How does the BPSS check work?
Buy a check, we invite your candidate, you receive the results — no account or sign-up required.
Buy your check
Choose the BPSS package and pay securely online. There's no account to create and no sign-up fee.
We invite your candidate
Once you provide your candidate's contact details, we invite them to our secure portal to complete a short online form with the information we need.
Receive results
Results are emailed to you as soon as they're ready, and can also be downloaded securely from our portal.
What your candidate provides
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Address history for the last 6 years (with dates)
- 3 years of employment history
Turnaround
Many checks complete in hours rather than weeks. Some elements — such as employment verification — may take longer depending on how quickly third parties respond. You'll be notified by email as soon as your report is ready.
Everything you need to know
A quick, clear overview of the Baseline Personnel Security Standard before you get started.
What is BPSS?
The Baseline Personnel Security Standard is the set standard for the pre-employment screening of individuals with access to government assets. It is one of four levels of personnel security controls, but it is not itself a form of security clearance like CTC, SC or DV.
Who needs BPSS?
Typically required for people who handle government assets or sensitive information, including:
- Civil servants and government staff
- Contractors and temporary staff
- IT professionals supporting public-sector systems
- Suppliers and service providers to government
- Consultants handling official information
- Staff progressing to SC or DV clearance
What's included?
Our BPSS package covers the four core elements of the standard:
- Identity check
- Employment history check (3 years)
- UK right to work check
- Unspent convictions (basic criminal record)
Turnaround & pricing
Estimated turnaround
Many checks complete in hours rather than weeks, though some — such as employment verification — can take longer depending on third-party responses.
Pricing
£85 per check (excl. VAT) through Complygate. No sign-up required — buy a single check online. Bulk discounts are available. UK-based candidates only.
More checks in the Compliance Centre
One account gives you access to a full range of background and compliance checks — all pay-as-you-go.
BS7858 Screening
Security screening and vetting for individuals working in secure environments.
Learn more →Basic DBS Check
Discloses unspent convictions and conditional cautions for roles across England and Wales.
Learn more →Standard DBS Check
Discloses spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings.
Learn more →Enhanced DBS Check
Our most detailed DBS check, with optional barred-list checks for regulated activity.
Learn more →Right to Work Check
Digital identity and right to work verification for compliant onboarding.
Learn more →AML, PEPs & Sanctions
Anti-money-laundering, PEPs, sanctions and adverse media screening.
Learn more →Employment Reference
Automated employment and character referencing for your candidates.
Learn more →Adverse Media Check
Screen candidates against negative news and reputational risk sources.
Learn more →AccessNI Enhanced Check
Enhanced criminal record checks for regulated roles in Northern Ireland.
Learn more →Have a question? Drop us a query
Tell us what you need and our team will get back to you about BPSS checks and the Compliance Centre. Whether it's pricing, bulk volumes or getting set up — we're here to help.
BPSS FAQs
- What are the four levels of personnel security controls currently available?
- Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS)
- Counter-Terrorist Check (CTC)
- Security Check (SC)
- Developed Vetting (DV)
- What is Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS)?
The BPSS is the set standard for the pre-employment screening of individuals with access to government assets. It is not a form of security clearance like CTC, SC or DV.
- What checks are involved in BPSS?
- Identity check
- Employment history check (3 years)
- UK right to work check
- Unspent convictions
- Who needs Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS)?
- Individuals working directly for the UK government
- Contractors or temporary staff with access to government data or systems
- IT professionals supporting public sector infrastructure
- Suppliers and service providers to government departments
- Consultants handling official or sensitive information
- Staff requiring higher security clearances such as SC or DV
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