Why is the vetting system necessary and what does it aim to achieve?
The UK needs a security system to protect against threats from hostile intelligence services, terrorists and other pressure groups. Vetting tries to make sure that anyone who goes through the process can be trusted with sensitive government information or property.
Who is affected?
The system applies to people in the following categories whose employment involves access to sensitive Government assets:-
Crown servants; members of the security and intelligence agencies; members of the armed forces; the police; employees of certain other non-government organisations that are obliged to comply with the Government’s security procedures;employees of contractors providing goods and services to the Government.
How does the vetting system work?
All candidates for jobs that provide access to sensitive information or sites are asked to complete one or more security questionnaires, which invite them to provide the personal details needed to enable the necessary checks to be carried out. Interviews may also be carried out. The depth of checks varies according to the level of regular access to sensitive information that the job entails.
How confidential is the vetting process?
All personal information gathered during the vetting process is handled in the strictest confidence by the Defence Vetting Agency (DVA). In a very small number of cases, where serious risks have been identified, your case may be discussed with the Ministry of Defence, security and personnel authorities. In an even smaller number of cases, and only where the person being vetted agrees, line management may be given some relevant information and be asked to help manage the risk. There is an extremely remote possibility of disclosure of vetting information in connection with criminal or civil proceedings. If you have any concerns about confidentiality, you should contact the DVA for advice.
How do I get a security clearance?
Individuals and companies cannot ask for a Security Clearance unless they are sponsored, and you will not be sponsored unless they are contracted (or are in the process of being contracted) to work on one or more specific MOD / Government classified projects. For large contracts, an officer in the Defence Procurement Agency (DPA) or Defence Logistics Organisation (DLO) - typically a Project Officer will be your sponsor. For staff in sub-contracted organisations, sponsorship will be provided through the prime contractor.
Why can't I just apply for a security clearance?
Security Clearance provides a certain level of assurance, at a point in time, as to an individual’s suitability to have trusted access to sensitive information. It does not provide a guarantee of future reliability, and all security clearances are kept under review to ensure that the necessary level of assurance is maintained. This review is carried out by Government Departments and Government-sponsored contractors, who are responsible for the oversight and aftercare of individuals granted a security clearance. This would not be possible in the case of private individuals.
Additionally, the Defence Vetting Agency is funded and staffed to meet forecast requirements for security vetting. It could not accommodate large numbers of additional clearances on an ad hoc basis.
Security Vetting / Security Clearance is carried out to the following levels by approved government bodies.
National Security Checks:
DV / Developed Vetting
SC / Security Check
CTC / Counter Terrorist Check
EBC / Enhanced Basic Checks
BC / Basic Checks
ECRB / Enhanced Criminal Records Bureau
CRB / Criminal Records Bureau
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