Security Screening to BS7858 is one of the most effective ways to protect your business from fraud, theft, insider threats and reputational damage. Whether you employ security officers, facilities staff or contractors with access to your premises, carrying out professional security screening helps ensure that only trustworthy individuals are placed in positions of responsibility. At Stance Security, we believe that robust security screening is the foundation of professional security services and an essential part of protecting our clients, their assets and their reputation.
When businesses think about security, they often focus on CCTV systems, alarm monitoring, access control or physical security officers. While these are all important, one of the greatest risks to any organisation often comes from within. Employees, contractors or temporary workers who already have authorised access can unintentionally—or deliberately—cause significant financial loss, operational disruption and reputational damage.
That is why security screening should be considered one of the first lines of defence, not an afterthought.
What Is Security Screening?
Security screening to BS7858 is the process of verifying that an individual is suitable to work in a role where trust, integrity and responsibility are essential. It involves carrying out a series of background checks before employment begins to confirm that the information provided by an applicant is accurate and that there are no concerns which could place an employer or client at unnecessary risk.
Within the UK security industry, these checks are commonly carried out in accordance with BS7858, the British Standard for screening individuals working in secure environments. The standard provides employers with a structured framework for verifying identity, employment history, references and other important information before someone is deployed into a position of trust.
Although BS7858 is closely associated with the private security industry, the principles of professional security screening are equally valuable across many other sectors.
Why Is Security Screening So Important?
Every organisation places trust in its employees. Staff may have access to buildings, master keys, confidential information, valuable equipment, computer systems or vulnerable people.
Without appropriate security screening, (BS7858) employers may unknowingly expose themselves to unnecessary risks.
These risks can include:
- Theft of stock, equipment or company property
- Fraud and financial crime
- Data breaches and information theft
- Unauthorised access to secure areas
- Damage to business reputation
- Violence or workplace misconduct
- Compromised client confidence
- Increased insurance and legal risks
Professional security screening significantly reduces these risks by ensuring appropriate checks have been completed before employment begins.
Understanding the Insider Threat
Many people imagine security threats coming from outside the organisation. In reality, individuals who already have authorised access can often cause the greatest damage.
This is known as the insider threat.
An insider threat does not necessarily involve organised crime or malicious intent. Sometimes poor recruitment practices, inadequate screening or a lack of verification allow unsuitable individuals into trusted positions.
Examples include:
- Employees stealing equipment or stock
- Access cards being misused
- Confidential information being copied or leaked
- Sensitive client information being compromised
- Deliberate sabotage of equipment or systems
- Individuals allowing unauthorised visitors onto secure sites
Because insiders already understand company procedures and often have unrestricted access, the consequences can be far greater than those caused by external criminals.
Security screening helps identify potential concerns before employment begins, reducing the likelihood of these incidents occurring.
What Does Professional Security Screening Include?
Every organisation will have slightly different requirements depending on the role being filled. However, a comprehensive security screening (BS7858) process typically includes several important checks.
Identity Verification
Confirming that the applicant is who they claim to be using official documentation.
Right to Work Checks
Ensuring the individual has the legal right to work within the United Kingdom.
Employment History Verification
Reviewing previous employment and investigating any unexplained gaps in employment history.
Character and Employment References
Obtaining references from previous employers or suitable referees to verify experience and suitability.
Address History
Confirming previous addresses to support identity verification and employment records.
Criminal Record Checks
Where appropriate and legally permissible, criminal record checks may be carried out depending on the requirements of the role.
Additional Role-Specific Checks
Some positions may also require financial checks, qualification verification or professional licence validation.
Together, these checks provide employers with a much clearer picture of the individual they are recruiting.
Is Security Screening the Same as an SIA Licence?
No.
This is one of the most common misunderstandings within the private security industry.
An SIA licence demonstrates that an individual has met the licensing requirements established by the Security Industry Authority. However, it does not replace the comprehensive employment screening carried out by responsible employers.
Professional security companies undertake their own security screening processes because they remain responsible for ensuring the individuals representing their business are suitable for the role.
Choosing a security provider that carries out comprehensive employee screening offers an additional level of reassurance that recruitment standards have not been compromised.
Who Benefits From Security Screening?
Although security screening is essential within the private security industry, many other sectors benefit from adopting similar recruitment standards.
These include:
- Construction companies
- Warehousing and logistics
- Manufacturing
- Retail
- Distribution centres
- Schools and colleges
- Healthcare providers
- Local authorities
- Facilities management companies
- Data centres
- Utilities
- Commercial property management
Any organisation that entrusts employees with access to buildings, information or valuable assets should consider implementing robust security screening procedures.
Why Businesses Should Ask About Security Screening
When selecting a security provider, many organisations compare prices, uniforms and response times.
Far fewer ask how the company’s employees are recruited and screened.
This can be one of the most important questions to ask.
Before appointing a security company, consider asking:
- Are your staff security screened?
- Do you follow the BS7858 standard?
- How do you verify employment history?
- How are references checked?
- What happens if employment gaps cannot be verified?
- Are identity documents independently verified?
- How do you ensure ongoing professional standards?
A reputable security company should be able to answer these questions confidently and explain the procedures they follow.
Why Security Screening Matters at Stance Security
At Stance Security, we understand that our clients place enormous trust in the people we deploy.
Whether we are providing security officers, mobile patrols, keyholding, alarm response, event security, construction site security or specialist K9 security teams, our employees often have access to sensitive locations and valuable assets.
That is why security screening forms a key part of our recruitment process.
By carrying out thorough pre-employment checks and maintaining high professional standards, we help ensure our clients receive security personnel they can trust from day one.
Professional security begins long before an officer arrives on site—it starts with recruiting the right people.
The Benefits of Professional Security Screening
Choosing a company that invests in comprehensive security screening provides several advantages.
These include:
- Reduced risk of insider threats
- Greater confidence in deployed personnel
- Better protection for people, property and information
- Increased professionalism
- Improved client confidence
- Stronger compliance with recognised industry standards
- Better protection of business reputation
- Reduced recruitment risk
- Higher quality service delivery
- Greater peace of mind
Security screening is not simply an administrative exercise. It is an investment in trust, professionalism and long-term business resilience.
