Security Screening
BS 7858:2019 has undergone significant revision from its initial 2012 version. This revision has brought about the following significant changes:
BS 7858 provides a structured code of practice for companies to work to for security screening of individuals working in a secure environment where the security and/or safety of people, goods, and services, data or property (intellectual and physical) is a requirement of the employing organisations operations and/or where such screening is in the public interest.
The standard applies equally to all full and part time employees, sole traders, partnerships, temporary and permanent employees at all levels of seniority, including Directors.
Some elements of the standard are mandatory and, during certification audits, any shortcoming against those will result in a “nonconformity” which will have to be remedied before a certificate is issued. In other areas, the standard is less prescriptive giving recommendations for best practice. When assessing a company’s performance against those, an auditor can show greater flexibility and if there is room for improvement the report will include appropriate recommendations and these will be followed up during the next year’s audit.
The standard covers the following areas:
Five useful example forms are given which may be modified in convenient styles
When an organisation engages QSS to complete an assessment and certification process an “Initial Assessment” will be carried out to audit the company’s compliance against the entire standard. Following this (and subject to the clearance of any nonconformities) a certificate will be issued, usually valid for 12 months. Annual assessments are then carried out normally leading to renewal of certification for a further 12 months (subject to any nonconformities).
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