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.