Introducing BPSS Standard Version 7.0: Elevating Personnel Security to New Heights

The Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) remains essential for anyone accessing government assets, including civil servants, military personnel, temporary staff, and contractors. In June 2024, BPSS Standard Version 7.0 was launched, introducing important updates to personnel security standards. This version addresses growing security challenges and regulatory demands with enhancements that improve security, streamline processes, and ensure compliance, adding significant value to organisations.

Key Enhancements in BPSS Version 7.0:

Identity Verification and Right-to-Work Checks

• Electronic Verification: Strongly recommends using government-approved IDVT (Identity Document Validation Technology)
• GDPR Compliance: Emphasises strict adherence to GDPR and updated data protection laws,
• Backup Procedures: Suggests manual checks if electronic systems are inconclusive.

Employment Verification

• Check an individual’s employment, self-employment, academic history, and qualifications for at least three years prior to BPSS checks. Use government-approved electronic verification or traditional references.

Handling Employment Gaps

• Evidence is required for any employment gaps (continuous or cumulative) over six months within the three-year verification period.

International Criminal Record Checks

• An overseas criminal record check is required if the candidate has lived abroad for over six months in the past three years.

Why These Changes Matter

The updates in BPSS Version 7.0 are not just incremental improvements; they represent a substantial leap forward in securing personnel and sensitive information. Here’s why these changes are critical:

• Increased Security:
• Regulatory Compliance:
• Operational Efficiency:

Implementing BPSS Version 7.0 in Your Organisation with the Support of CV Insight

CV Insight brings over 18 years of expertise and is here to help your organisation smoothly adopt BPSS Version 7.0. Our advanced digital verification systems offer quick and reliable checks for identity, employment history, and criminal records, all compliant with the latest standards. Our platform provides real-time alerts and continuous monitoring to ensure ongoing compliance and reduce risks. With robust GDPR-compliant data handling, we ensure transparency and security, informing candidates about their data use. Using our expertise and technology, your organisation can easily transition to BPSS Version 7.0, maintaining high security and efficiency standards.

Please click here to explore further details about CV Insight’s BPSS checks: BPSS Checks

About The Author

Michelle Gauci

Founder and Managing Director

Michelle set up CV Insight in September 2006 to provide a new kind of employment screening service focused on personalisation and first-class customer service. She has an extensive background in pre-employment screening, both in the UK and internationally, and highly relevant experience in the recruitment and accountancy sectors, holding senior roles with organisations such as Reed plc and Brook Street and working as a consultant to Michael Page recruitment. Her specialist knowledge in business development, performance management, employment legislation, human resources, team management, and worldwide background screening enables her to offer expert advice to clients in an ever-evolving industry.