Why BS:7858 Pre-Employment Screening Really Matters…
Global Support Services is exceptionally proud to be an SIA Approved Contractor Scheme company.
As part of our ACS accreditation, pre-employment screening is a mandatory requirement. And, like all of our ACS member partners, we fully adhere to the British Standard BS:7858 – Screening of individuals working in a secure environment.
In the UK’s security sector, trust is more than just a word; it’s the foundation upon which our entire industry is built. For businesses like ours that safeguard assets and public safety, ensuring the reliability of every individual on our team is paramount.
However, upon recent analysis of our recruitment activity, we identified that a minority of candidates dropped out of our onboarding process due to determining that our vetting procedures were ‘too complicated’ or ‘not something I was asked to do by my last employer…’
So, why does pre-employment screening to BS:7858 matter so much to us and our fellow UK ACS companies?
1. It Ensures Trustworthiness
Risk mitigation is at the core of our industry. BS:7858 ensures that those entrusted with access to sensitive areas, information, or property have undergone a thorough evaluation of their reliability and trustworthiness. It’s not just about ticking boxes; it’s about building a complete foundation of trust.
2. It Demonstrates Professionalism
Professionalism is the hallmark of any industry, and in security, it’s no different. By adhering to BS:7858, ACS companies aren’t just stating they’re professional; they’re proving it. It sets a benchmark, ensuring that every employee meets the gold standard of reliability.
3. It Provides Legal Protection
In the ever-evolving world of regulations and laws, BS:7858 acts as a beacon, guiding ACS companies through potential legal pitfalls. Adhering to this recognised standard ensures best practices and offers legal protection.
4. It Gives Our Clients Piece of Mind
In our industry, the trust of our clients and the public isn’t just nice to have—it’s essential. Adopting BS:7858 isn’t merely about compliance; it’s a statement, signaling to our clients that our company is committed to the highest standards of security and professionalism.
5. It Promotes Consistency and Inclusion
Uniformity in hiring practices ensures fairness, and BS:7858 provides that roadmap. It ensures that regardless of who’s applying, the criteria remain consistent. This isn’t just good for employees; it’s good for our industry.
6. It Takes a Holistic Approach
BS:7858 is about more than just checking pre-employment. It paints a comprehensive picture of an individual, from identity verification to criminal backgrounds, and financial checks – ensuring no stone is left unturned.
7. It Places an Emphasis on Continuity
One of the standout features of BS:7858 is its emphasis on continuity. It understands that trust isn’t a one-time thing; it’s an ongoing commitment. With periodic reviews and updates, ACS companies can ensure they maintain a fully screened workforce.
In summary, in our industry BS:7858 isn’t just a guideline; it’s our lifeline.
By ensuring rigorous and comprehensive screening practices, ACS companies (and our clients!) can be confident in our commitment to excellence, professionalism, and most importantly, trust.
Image Title: Background Checks
License: Creative Commons 3 – CC BY-SA 3.0
Attribution: Alpha Stock Images – http://alphastockimages.com/
Original Author: Nick Youngson – link to – http://www.nyphotographic.com/
