Transforming BPSS screening for Quest Global’s engineering workforce

The client

Since mid-2025, Quest Global has partnered with Security Watchdog for all its background and pre-employment screening, transforming BPSS screening across the business. With their previous provider, Quest Global faced operational inefficiencies and compliance hurdles. They recognised the urgent need for a partner who could deliver speed without compromising compliance, provide full visibility, and scale globally as requirements evolved.

Following a competitive marketing review and tender process, Quest Global selected Security Watchdog based on its reputation, technology, and proven ability to act as a true risk management partner, not just a screening provider. Since adopting the solution, screening processes have kept pace with the complexity and urgency of Quest Global’s projects. With expansion plans on the horizon, the partnership has become a strategic pillar for long-term growth and total compliance.

Quest Global is a leading engineering services provider operating across multiple sectors, including defence, oil & gas, semiconductors, and rail transport. With a growing focus on defence projects in the UK and US, Quest Global  faces stringent compliance requirements – particularly the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), a mandatory prerequisite for accessing sensitive government and defence documentation.

The challenge

Prior to transitioning the service to Security Watchdog, Quest Global faced several challenges that were hindering their ability to safely and compliantly onboard new starters at the speed that the business required.

• Incomplete checks
  83% of previous cases were flagged as incomplete, often missing critical reference or activity checks and threatening security.
• Unacceptable delays
  Turnaround times had ballooned from the promised 10 days with the previous provider to 30-60 days, creating lengthy bottlenecks and frustrations for new starter for onboarding.
• Minimal visibility
  Lack of transparency into candidate progress through the screening process made it difficult to manage expectations internally and externally.
• Rejected reports
  Major clients for Quest Global refused BPSS certificates returned by the previous provider due to insufficient detail, costing time and causing an administrative burden.
• Poor candidate experience
  Fragmented processes and manual chasing frustrated both candidates and internal teams.

Our solution

• Risk-based approach
  Security Watchdog introduced a contextual risk model, moving beyond binary pass/fail decisions and providing Quest Global a clear articulation of risks that enables informed, defensible decisions.
• Audibility & governance
  Security Watchdog’s Volti4 screening platform provides a complete audit trail from candidate submission to completion, ensuring compliance with Home Office audits and OEM requirements. GDPR compliance and robust data governance give Quest Global confidence in every decision.
• Improved turnaround times
  Dedicated case managers have transformed the experience for Quest Global. With faster turnaround times – BPSS checks are being returned significantly faster compared to the 30-60 days with the previous provider – and full visibility of candidate actions and communications, the manual workload has been reduced for the Quest Global team.
• Technology & integrations
  Integration with TrustID and Konfir centralise identity verification and fraud prevention. This seamless experience eliminates the need for candidates to jump between systems and protects against rising risks like impersonation and deepfakes.
• Data-driven insights
  Granular reporting and monthly checking empower Quest Global to forecast realistic start dates, identify bottlenecks in candidate submissions, and defend timelines internally with hard data.

The results

Transforming BPSS screening has delivered tangible results for Quest Global:

• Zero BPSS rejections
  Reports for major clients now meet and exceed industry standards.
• Faster onboarding
  With improved turnaround times, Quest Global is able to supply talent to critical projects without delays.
• Improved internal efficiency
  A decrease in manual workload has freed up time for Quest Global to focus on strategic priorities.
• Enhanced candidate experience
  A superior experience for candidates has reduced drop-offs and frustration.
• High confidence in scalability
  With Security Watchdog, Quest Global can continue their expansion plans without worrying about a drop in service quality or compliance.

The outcome

As they prepare for important accreditations in 2026, which will introduce even more stringent checks, Quest Global need to have total confidence in their screening partner. With Security Watchdog’s flexible packages and global service, Quest Global can be sure in their choice as they scale across Europe, Middle East and Asia.

By aligning on innovation and scalability, Quest Global and Matrix Security Watchdog are committed to transforming BPSS screening at every stage of the partnership — not only meeting today’s stringent requirements but building a future-ready framework that supports rapid growth, cross-border operations, and uncompromising security standards.

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