Comprehensive Guide to BPSS Checks

In the midst of the confusing and often overcomplicated world of background checks, you’ll likely have encountered the term ‘BPSS Check’; but if you aren’t sure what a BPSS Check is then you are not alone. In this blog, we will take a deep dive into what BPSS Checks are, who needs them, and the process involved in getting one.

What does BPSS Stand For?

BPSS stands for Baseline Personnel Security Standard. It is a pre-employment screening standard established by the UK government. 

What are BPSS Checks?

BPSS checks are a set of background checks designed specifically to verify an individual’s identity, eligibility to work in the UK, and overall suitability for a particular role that involves granting access to sensitive information. 

Acting as a baseline security measure, BPSS Checks offer a level of assurance around an applicant’s trustworthiness and integrity.

Who Would Need A BPSS Check?

BPSS checks are mandatory for anyone working with or on behalf of a UK government department. This includes civil servants, temporary / agency staff, government contractors, and/or individuals in the armed forces. However, the BPSS standard has become increasingly adopted by the private sector, where handling sensitive information is also commonplace. Industries such as finance services, security services and roles in the charity sector have all seen an increase in BPSS check requests.

What Information Is Included In A BPSS Check?

A BPSS Check typically covers four key areas, often referred to through the acronym RICE. 

Right To Work Check : This verifies an applicant’s nationality and immigration status, ensuring that the applicant has the legal right to work in the UK. We have more in depth information around right to work checks in one of our recent blogs. 

Identity Check : These involve confirming and verifying the applicant’s name, address, aliases, and other details through electronic verification systems. Learn more about how Care Check processes identity checks.

Criminal Record Check : A Basic Disclosure Check, also known as a Basic DBS Check, searches for unspent criminal convictions, helping employers to understand and access the potential risks that come with hiring the applicant. Other types of DBS Checks can be requested too.

Employment History Check : Employers may request references from previous employers to verify the applicant’s employment history and gather insights into their conduct, performance and reliability among other factors.

Outside of these four principles of a BPSS Check, additional checks may be conducted depending on the specific role and organisational requirements that the job will entail. These could include credit checks if an applicant is likely to be handling financial affairs for the business, social media checks enabling you to confirm their digital footprint is aligned with that of the business, if they are in a public facing role. or qualification checks if the role requires minimum educational standards for practice of delivery.