Yes, BPSS (Baseline Personnel Security Standard) clearance is mandatory for individuals working with or on behalf of the UK government, particularly those with access to government assets or sensitive information. This includes civil servants, members of the armed forces, temporary staff, and government contractors.

Who needs it?

BPSS is the foundational level of security screening for anyone working in or for the UK government, including those in public sector roles and private sector employees working on government contracts.

Purpose: The primary goal of BPSS is to verify an individual's identity, right to work in the UK, and criminal record (unspent convictions).

Mandatory for Government Roles: BPSS is a legal requirement for all government departments and agencies.

Foundation for Higher Clearances: BPSS serves as the baseline for more advanced security clearances like Counter Terrorist Check (CTC), Security Check (SC), and Developed Vetting (DV).

Beyond Government: While primarily for government-related roles, BPSS can also be applied by private sector companies handling sensitive government data, particularly in industries like defence, security, and IT.

Not a National Security Clearance: It's important to note that BPSS itself is not a national security clearance, but it's a crucial prerequisite for obtaining higher levels of security clearance.

Regular Checks: Employers may also periodically refresh BPSS elements, such as DBS checks, to ensure ongoing security and compliance.