Posted Mar 22, 2023
What is a Security Check (SC) Clearance?
Security Check (SC)
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.
Spinwell has extensive experience in the UK’s Defence, security and public sector. Please contact us if you would like to find Security cleared candidates, a new role or would like to discuss how Spinwell can advise you in obtaining or holding a Security Clearance, by emailing advisory@spinwellglobal.com or by calling 0203 510 9454
*Information Source – gov.uk
