A BS7858 check is generally valid for five years from the date of issue. The employer is also required to keep the employee's BS7858 screening records for seven years after the employee's last day of employment.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

Validity Period:
The BS7858 standard itself is valid for five years. This means that if an individual undergoes a BS7858 check, that check is considered valid for five years from the date it was completed.

Record Retention:
While the check is valid for five years, employers are required to keep the records associated with the BS7858 check for seven years after the employee's departure from the company.

Purpose of Retention:
The seven-year retention period for records allows for potential audits or investigations related to the employee's background and screening.

Industry Usage:
BS7858 checks are commonly used in industries that require high levels of security, such as the security industry, finance, and government roles.