Spinwell Global

Interesting Jobs for Interesting People

What is a Developed Vetting (DV) Clearance?

It is Cabinet Office policy that a DV clearance must be formally reviewed after 7 years (3 years for non-List X contractors). The risk owner has the discretion to review a clearance at any time up to that point. They may adopt a policy of issuing shorter clearances to a particular category of employee (for example; armed forces reservists; sub-contractors) as mitigation for a lower level of day-to-day personnel security oversight and/or carry out an early review in individual cases where a specific risk has been identified.

Who needs it and what it provides access to

Individuals who are to be employed in posts which:

• Require them to have frequent and uncontrolled access to TOP SECRET assets or require any access to TOP SECRET codeword material

And for individuals who:

• While not in such posts, will be in a position to directly or indirectly bring about the same degree of damage.
• Require frequent and uncontrolled access to Category I nuclear material
• Require access to certain levels of classified material originating from another country or international organisation.
• The full review of personal finances, which will include an assessment of an individual’s assets, liabilities, income and expenditure both on an individual basis and taking into account the joint position with a spouse or partner.

What checks are involved

• Successful completion of the Baseline Personnel Security Standard
• Completion, by the individual, of a DV security questionnaire
• A departmental/company records check which will include personal files, staff reports, sick leave returns and security records
• A check of both spent and unspent criminal records
• A check of credit and financial history with a credit reference agency
• A check of Security Service (MI5) records
• A full review of personal finances
• A detailed interview conducted by a trained Investigating Officer
• Further enquiries, including interviews with referees conducted by a trained Investigating Officer
• Checks may extend to third parties included on the security questionnaire

What is a Security Check (SC) Clearance?

It is Cabinet Office policy that an SC clearance must be formally reviewed after 10 years (5 years for non-List X contractors). The risk owner has the discretion to review a clearance at any time up to that point. They may adopt a policy of issuing shorter clearances to a particular category of employee (for example armed forces reservists; sub-contractors) as mitigation for a lower level of day-to-day personnel security oversight and/or carry out an early review in individual cases where a specific risk has been identified.

Who needs it and what it provides access to

Individuals who are to be employed in posts which:

• Require them to have long-term, frequent and uncontrolled access to SECRET assets and/or occasional, supervised access to TOP SECRET assets

And for individuals who:

• While not in such posts, will be in a position to directly or indirectly bring about the same degree of damage
• Will have sufficient knowledge to obtain a comprehensive picture of a SECRET plan, policy or project
• Are being considered for employment where it would not be possible to make reasonable career progress without security clearance for access to SECRET assets
• Require access to certain levels of classified material originating from another country or international organisation.

What checks are involved

• Successful completion of the Baseline Personnel Security Standard
• Completion, by the individual, of a security questionnaire
• A departmental/company records check which will include, for example personal files, staff reports, sick leave returns and security records
• A check of both spent and unspent criminal records
• A check of credit and financial history with a credit reference agency
• A check of Security Service (MI5) records
• Exceptionally, if there are any unresolved security concerns about the individual, or if recommended by the Security Service, the individual may also be interviewed
• In the event of any unresolved financial concerns, the individual may also be required to complete a separate financial questionnaire so that a full review of personal finances can be carried out
• Checks may extend to third parties included on the security questionnaire.

What is a Counter Terrorist Check (CTC) Clearance?

It is Cabinet Office policy that a CTC or Level 1B clearance must be formally reviewed after 10 years (5 years for non-List X contractors). The risk owner has the discretion to review a clearance at any time up to that point. They may adopt a policy of issuing shorter clearances to a particular category of employee (for example armed forces reservists; sub-contractors) as mitigation for a lower level of day-to-day personnel security oversight and/or carry out an early review in individual cases where a specific risk has been identified.

Who needs it and what it provides access to

Individuals who are to be employed in posts which:

• Involve proximity to public figures assessed to be at particular risk from terrorist attack
• Give access to information or material assessed to be of value to terrorists
• Involve unescorted access to certain military, civil, industrial or commercial establishments assessed to be at particular risk from terrorist attack.

What checks are involved

• Successful completion of the Baseline Personnel Security Standard
• Completion, by the individual, of a Security Questionnaire
• Departmental/company records check which might include, for example personal files, staff reports, sick leave returns and security records
• Check of both spent and unspent criminal records
• A check of Security Service (MI5) records
• If there are any unresolved security concerns about the individual or if recommended by the Security Service, the individual may also be interviewed.

What is a Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS)?

The BPSS is the recognised standard for the pre-employment screening of individuals with access to government assets. It is not a formal security clearance but it’s rigorous and consistent application underpins the national security vetting process at CTC, Level 1B, SC and DV.

Above and beyond the BPSS, some organisations may seek references and include other enquiries (for example health) as part of their recruitment process.

Who needs it and what it provides access to

Individuals with any access to government assets. This means all civil servants, members of the armed forces, temporary staff in departments, and government contractors generally.

• Allow access to UK OFFICIAL assets and occasional access to UK SECRET assets.
• Required to work in areas where SECRET and TOP SECRET information may be overheard.
• Individuals who require access to Public Services Network (PSN).

What checks are involved

• Identity
• Employment history (past 3 years)
• National and immigration (right to work) status
• Unspent criminal record.

Additionally, individuals are required to give a reasonable account of any significant periods (a total of 6 months or more in the past 3 years) of time spent abroad.

What is a Security Clearance? How do I get a Security Clearance?

• UKSV National Security Vetting or Security Clearance provides a standard of assurance regarding an individual’s suitability (at a particular point in time) to have access to sensitive information, assets and equipment.
• To obtain Security Clearance, you must go through an assessment and evaluation process, including background checks, before being granted clearance and/or offered employment, (in some cases offers of employment will be conditional on the successful completion of the clearance process (OPTIONAL)). Security Clearance applies to individuals whose employment involves access to sensitive government property, information, or personnel.
• Security Cleared personnel may include members of the security and intelligence agencies, members of the armed forces; police; employees of certain non-governmental organisations who are required to comply with government security procedures; and employees of contractors who provide goods and services to the Government.
• The various levels of Security Clearance are required to protect assets from threats from enemy intelligence agencies, cyber security threats, terrorists, and other groups of interest.
• The result of the clearance process determines who is allowed access to classified Government information or assets.
• All candidates who apply for jobs that provide access to sensitive information or sites are asked to complete a security questionnaire. The personal details recorded on these questionnaires enable the necessary checks to be carried out.
• Interviews will also be undertaken, where necessary. The depth of checks varies according to the level of access to sensitive information that the job entails.