BS 10119:2026 Certification for Security & Events Labour Providers
BS 10119:2026 certification confirms that a business has been independently assessed against the British Standard Code of Practice for the provision of labour to the security and events sectors. ForeFront Certification is an independent certification body that carries out impartial audit and assessment against BS 10119:2026, providing objective evidence of assessment to clients, event organisers, and the wider industry.
Please note: certification against BS 10119:2026 is provided by ForeFront Certification on an independent basis and is outside the scope of UKAS accreditation.
What Is BS 10119:2026?
BS 10119:2026 is the British Standard Code of Practice covering the provision of labour to the security and events sectors. Published by BSI, it sets out certifiable best-practice recommendations for how companies supply security and events staff, covering worker screening, SIA licence management, employment status, and payroll compliance. BS 10119:2026 certification provides independent evidence that a labour provider has been assessed against the standard, including relevant statutory and regulatory controls.
Why BS 10119:2026 Certification Matters
Demand for security and events staff can spike suddenly, around major events, festivals, and peak seasons, and rapid labour procurement carries real risk. Without proper controls, security and events businesses can be exposed to worker exploitation claims, public safety failures, and regulatory breaches. Common compliance gaps that BS 10119 certification addresses include:
- Inadequate security screening under BS 7858:2020
- Poor control and monitoring of SIA licensing
- Breaches of working time regulations and minimum wage law
- Insufficient right-to-work checks
- Gaps in employment status verification and PAYE compliance
Independent BS 10119:2026 certification provides evidence that an organisation’s arrangements for managing these risks have been independently assessed, giving clients and other interested parties greater confidence in those arrangements.
Transition from COP 119 to BS 10119:2026
BS 10119:2026 supersedes COP 119 as the British Standard for labour provision in the security and events sectors. Existing COP 119 holders must notify ForeFront Certification in writing to begin their transition.
From 1 October 2026, ForeFront Certification will assess all new applicants against BS 10119:2026 rather than COP 119.
Existing COP 119 certification remains valid, subject to continued conformity.
COP 119 is withdrawn in full; BS 10119 becomes the sole standard.
Contact us to find out more about the transition.
If you already hold COP 119 certification and want to move across to BS 10119, contact us and our certification team will confirm the transition activity, audit duration and timescales.
Key Benefits of BS 10119 Certification
Independent verification and ongoing monitoring of SIA licences for security personnel.
Assessment against BS 7858:2020 for thorough, consistent vetting.
Independent evidence of assessment against working time regulations and minimum wage legislation.
Confirmed right-to-work checks and employment status controls.
A verified, compliant payroll system.
A recognised, independently issued certification valued by security and events clients requiring verified suppliers.
Who Needs BS 10119:2026 Certification?
BS 10119:2026 certification is relevant to any business that supplies labour into the security and events sectors, including security guarding firms, event stewarding companies, and specialist staffing agencies. Certification provides independent evidence that a business has been assessed against BS 10119:2026, including relevant statutory and regulatory controls, giving clients confidence when appointing a labour supplier.
The BS 10119 Assessment Process
The BS 10119 assessment is carried out by independent auditors and involves a structured review of policies, employment records, and screening files. The length of the assessment depends on the size of the workforce, with a proportional sample of screening files reviewed to ensure a thorough and representative evaluation.
How to Apply for BS 10119 Certification
Companies can begin the certification process by completing our enquiry form. A member of our certification team will make contact to confirm the scope, timescales, and costs of assessment.
Disclaimer: BS 10119:2026 certification is issued by ForeFront Certification Limited following independent audit and assessment against the applicable provisions of BS 10119:2026. This certification is provided on an independent basis, outside of UKAS accreditation.