BS7858 Screening Package – Protect (UK Standard Vetting)
The Protect package is a robust background checking package, based on the BS7858 government industry standard. This package is suited to organisations in finance, communications, energy and government departments where standards of background checks are expected to be met.
BS7858 is the UK standard for screening candidates in the security sector and is set by the British Standards Institution. This package ensures those working in sensitive areas or with vulnerable people are screening appropriately in either permanent or contracted roles.
If your candidate has an in-date British or Irish passport (or passport card) then upgrade your right to work and ID verification checks to our digital ID platform AssuredID.
Contact us for orders exceeding 50 units
Product details
This package is for candidates based in the UK only.
Average turnaround time for this package is five days. Please note: third party checks can take up to 10-15 working days, however this may sometimes be longer. **
It is the responsibility of the employer/organisation to verify a right to work document and two eligible documents for the purpose of the DBS. The right to work document may form one of your two DBS documents. You must also be in possession of one document which confirms the candidate's current address to satisfy BS7858 guidelines. **
*AssuredID: If your candidate has an in-date British or Irish passport (or Irish passport card), you can use our Digital ID checking platform (AssuredID) instead of obtaining documents.
BS7858 checks included
Verifying the identity of the candidate being screened is the foundation of all screening checks and packages. This ensures all other screening is completed on the principle that the candidate is who they say they are. As such, any flaw or omission in the candidate ID verification can compromise any further screening checks being conducted.
Right to work checks are required for any candidate prior to commencement of employment. This is a non-transferable statutory obligation enforced by the Home Office and carries risk of significant fines and even criminal prosecution if not undertaken appropriately.
There are two core elements to what most organisations refer to as an employment reference check: employment verification (date and role confirmation from previous employer) and substantive referencing (meaningful commentary on conduct and competence of individual being referenced). Many organisations not required to by statutory or regulatory obligation will opt to satisfy just the former when they should be mindful of both.
The Protect package includes a Basic DBS level criminal record check on your candidate(s). This check will provide details of any unspent convictions that a candidate may have and is key to making safer recruitment decisions for your organisation. *England and Wales checks only, additional cost for Scotland, Northern Ireland or international variations.
Having five years of address history ensures that all relevant criminal records and other background information are accurately checked across all locations where your candidate has lived. Additionally, it helps avoid gaps or inconsistencies that could raise red flags, confirms a candidates identity, and allows local police to verify that your potential employee has not committed any offences in those areas.
We’re experts in facilitating employment credit checks and varying levels, including standard checks based on five years of address history. Our reports clearly highlight any missed payments, defaults, county court judgements (CCJs) or bankruptcies, as well as any linked addresses the candidate may or may not have declared during their application. We can also process a further check using Credit Account Information Sharing (CAIS) data allowing us to review candidates’ full financial history including current accounts, credit cards, secured and unsecured debt, defaults and other measures of financial probity.
*UK checks only, additional costs for international variations.
Why choose BS7858?
The BS7858 is the UK standard for screening candidates in the security sector and is set by the British Standards Institution. This package ensures candidates working in sensitive areas or with vulnerable people are screening appropriately in either permanent or contracted roles.
Our BS7858 (Protect) package can be purchased and used as and when you need it and is perfect mid-to-high-risk roles, and business sizes which require BS7858 screening standards.
The process of using Protect is simple and efficient alleviating stress for you and administrative burden.
All candidate or employee information can be uploaded post-purchase via a form which will be emailed to you, once we have received this information our team of UK-based experts will start the process straight away.
BS7858 screening requirements
This package is pay-as-you-go and candidate information can be uploaded as and when you need screening to be completed via the form which will be emailed to you.
This package is designed for businesses with up to 50 employees. For anything larger or for checks outside of England and Wales, please reach out to one of our experts who will design you a tailored package that's right for you.
Our refund policy
All screening packages and products offered by Reed Screening are for employers/organisations. If you purchase a product for yourself, we will arrange for the full cost to be refunded to you.
BS7858 FAQs
A BS7858 check is a thorough security screening used in the UK for high-security roles. It includes verifying identity, right to work, detailed employment history, financial checks, and a basic criminal record check. This standard is often used in the security industry and other sectors where security clearance is crucial.
A BS7858 check is necessary for roles that require a high level of security clearance, including security guards, officers, and supervisors. It also applies to employees in the financial sector, government roles, contractors, subcontractors, and IT professionals.
A BS7858 check is valid for five years from the date it is issued and should be kept by the employer for seven years after the employee leaves the company.
BS7858 and DBS checks support UK vetting standards but serve different purposes.
A DBS check provides a criminal record history, highlighting convictions, cautions, or warnings to confirm whether someone is suitable for regulated or sensitive roles. It does not cover wider background screening.
In contrast, BS7858 screening is a comprehensive UK security vetting standard set by the British Standards Institution. It includes identity and right‑to‑work verification, employment history checks, financial screening, sanctions checks, and a criminal record check as one component.
This makes BS7858 the more robust option for high‑trust, security‑critical positions and organisations that must meet strict UK vetting requirements.
Reed Screening’s BS7858 Protect package is priced at £149 + VAT per candidate, offering a full BS7858‑compliant background screening aligned with UK security vetting standards. This package includes key checks such as identity verification, right‑to‑work confirmation, employment history checks, financial screening, and a criminal record check.
Additional optional services such as digital ID verification or enhanced criminal record checks can increase the total cost depending on the level of vetting required.
Yes. Reed Screening’s BS7858 checks can be tailored to different risk levels. The BS7858 Protect package includes core checks such as ID verification, right‑to‑work, employment history, financial screening, and criminal record checks.
Organisations can also add enhanced screening elements—such as extended history or fraud‑prevention checks - commonly used across high‑trust UK sectors. The BS7858:2019 standard is used widely across multiple industries, so screening can be scaled to meet specific compliance needs.
BS7858 compliance requires a set of essential security vetting checks, including identity verification, right‑to‑work confirmation, 5 - 10 year employment history with gap analysis, financial checks such as CCJs and insolvency screening, a Basic DBS check, and sanctions and directorship checks. Employers must also keep secure, audit‑ready records, often retained for seven years.
Unparalleled service
24/7, fast and efficient
We’re the only team of UK-based professionals that deliver pre-employment screening services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This allows us to provide you with a fast, efficient service you can rely on, and our dedicated team is only an email or phone call away.
Cutting-edge tech & experience
Our experience combined with access to the latest cutting-edge vetting technology and integrated client portal enables us to offer top-level security, optimum efficiency, transparency, and a seamless experience for you and those you are looking to hire.
Safe hiring pioneers
We collaborate closely with the UK government to drive change. As pioneers of safe hiring practices in the UK, we work to ensure screening processes are non-discriminatory and inclusive, efficient, and best for business and the economy.
Other frequently bought screening packages
Reach out to one of our specialists if you're interested in additional checks, or need to conduct 50 or more