What is security clearance and why do I need it?
How to obtain Security Clearance
Basic Checks (BC) and Enhanced Basic Checks (EBC)
Counter Terrorist Check (CBC)
Security Check (SC)
Developed Vetting (DV)
Other security checking
Enhanced CRB Checks

What is security clearance and why do I need it?

Personnel security vetting is carried out so that people can work or carry out tasks, which in the course of doing so, requires national security clearance. Government organisations including the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces require Security Cleared personnel as well as Companies in the private sector contracted to undertake work for these bodies. Clearance levels vary depending upon the sensitivity of the information that is accessed.

How to obtain Security Clearance

You cannot apply for Security Clearance as an individual. Clearance is requested by an employer and carried out by Government agencies. Security Clearance is granted for a specific period of time depending on the employment term or for a particular project.

Security Clearance can be verified and transferred to a new employer if required. If you do not have the Security Clearance required for a particular role you would not be able to start your employment until clearance has been obtained.

You do not have to be a British National in order to gain Security Clearance, but you will have to meet the following criteria depending on the level of clearance required.

There are four main types of national security checks and clearances:

Basic Checks (BC) and Enhanced Basic Checks (EBC)

These are not formal security clearances. A (BC) or (EBC) provides a level of assurance as to the trustworthiness and integrity of individuals whose work involves access to CONFIDENTIAL assets or information. The check is carried out by screening identity documents and references.

Counter Terrorist Check (CTC)

is required for personnel whose work involves close proximity to public figures, gives access to information or material vulnerable to terrorist attack or involves unrestricted access to certain government or commercial establishments. A (CTC) does not allow access, or knowledge, or custody, of protectively marked assets and information. The check includes a Basic Check (BC) and also a check against national security records. To gain (CTC) clearance you will normally have had to have been a resident in the UK for a minimum of 3 years.

Security Check (SC)

is for people who have substantial access to SECRET, or occasional access to TOP SECRET assets and information. This level of clearance involves a Basic Check plus UK criminal and security checks and a credit check. To gain (SC) clearance you will normally have had to have been a resident in the UK for a minimum of 5 years.

Developed Vetting (DV)

This is the highest level of Security Clearance and is required for people with substantial unsupervised access to TOP SECRET assets, or for working in the intelligence or security agencies. This level of clearance involves Security Check (SC) and, in addition, completion of a (DV) questionnaire, a financial check, checking of references and a detailed interview with a vetting officer. To gain (DV) clearance you will normally have had to have been a resident in the UK for a minimum of 10 years.

To obtain all above clearances, you will be asked to complete a number of forms, and references. You will also be required to provide various forms of identification documents, such as passport, birth certificate, bank statements or utility bills. Original documents must be provided, and these will be witnessed and returned to you immediately.

Other security checking

List 99 Check

List 99 is a list of individuals who are barred under the Education Act 2002 from working with children in the education sector for a variety of reasons including sexual offences. Individuals are considered for placement on the List after being referred to the Department for Education and Skills, either by an employer or the police. Officials then consider whether someone should be placed on List 99.

All decisions are taken in the Secretary of State’s name, although officials make the majority of decisions. In some discretionary cases decisions can be referred to independent experts. The criteria under which the Secretary of State can use his or her power to bar someone are:

• Misconduct (eg criminal offences not related to children - fraud, violence etc)
• Unsuitability for working with children (eg criminal offences or suspected conduct relating to children)
• Health reasons

We can usually run a List 99 check on a candidate within 24 hours. This type of check is vital to many of the sectors to which we supply staff. It may be that that the work doesn’t involve direct contact with children but there is even a limited amount of access to information.

Enhanced CRB Checks

We are able to run full enhanced CRB checks for our clients. These are vital in many of the industries that we work for including Social, Education, Health, Local Government etc. These checks are comprehensive and take approximately 4 weeks to clear. However, where a person has moved area/houses and/or used various surnames then the check can take much longer.

Documentary evidence of identity is required and should consist of:

• Passport or Photo ID
• TWO proofs of current address, such as recent utility bill, credit card, bank or insurance statement.
• Any other evidence such as paper driving licence, birth certificate, marriage certificate, P45 or P60

This is not a complete list. The range of information requested is to ensure the applicant has given their true identity and current address. Please contact our offices for a full list of acceptable ID or any further information on the types of security checks that we offer.