What is Included in a BPSS Check? A Comprehensive Guide

Identity verification is an essential part of a BPSS (Basic Staff Security Standard) check, which is the standard background check required for government employees and contractors in the UK. This check encompasses a variety of elements, such as criminal records and identity checks, and is a minimum requirement for working in and with the public sector. Depending on the industry and the type of position you are hiring for, you may need to conduct a reference check, identity verification, bankruptcy check, civil background check, work credit check, or any of the other background checks we offer. Simple identity checks can be completed in as little as a few hours, but a worldwide criminal background check can take several weeks.

A basic pre-employment verification package takes about a week. Our specialist account managers can provide you with detailed information about what checks you need and how long they will take to complete. The cost of a BPSS check is 115€ per request and the average delivery time is 7 to 10 working days.

BPSS

controls are essential to reduce the risk of illegal workers and identity fraud and to protect national security.

The BPSS can also be used as a pre-hire control outside the government environment, as it is considered an excellent universal standard for background checks in many sectors. When people move from one company to another, the new employer may, in some cases, accept an existing BPSS. However, employers are legally required to carry out most of the elements such as identification, the right to work, and immigration status checks. Therefore, it makes sense to do it all over again, and it will usually be faster.

The government encourages human resources staff to work with security units and legal advisors when carrying out BPSS checks. We have been performing BPSS controls since before they were invented (before they were called “basic control”). The government considers BPSS checks to be an important measure to confirm the identity of a person (employee or contractor) and their rights to work in the UK. BPSS controls mitigate the risks associated with people working with potentially sensitive information.

The BPSS check includes several components that must be completed before an individual can be employed or contracted by a public sector organization. These components include:

Identity Verification

The first step in any BPSS check is verifying the identity of the individual being checked. This includes verifying their name, date of birth, address history, nationality, and other personal information. This step is essential for ensuring that the individual is who they say they are and that they are legally allowed to work in the UK.

Criminal Records Check

The next step in a BPSS check is conducting a criminal records check. This involves searching through databases of criminal records to determine if the individual has any convictions or pending charges that could disqualify them from employment or contracting with a public sector organization.

Reference Check

The third step in a BPSS check is conducting a reference check. This involves contacting previous employers or other references provided by the individual being checked to verify their employment history and qualifications for the position they are applying for.

Bankruptcy Check

The fourth step in a BPSS check is conducting a bankruptcy check. This involves searching through databases of bankruptcies to determine if the individual has any outstanding debts that could disqualify them from employment or contracting with a public sector organization.

Civil Background Check

The fifth step in a BPSS check is conducting a civil background check. This involves searching through databases of civil court records to determine if the individual has any outstanding civil judgments or liens that could disqualify them from employment or contracting with a public sector organization.

Work Credit Check

The sixth step in a BPSS check is conducting a work credit check. This involves searching through databases of credit reports to determine if the individual has any outstanding debts that could disqualify them from employment or contracting with a public sector organization. In conclusion, it is important for employers and contractors in the UK to understand what is included in a BPSS check and why it is necessary for protecting national security and reducing risks associated with people working with potentially sensitive information.