What is Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS)?


Spinwell Global

Posted Mar 20, 2023

What is Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS)?

 

Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS)

The BPSS is the recognised standard for the pre-employment screening of individuals with access to government assets. It is not a formal security clearance but it’s rigorous and consistent application underpins the national security vetting process at CTC, Level 1B, SC and DV.

Above and beyond the BPSS, some organisations may seek references and include other enquiries (for example health) as part of their recruitment process.

Who needs it and what it provides access to

Individuals with any access to government assets. This means all civil servants, members of the armed forces, temporary staff in departments, and government contractors generally.

What checks are involved

Additionally, individuals are required to give a reasonable account of any significant periods (a total of 6 months or more in the past 3 years) of time spent abroad.

Spinwell has extensive experience in the UK’s Defence, security and public sector. Please contact us if you would like to find Security cleared candidates, a new role or would like to discuss how Spinwell can advise you in obtaining or holding a Security Clearance, by emailing advisory@spinwellglobal.com or by calling 0203 510 9454

*Information Source – gov.uk

 

Suggested Blogs

We’ve included a selection of additional job search and recruitment blogs below. Each one provides practical advice and deeper insights to support both candidates and employers in today’s evolving job market.

Specialist Recruitment UK: Why More Applicants Do Not Mean Easier Hiring

Nicole Kennedy

Posted Oct 02, 2026

More Candidates, Harder Decisions: Why Specialist Hiring Still Takes Longer in 2026 Candidate availability is rising across the UK, while…

Why Good Candidates Still Drop Out of Recruitment Processes

Nicole Kennedy

Posted Sep 25, 2026

The hiring-conversion problem employers overlook in a quieter market UK vacancy numbers may be falling, but specialist recruitment has not…

When Expertise Walks Out the Door: Why Knowledge Transfer Is a Delivery Risk

Nicole Kennedy

Posted Sep 18, 2026

Why knowledge transfer has become a delivery risk in complex programmes Complex programmes do not usually lose momentum because a…