🏢 Employer & Manager Guidance Handbook

Designed for HR teams, compliance leads and hiring managers

This handbook explains how BS7858 screening operates in practice and, critically, where employer responsibility sits at every stage, including when screening is outsourced to a third party.

Many organisations assume that using a screening provider removes internal accountability. This guide corrects that misunderstanding and helps employers maintain proper oversight, control and evidence.

It covers:

• Employer responsibilities under the BS7858 Screening Standard

• Oversight and accountability when using third-party screening providers

• Screening timeframes, extensions and justification requirements

• Evidence retention, internal file audits and decision rationale

• Common compliance failures and how to avoid them

Why this matters:
Without clear internal guidance, organisations risk inconsistent decisions, weak audit trails and regulatory challenge. This handbook helps employers demonstrate due diligence, consistency and defensible screening decisions.

👤 Applicant Screening Information Guide

Designed to be shared directly with applicants

This clear, plain-English guide explains exactly what applicants will be asked to provide during BS7858 screening and why each check is required. It removes uncertainty, reduces repeated requests for information and sets expectations from the outset.

It covers:

• Identity, address and Right to Work evidence requirements

• Five-year employment and activity history expectations

• Use of HMRC employment history statements

• How to explain and evidence gaps over 31 days

• Common reasons screening is delayed or fails

Why this matters:
Applicants often delay screening unintentionally due to misunderstanding requirements. This guide reduces incomplete submissions, confusion and frustration by clearly explaining what is required upfront.

🛡️ Built for Consistency & Audit Readiness

Designed for real-world screening environments

Used together, these two guides:

• Align employer oversight with applicant understanding

• Reduce screening delays caused by missing or incorrect evidence

• Support consistent processes across teams and locations

• Strengthen audit readiness and internal compliance reviews

This pack is not training.
It is a practical digital reference, designed for repeated internal use and applicant distribution.