BPSS, standing for Baseline Personnel Security Standard, is a crucial background check in the UK for government employees and contractors. This check, encompassing various elements like identity and criminal records, is a fundamental prerequisite for those working in or with the public sector.
For employers unfamiliar with BPSS, this guide aims to provide essential knowledge and insight into obtaining this accreditation for yourself and your team.
Table of Contents
Exploring BPSS
What is BPSS?
BPSS serves as the primary pre-employment background check for those in government roles, the military, or as contractors. It’s designed to affirm the trustworthiness of individuals who may access sensitive data or control government assets, ensuring a consistent security standard across government departments.
BPSS Components
- The BPSS encompasses four key elements, collectively known as RICE:
- Right to Work Verification: Examines the candidate’s eligibility for the position, including
- nationality and immigration status.
- Identity Verification: A comprehensive ID check.
- Criminal Record Check: Includes a Basic Disclosure of any unspent convictions (different from a DBS check).
- Employment History Review: Confirms a minimum of three years of employment history.
For candidates with over six months of overseas stay in the past three years, International Criminal Record checks are necessary.
Who Requires a BPSS Certificate?
BPSS clearance is mandated for all civil servants, whether permanent or temporary, as well as contractors and support staff working with government departments. It forms a part of the broader security clearance process.
Validity of a BPSS Certificate
Typically, BPSS certificates do not expire, particularly if one remains with the same employer or returns within a year. Nevertheless, employers might periodically refresh certain aspects of the check for ongoing risk mitigation.
Transferring BPSS Certification
In some cases, a new employer may accept an existing BPSS from a previous employer. However, due to legal requirements for ID and right to work checks, redoing the BPSS is often more efficient.
Can You Fail a BPSS Check?
BPSS is more about risk assessment than passing or failing. It’s aimed at helping government entities understand and manage employment risks. Adverse findings in the DBS segment might not disqualify a candidate if they’re not pertinent to the job role.
BPSS versus Security Clearance
BPSS is the baseline in a hierarchy of personnel security controls and is not equivalent to full security clearance, which includes higher levels like CTC, SC, and DV.
BPSS vs. DBS Checks
The Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks are both types of background checks in the UK, but they serve different purposes and have different scopes:
BPSS:
It’s a pre-employment security screening primarily for government employees and contractors.
It includes identity check, right to work verification, employment history, and basic criminal record check.
BPSS is not a formal security clearance but a baseline check for trustworthiness.
DBS:
It’s used across various sectors, not limited to government roles.
DBS checks reveal criminal records. There are three levels: Basic, Standard, and Enhanced.
DBS checks are more focused on an individual’s criminal history.
BPSS is broader in scope, covering more aspects of an individual’s background, while DBS checks are specifically focused on criminal history.
Implementing BPSS Checks
Employers can perform some BPSS components like right to work and ID checks, but outsourcing to specialists like Checkback ensures efficiency and compliance. Checkback has extensive experience in conducting BPSS checks, adhering to ISO27001 standards and GDPR compliance, with a focus on quick and effective processing.
The Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks in the UK are underpinned by a combination of laws and regulations. These include:
Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR: These laws ensure the handling and processing of personal data during BPSS checks are done in a lawful, fair, and transparent manner, respecting the privacy and rights of individuals.
Human Rights Act 1998: This Act protects the rights of individuals, including privacy and fair treatment, which are relevant during the conduct of BPSS checks.
Employment Law: Various aspects of UK employment law, including laws related to discrimination and right to work, are relevant to the BPSS process.
Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006: This Act is pertinent especially for verifying the right to work as part of BPSS checks.
These laws ensure that BPSS checks are conducted in a manner that is fair, respects individual rights, and complies with national standards for security and employment.
For a streamlined BPSS check process, reach out to Checkback at 0144 281 6333 or request a callback for detailed assistance.
Andrea Parker is a reporter for Zobuz. She previously worked at Huffington Post and Vanity Fair. Andrea is based in NYC and covers issues affecting her city. In addition to her severe coffee addiction, she’s a Netflix enthusiast, a red wine drinker, and a voracious reader.
