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