In the security industry, employing the right personnel is critical. The stakes are high, as your security staff may be responsible for safeguarding property, assets, and even lives. That’s why both background checks and vetting are essential processes for employers. However, these terms are often used interchangeably, leading to confusion. While both are vital, they serve different purposes and functions within your hiring and compliance strategies. Understanding the difference is key to ensuring you hire trustworthy and reliable individuals.

What is a Background Check?

A background check is typically the first step many employers take to assess a candidate’s past. It involves gathering information about a person’s history, including criminal records, financial records, education, and employment history. The BS7858 screening for background checks is the British standard for security screening, setting out the guidelines for conducting background checks in the security sector.

A typical background check might include:

• Criminal record check
• Employment history verification
• Education verification
• Credit history check

While comprehensive, background checks are relatively basic. They provide factual data but often lack a deeper analysis of whether a candidate is suitable for a role, particularly in high-stakes environments like the security industry. For employers hiring for positions that require high levels of trust and responsibility, such as security officers, a background check only scratches the surface.

What Is Vetting?

Vetting goes beyond the scope of a traditional background check because it involves a more in-depth scrutiny of a candidate’s character, behaviour, and suitability for the role. BS7858 vetting is the recognised standard for security personnel in the UK. It involves a rigorous process designed to ensure individuals entrusted with sensitive security roles are of sound character and pose no potential risk to employers or the public.

Unlike a standard background check, BS7858 screening and vetting evaluates a broader range of factors:

• Verification of identity and right to work
• Financial history, which includes scrutinising credit and bankruptcy records
• Five to ten years of employment history verification
• Detailed character references
• Address history verification

The BS7858 vetting process is designed to assess a person’s suitability for roles where integrity is critical. For employers in the security sector, adhering to compliance standards is essential to avoid costly mistakes and potential liabilities.

Recommended Reading: Check out our guide for vetting security personnel to ensure you’re following best practices and staying compliant with BS7858 standards.

Key Differences Between Background Checks and Vetting

Depth of Investigation

• A background check provides a snapshot of an individual’s past, often limited to criminal records, employment history, and education. Vetting, particularly BS7858 security vetting, delves deeper into the individual’s personal and financial history and checks for potential red flags that may indicate unsuitability for sensitive roles.

Character Assessment

• Background checks offer factual data but do not assess a candidate’s character. In contrast, BS7858 security vetting places a strong emphasis on character references and the candidate’s overall suitability for a high-security role.

Industry Compliance

• In the UK security sector, compliance with BS7858 vetting is a legal requirement for many roles, especially for those requiring an SIA licence. Simply running a background check will not meet the stringent requirements set by the SIA vetting process, which ensures that security personnel have been thoroughly vetted.

Continuous Monitoring

• Background checks are often a one-off process, conducted at the time of hiring. BS7858 screening and vetting, however, is part of a continuous process where employees are regularly reassessed to ensure they remain fit for their role over time.

Why Does the Difference Matter?

For employers in the security industry, hiring the wrong person can have serious consequences. A simple background check might miss important details that could make all the difference in high-risk environments. Failing to properly vet staff can lead to reputational damage, financial loss, or even legal ramifications. This is why BS7858 security screening is crucial—it ensures that every potential hire is thoroughly evaluated, not just on their past but on their overall trustworthiness and suitability for sensitive roles.

By adhering to BS7858 screening and vetting requirements, you’re not just ticking a compliance box—you’re protecting your business, your clients, and the public from unnecessary risks. Proper vetting reduces the likelihood of costly mistakes, helps you avoid liability issues, and strengthens your reputation as a security provider that prioritises quality and safety.

GuardCheck—A Fast and Reliable Security Vetting Platform

To simplify the BS7858 security screening process, we’ve created GuardCheck—an all-in-one security vetting platform that saves you time and hassle. Whether you’re hiring for critical roles or ensuring ongoing compliance, GuardCheck makes it easy to vet candidates thoroughly and efficiently.

With GuardCheck, the process is fully managed and in strict compliance with BS7858 vetting standards. It’s designed to be straightforward: invite your candidate, initiate the verification, and receive a comprehensive vetting report within just 48 hours. No more waiting around for weeks, and no more complicated paperwork—just fast, reliable results that help you make informed hiring decisions.

Using GuardCheck not only ensures you’re following best practices but also strengthens your reputation as a security provider committed to quality and safety. When lives, assets, and reputations are on the line, you can’t afford to cut corners. With GuardCheck, you won’t have to.