Everything You Need to Know About BS7858 Checks in 2025

BS7858 checks are an essential part of the SMCR screening process as they allow you as an organisation to deploy a standard of quality and security throughout your business; in the pursuit of achieving SMCR compliance (Senior Managers & Certification Regime) which is essential for all FCA-regulated firms that the legislation applies to in the UK.

This guide will discuss the importance of security and safety in the workplace and how screening services by Agenda Screening ensure that the best practices are applied, including more information on our comprehensive BS7858 package and what it offers. 

Already know that a BS7858 Check is what you need? Request a quote today!

Understanding the Need for BS7858 Screening Services

BS7858 screenings are a combination of background checks that are part of the BS7858 screening standard, which is a British Standard Institution (BSI) recommendation for individuals who are to be employed in a security-based environment.

This type of screening is used by businesses across the UK to enhance their security and recruitment process. We recommend Agenda Screening’s BS7858 package when an individual is going to be employed within an environment where the security and/or safety of people, property or goods are a fundamental requirement of the employing organisation. 

Benefits of BS7858 screenings include:

  • Confirmation of identity – knowing who it is that you’re employing and whether the information that they’ve provided is true or not. 
  • Verification of Right to Work status – the ability to verify the status of a job applicant’s right to work status, which determines whether you can legally hire the applicant to work for you.
  • 5-Year Employment History Check – this background check provides an overview of employment history and is an official record by the HMRC that documents every job that an individual has had whilst employed in the UK. 
  • Basic Criminal Record or SIA License Verification – we can review an individual’s criminal record and identify whether there’s been any previous history with the law. Alternatively, we can check the Security Industry Authority’s (SIA) register ourselves to see if an individual is licensed to be a security guard, door supervisor, bodyguard, or CCTV operator.

Our BS7858 package offers a range of additional benefits that result from our thorough screening process. If you’re interested in learning more about our services or have any questions, please feel free to contact Agenda Screening. We’re happy to help and provide you with further information about our screening services.

Who Can Benefit From BS7858 Checks?

As stated on GOV.UK, “This British Standard helps employers to screen security personnel before they employ them. It gives best-practice recommendations, sets the standard for the security screening of staff in an environment where the safety of people, goods or property is essential. This includes data security, sensitive and service contracts and confidential records. It can also be applied to situations where security screening is in the public’s interest.”. 

Additionally, the GOV.UK website proceeds to discuss the BS7858 standard and says that “It sets out all the necessary requirements to conduct a security screening process. It covers ancillary staff, acquisitions and transfers, and the security conditions of contractors and subcontractors. It also looks at information relating to the Rehabilitation of Offenders and Data Protection Acts.”.

In short, Agenda Screening’s BS7858 package benefits employers by guaranteeing high-quality security throughout the recruitment process; which, in turn, benefits employees by assuring a safe and secure working environment for those involved in the business.

Ensuring the safety of workers and the public is of utmost importance and conducting a thorough background check to the BS7858 standard is a vital step towards achieving this goal. Likewise, this measure of screening is essential for all types of positions, not just those related to security where it’s most commonly used.

What Is Included Within the BS7858 Package?

Rest assured that when it comes to screening services, such as the BS7858 package, you are guaranteed a high-quality service. Our experts will meticulously manage every step of the process, ensuring that your expectations are exceeded. 

Moreover, our holistic approach involves triangulating data to provide you with complete reassurance. Each of our comprehensive screening packages consists of the basic requirements for your solution, with the BS7858 package we include the following background checks:

  • Identity Confirmation
  • Current Address Check
  • 5 Year Employment History Check
  • Sanctions
  • Right to Work Status
  • Employment Gap Analysis
  • Basic Criminal Record or SIA Licence Verification
  • Finance Check

The BS7858 package is one of our “Quick Checks” which are fast, easy and cost-effective pay-per-candidate screening options for those requiring less than 10 checks per year. However, all of our background checks can be mixed and matched into a bespoke screening service to offer a solution tailored to your business’s individual needs. 

For example, as an innovative leader in the field, Agenda Screening is able to provide the latest screening services, such as the Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) check. We’re also the only screening provider to be able to offer the ARC (Animal Rights Connections) check.

What Should You Expect From Screening Providers?

When choosing a background screening provider, it’s important to consider their reputation, experience, accreditations, compliance with regulations, privacy and security measures, and customer service. Look for a provider with a positive track record, accredited by reputable organisations, and adhering to industry regulations. Likewise, ensure they have strong privacy and security measures with a responsive customer service team to support you.

In addition to these general expectations, it’s also worth considering which types of credentials a provider has before choosing them; look for specific credentials in information security management, cyber security, or other relevant fields. For example, Agenda Screening is certified by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) and is certified for ISO27001, ISO27701, ISO22301, ISO9001, ISO14001, and BS10012. 

We also have accreditations from Investors In People, Cyber Essentials, and the Professional Background Screening Association (PBSA). These credentials demonstrate Agenda Screening’s commitment to security and privacy, which gives our clients peace of mind when choosing us as their screening provider. 

Quality Screening Solutions

When it comes to providing screening, we always aim to offer the best possible value for money; however, our main priority is to offer accurate high-quality services and sustain our core principles of trust, quality, and a candidate-focused service for the best results.

It’s important to choose a screening provider that’s not only right for you but is reliable and experienced in providing screening services. Agenda Screening is a family-run and owned business with over 25 years of experience, meaning we’re experts in screening. 

Not only that, we’re experts in people too; offering a partnership approach you will work closely alongside our innovative, professional, and friendly staff to create a solution that works for you.

This means we’re able to work effectively and efficiently which allows us to guarantee leading turnaround times. Likewise, as a certified and fully compliant screening provider, we can ensure that your data is safe, whilst giving comprehensive support through our 24/7 customer support line, intuitive candidate portal, and live chat feature for a quick response.

By choosing Agenda you’ll be able to make the best-informed hiring decisions, through a bespoke screening solution, tailored exactly to your needs.

View all of our screening solutions here.

If your business needs bespoke screening services, contact Agenda Screening’s team of screening experts today. We possess the expertise and experience to support you in making informed decisions and guarantee your organisation’s safety and security. 

Contact us today to discover more.

Discover what we offer.

Download our Menu of Services today.