BS 7858 Security Screening: Why Proper Vetting Matters for UK Security Guards

By Muhammad Taimoor, Office Manager
Reviewed by Darren Arnold, Screening & Vetting Manager

Choosing a security company is about more than finding available guards at the lowest hourly rate. Businesses need confidence that every person deployed to protect their site has been properly screened, has the legal right to work, holds the appropriate SIA licence where required, and is managed throughout their employment.

Recent figures reported by The Telegraph revealed that more than 20,000 security guard licences were revoked over a three-year period after licence holders no longer had the right to work in Britain. The figures underline an important point for any organisation that relies on security officers, door supervisors or manned guarding teams: an SIA licence is essential, but it is not the whole picture.

At Cronos Protection, we believe that effective security starts with people who have been properly vetted, trained and verified.

What is BS 7858 security screening?

BS 7858:2019 is the British Standard for screening people who work in secure environments. It is designed for roles where an individual could affect the safety of people or the security of property, goods, services, data or other assets.

For security providers, BS 7858 screening helps establish a clear, documented understanding of an individual’s identity, background and suitability before deployment. It should form part of a wider compliance process that includes right-to-work checks, SIA licence verification where relevant, training and ongoing workforce management.

“An SIA licence is essential, but it should never be the only check. Screening every member of staff to BS 7858 gives clients confidence that the people entrusted with their premises, people and assets have been properly verified. It is a fundamental part of maintaining a professional, compliant and trusted security operation.”
— Darren Arnold, Screening & Vetting Manager, Cronos Protection

BSI describes BS 7858:2019 as a code of practice for screening people working in secure environments.

Why an SIA licence is not the whole picture

The Security Industry Authority plays a vital role in regulating the private security industry. Front-line security roles, including security guarding and door supervision, require the appropriate SIA licence.

Clients should check that personnel working in licensable roles hold the correct licence. However, responsible security provision involves more than checking whether a licence number appears on a register.

A professional security company should have robust processes covering:

Right-to-work verification
Identity checks
Criminal record checks where appropriate
Employment and address history
Relevant qualifications and training
SIA licence verification
Ongoing compliance monitoring
Professional standards and conduct
Appropriate security-specific vetting

This is particularly important where security personnel have access to people, buildings, sensitive information or valuable assets.

Why right-to-work checks matter for security companies

UK employers must check that an applicant is allowed to work in the UK before employment begins. Where an individual’s permission to work is time-limited, appropriate follow-up checks are also important.

This is especially relevant in the private security industry. An individual’s right-to-work status can change after an SIA licence has been issued, meaning an earlier licence check alone does not replace the need for robust recruitment and compliance processes.

For businesses outsourcing their security requirements, asking how a provider manages right-to-work checks and ongoing compliance can make a significant difference. GOV.UK guidance explains the checks employers must carry out.

Why businesses should look beyond the cheapest security company

Security is often treated as a cost, particularly when businesses compare quotations from different security companies. But selecting a provider solely on hourly rates can create unnecessary risk.

A lower-cost service may look attractive initially, but clients should consider what is actually included. Effective manned guarding depends on the people delivering it, the quality of their training, and the systems supporting them.

When comparing security providers, ask:

Are security guards properly vetted?

Ask what screening process is used, whether it aligns with BS 7858:2019, and whether personnel are screened before they are deployed.

Are SIA licences checked?

Personnel working in licensable roles should hold the appropriate SIA licence. Businesses can use the SIA Licence Status Checker and should ask how their provider monitors licence status internally.

Are right-to-work checks carried out?

A reputable provider should have a clear, consistent process for confirming that employees have the legal right to work in the UK.

Is compliance monitored continuously?

Security compliance should not end after recruitment. Good providers have processes designed to maintain standards throughout an operative’s employment.

What training do security officers receive?

Professional security officers need more than a licence. They need the skills, professionalism and site-specific understanding required to carry out their role effectively.

Security provider due-diligence checklist

Before appointing a security company, ask for clear answers to the following:

Are all relevant personnel screened to BS 7858:2019 before deployment?
How are identity, address and employment-history checks managed?
How does the provider confirm a worker’s right to work in the UK?
How are follow-up right-to-work checks managed for time-limited permissions?
How is SIA licence status checked for licensable roles?
What training and site induction does each officer receive?
How are compliance records monitored and audited?
How does the provider manage changes in a worker’s circumstances?
Is there a named screening and vetting contact who can answer client queries?

A professional security company should be able to answer these questions clearly and confidently.

How Cronos Protection approaches security guard vetting

At Cronos Protection, we believe that security is fundamentally about people.

Our approach combines professional security services with robust screening, training and workforce management. We provide security solutions across the UK, including manned guarding, SIA door supervision, event security, safety stewarding and site technology solutions.

Our team is supported by a national training centre, and our security personnel are BS 7858 vetted as part of our commitment to professional standards and accountability.

We have also introduced a bespoke screening and vetting platform designed to strengthen BS 7858 screening, compliance and accountability across our workforce.

For clients, this means security is not simply about putting a uniformed officer on site. It is about having confidence in who is protecting their business.

Manned guarding: more than a visible presence

A professional manned guarding service can provide a visible deterrent, access control, monitoring and a rapid response to potential security incidents.

But its effectiveness ultimately depends on the people delivering that service.

Cronos Protection’s manned guarding teams are trained to protect premises, assets and people while maintaining a professional and welcoming environment. Our solutions are tailored to the specific requirements of each client and site.

Whether you need security guards for a construction site, commercial property, retail environment, corporate premises or another location, selecting the right security partner is critical.

Frequently asked questions

Is BS 7858 a legal requirement?

BS 7858 is a British Standard rather than a legal requirement in every situation. However, it is widely recognised as best practice for screening people working in security-sensitive environments. Clients may also require it as part of their procurement, contractual or insurance requirements.

Does an SIA licence prove that a security guard has been fully vetted?

An SIA licence is essential for licensable security roles, but it is not a substitute for an employer’s wider recruitment, screening and compliance procedures. A responsible provider should also carry out appropriate right-to-work, identity, background and employment-history checks.

Why are right-to-work checks important for security companies?

UK employers must check that a person is allowed to work in the UK before employment begins. Where permission is time-limited, follow-up checks may also be needed. Security providers should maintain clear, consistent processes because a worker’s compliance status can change over time.

How can I check a security guard’s SIA licence?

Businesses can use the SIA Licence Status Checker to confirm whether an operative holds a valid licence for the work they are carrying out. Clients should also ask their security provider how licence status is checked and monitored internally.

What should I look for when choosing a manned guarding company?

Look beyond price. Ask about BS 7858 screening, right-to-work checks, SIA licensing, training, supervision, incident reporting, quality assurance and how the provider manages ongoing compliance.

Choose security you can verify

When you appoint a security provider, you are placing people in positions of trust around your premises, employees, visitors and assets. The right provider should be able to demonstrate how its personnel are screened, trained, licensed and supported—not simply promise that guards will be supplied.

Cronos Protection provides professional security services across the UK, combining experienced personnel with robust processes and a people-first approach.

BS 7858 Security Screening: Why Vetting Guards Matters