A BPSS check (Baseline Personnel Security Standard) is required pre-employment screening for anyone accessing UK government data, assets, systems or property. It is a minimum level of national security vetting, and verifies an employee or contractor's identity, right to work, criminal record, and employment history.
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Verifies that employees are authorised to work in the country – a legal requirement for UK employers.
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Confirms and authenticates the identity of an individual and that they are who they claim to be.
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Checks a candidate or employee’s unspent offences in their criminal record.
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Verifies a job candidate’s employment experience and occupational history.
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Step 1: Requirements, set up and training
We review your needs and the required check standards. Then we guide you through simple onboarding, setup and customisation, with training included at no extra cost.
Step 2: Access platform to submit candidate details
Access our industry-leading Candidate Verifier and Right to Work platforms to simply enter and submit the candidate's information.
Step 3: Candidate completes application and questionnaire
The candidate receives an email and securely uploads their details and required documents, including BPSS security questionnaire fully integrated into the process.
Step 4: We complete BPSS checks
This includes: Right to Work check, identity verification, basic criminal record check, employment history and references.
Step 5: Optional sanctions, adverse financial and social media checks
These best-practice checks are available for fully-comprehensive screening.
Step 6: Results sent to you
We compile the checks and return the results directly to you, the employer.
The BPSS standard is being widely adopted across non-Government sectors, because the trust, data security and accountability it provides have become an expectation.
BPSS ensures individuals are vetted for legal work status, identity, criminal history, and employment background, reducing the risk of internal threats and data breaches. It is a key line of defence in protecting sensitive government information and critical national infrastructure from espionage, cybercrime and insider threats.
Anyone accessing UK government data, systems or buildings
Civil servants, contractors, outreach workers, armed forces personnel
Roles with incidental exposure to secure information (e.g. cleaners, receptionists
Enhanced add-on checks available for high-risk roles
Government-trusted IDVT provider
All our identity team are certified to this BPSS standard
Highest standard for Right to Work checks
Trusted brand that innovates and understands your challenges
The armed services handle sensitive information, personnel data, and access to national defence assets. Whether supporting operations, logistics, intelligence, or infrastructure, individuals in these roles must meet strict security requirements. The Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) is the first step in that assurance.
MOD personnel, reserves, veterans in civilian defence roles
Contractors and suppliers supporting armed forces projects
Logistics, IT, engineering, and admin teams
Facility management, third-party staff, and security support
Any access to UK Government data, systems or buildings
Verifies through government-approved sources (e.g. HMRC)
IDVT certified and GDPR compliant
Trusted across critical infrastructure
Military-friendly onboarding of multiple applicants
Any role or organisation that works within Government premises, handles government data, works on public contracts, or operates within secure environments must ensure that their personnel meet the BPSS security baseline.
Cleaners, security guards, facilities staff or receptionists on Government contracts
Recruitment agencies supplying staff to government departments or projects
IT and digital services contractors with access to UK Government systems or data
Roles with access to the Public Services Network (PSN)
Contact centres and telemarketing involving public outreach (e.g. benefits, pensions)
Customer service agents working on behalf of public services
UK-based team to guide you to the most appropriate checks.
Built-in BPSS questionnaires
"By transitioning to a tailored, automated background checking solution, we’ve cut processing times by over a third, saved tens of thousands in manual effort, and elevated the candidate experience, while maintaining the rigorous compliance standards Experian is known for.
This shift from a manual, in-house process to a streamlined, insight-driven solution hasn’t just improved efficiency, it’s become a model for how our HR team can innovate without compromising trust, security, or candidate care."
Debs Hill, Experian Onboarding Team
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