could be used by any industry.
Compliance: Many government and public sector contracts require that staff working on projects have BPSS clearance.
Risk Mitigation: BPSS reduces the risk of hiring individuals with a history of fraud, identity theft, or other criminal activities.
Builds Trust: Demonstrates your commitment to security, earns client confidence and protects sensitive data.
Proof of Identity: Passport, driving license, or government-issued ID.
Proof of Address: Utility bills, bank statements, or tenancy agreements.
Right to Work Documentation: Visa or work permits (if applicable).
Employment History: Work references, or official documentation as proof of employment covering the last three years. As well as additional paperwork to confirm periods of un-employment if longer than 6 months.
Adopting BPSS clearance as part of your onboarding process isn’t just about being compliant, it’s about improving the quality of your hires and protecting your business and team. By showing your commitment to security it can help to improve client relationships and may help to secure contracts.
Conducting BPSS checks can be time consuming, particularly if you have several candidates to screen at once. Additionally, it requires someone experienced with managing sensitive data and access to secure databases to conduct the screening correctly. Partnering with a professional background screening company will not only save you time, but it will also alleviate the pressure of ensuring accuracy and compliance.
Ready to simplify your screening process? Give our friendly team of experts a call today to understand more about how we can manage the process for you.