Security checks - Page Overview

When being hired in the UK, there is a range of checks that happen for vetting purposes. Some are mandatory for every company, while others depend on the role or company. And each will be done case-by-case. These checks are usually run by third parties, so if you have any concerns, talk to the company hiring you, as they will be making the final decision.

Some examples of the checks:

• Right to work & ID: it’s a mandatory check that all companies must do. Even if you have a British passport, you may have to complete a separate Right to Work in the UK check.
• DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service: this is looking into any convictions or conditional cautions you might have had. There are two types: basic or standard/enhanced level. If you are working at an educational organisation, for example, the latter might be needed.
• BPSS (Baseline Personnel Security Standard): This is the minimum standard for government and armed forces jobs. It includes employment history as well as the above checks.
• BS7858 (British standard for high security roles): even more rigorous, this level checks for 5 to 10 years of employment history AND your financial stability (6-year credit search, for example) and sometimes even coverage of any 31+ day employment gaps

What kind of information is considered?

• Nationalities: Some jobs require UK only; others accept dual citizenship, but only from the EU; others, it doesn’t matter. There is no one rule that fits all jobs.
• Time living in the UK: some jobs require you to have lived in the UK for at least three years, others five years.
• Days away from the UK: if you have been away from the UK for longer than 28 days, this could impact your offer.
• Which other countries have you visited recently (the time frame will depend on the company hiring)
• Employment history: career breaks and unemployment could be a deal breaker if you can’t evidence what you were doing in the meantime.
• Type of industry: different industries have different levels of security. And different roles within that industry might impact this, too.

The type of documents will change from time to time, and it will depend on each organisation. This article gives a good overview, but the company will tell you exactly what they need.

Always ask what document they need and, if you do not have it, go back and explain your situation and what you have available. Hopefully, you’ll find a common ground with the company, but if not, get ready for the next opportunity.