BSI has just released a new standard for the UK security sector: BS 10119. If your company hires out staff, or brings in extra people, for security or events work, you need to know what it says. You can read the official listing on the BSI website. In this guide, we explain what the standard covers, how it links to COP 119, and what it means for your day-to-day business. We keep the language plain, so you can follow every point without any technical background. Furthermore, it does not matter whether you supply labour or buy it from someone else. If you understand BS 10119 early, you spot compliance gaps first and fix them before they turn into costly problems.
What is BS 10119?
BS 10119 is a new British Standard for UK security companies that supply extra labour. BSI published it on 30 June 2026. First, it shows you how to recruit, screen, and deploy every worker correctly. Next, it asks you to back each step with real evidence. In other words, a folder full of paperwork does not meet the standard on its own. Moreover, it covers licensed and unlicensed staff, so it fits guarding, stewarding, and event security. Also, it applies to staff you employ directly and staff you supply through a third party. As a result, BS 10119 helps you prove to your clients that your workers are safe, vetted, and reliable. As a result, you build trust faster and avoid costly compliance gaps.
Why BS 10119:2026 Certification Matters
Security and events companies often need extra staff at short notice. For example, a festival, a big match, or a busy holiday can double your headcount within days. However, hiring in a rush creates real danger. If you skip proper checks, you risk worker exploitation claims, safety failures at your events, and legal trouble with regulators.
BS 10119:2026 certification helps you close the most common gaps:
- Weak vetting. You screen every worker to BS 7858:2020.
- Loose licence control. You track and verify SIA licences.
- Pay and hours breaches. You follow working time rules and minimum wage law.
- Missing right-to-work proof. You check and record each worker’s right to work.
- Employment status and tax errors. You confirm status and handle PAYE correctly.
In addition, an independent auditor reviews how you manage these risks. As a result, your clients and partners see proof that an outside expert tested your systems, so they trust you faster.
What are the benefits of BS 10119?
BS 10119 gives UK security companies and their clients several clear benefits. First, it lowers the risk of unvetted staff turning up on your site. Next, it builds trust because you can ask suppliers for real proof. Moreover, it helps you choose reliable providers and stay legally on track. As a result, you protect your business, your people, and your reputation.
Does BS 10119 Automatically Replace COP 119?
No, BS 10119 does not automatically replace your COP 119 certificate. If you already hold COP 119, your certificate does not switch over to BS 10119 on its own. Therefore, you need to act. First, contact your certification body directly. Next, ask how your transition works, which steps you must take, and what timeline you need to follow. Moreover, put your request in writing, because some bodies, such as ForeFront Certification, ask existing holders to notify them that way. However, every body may run its process differently, so always check with yours. As a result, you avoid surprises and keep your certification running without a gap.
Who Needs this Certification?
Any business that supplies staff to the security or events sector should consider BS 10119:2026 certification. Moreover, certification gives your clients proof that an independent body tested your controls. As a result, buyers trust you faster. This includes:
- Manned guarding firms. First, they supply guards to other businesses.
- Stewarding companies. Next, they place stewards at events and venues.
- Staffing agencies. Also, they provide door staff and event crews.
How Does the BS 10119 Assessment Work?
Independent auditors carry out your assessment. Therefore, you should prepare for these steps:
- Policy review. First, auditors read your policies.
- Record checks. Next, they review your employment records.
- Screening file sample. Then, they check a sample of your screening files rather than every single one.
- Workforce size. However, a bigger team means a bigger sample and a longer assessment.
How Can You Start BS 10119 Certification?
Starting BS 10119 certification takes four clear steps. First, you understand where you stand today. Then, you fix your weak points before an independent auditor arrives. Follow these steps with Bizgrow Holding Ltd:
- Contact us. First, message Bizgrow Holding Ltd or use our enquiry form. Then, tell us about your business, your workforce size, and your current certificates, such as COP 119.
- Review your systems. Next, we check your screening files, employment records, and policies against BS 10119. As a result, you see exactly where gaps exist.
- Fix the gaps. Then, we help you update your policies and records. Also, we show you how to keep evidence for every worker, because auditors want proof, not promises.
- Move to audit. Finally, we guide you toward an independent certification body. Because we are a consultancy, we prepare you, and the certification body runs the assessment.
Moreover, start early. Auditors review a sample of your files, so tidy records save you time on the day. Therefore, you walk into your BS 10119 assessment prepared, and you save time and stress.
FAQs
1. Does BS 10119 apply to event staff?
Yes, the new BS 10119 Standard covers both security and event labour. Therefore, it fits stewarding, crowd management, and event security. Moreover, it covers licensed and unlicensed workers, so you can use it across your whole workforce.
2. Is BS 10119 the same as SIA licensing?
No, they serve different purposes. First, an SIA licence shows that an individual may work in the security industry. Next, BS 10119 checks how you manage, screen, and evidence the people you supply. As a result, you need both.
3. What do auditors check in an assessment?
Independent auditors review your policies, your employment records and your screening files. In addition, they check a sample of those files rather than every single one. Therefore, keep your records complete and up to date.
4. Can buyers of security labour use this standard?
Yes, buyers benefit too. For example, you can ask your suppliers whether they follow the standard and request real proof. Moreover, this helps you choose reliable providers and reduces the risk of unvetted staff arriving on your site.
5. Does BS 10119 include BS 7858 screening?
Yes, where it applies. The new BS 10119 Standard expects you to screen workers to BS 7858 and keep the evidence. Therefore, strong screening files protect your clients, your workers, and your reputation.