Security clearance
Additional checks on individuals working on Government or other public sector contracts
Some roles especially on Government and other public sector contracts, may require an extra level of check, including security clearance. The basis for these checks is set out in HMG Security Policy Framework issued by the Cabinet Office. Section 3.3 relates to Personnel Security and the levels of check they may be required to undergo. There are 4 levels of check:
- Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS)
- Counter Terrorism Check (CTC)
- Security Check (SC)
- Developed vetting (DV)
BPSS: This is not strictly speaking a security clearance. It is however the minimum check and the recognised standard for HMG recruitment checks to be carried out on all individuals seeking work in Government departments and agencies, and other bodies, whether as permanent staff or contractors/ temporary workers. It comprises four main elements:
- an identity check;
- an employment history check;
- nationality and immigration (and right to work) checks;
- and (where national security vetting is not required) an unspent criminal record check.
In addition, individuals are required to account for significant periods spent abroad.
Cabinet Office guidance on BPSS
CTC, SC and DV: These are the three levels of national security vetting (NSV). Each provides a different level of security clearance. These checks must only be applied where a risk assessment indicates that it is appropriate and proportionate to do so e.g. where the individual will work on Government IT contracts, on MOD contracts or on nuclear sites. The risk assessment takes into account the access the individual may have to sensitive assets (physical, personnel of information) which are at risk from a range of threats including terrorism, espionage, cyber attacks. Certain international agreements may also require higher level checks on relevant people.
- CTC involves an additional check against UK criminal and security records. It may also include an interview.
- SC is the most widely held level of security clearance. It is required for jobs involving regular and uncontrolled access to sensitive information which is classified as “Secret” and some posts in international organisations. A SC check builds upon the CTC check and includes a credit reference check and checks against the criminal and security records of relevant foreign states.
- DV is the most detailed form of security clearance and is required for “Top Secret” access. It builds on the SC questionnaire, with a more detailed review of the individual’s financial affairs, medical information, a supplementary questionnaire providing information about themselves, family members and associates. It also involves third party character references and more detailed interviews.
Who carries out the checks? The checks are carried out by Defence Business Services National Security Vetting. Detailed advice on the process and requirements.
Who decides what checks are required? The relevant department or agency must determine if security clearance is required and if so, at what level. They should do this based on the government's policy paper 'Security policy framework: protecting government assets'.
When are these checks required? There has been an issue for a number of years about government departments and agencies requiring employment agencies and business to supply only individual who have already obtained security clearance or seeking a higher level of clearance than is strictly necessary.
BPSS checks should always be carried out before an individual is employed or put on assignment. Employment/ an assignment can commence before the BPSS check is completed only in exceptional circumstances which are fully recorded.
The other checks depend on the nature of the role and the assets the individual will have access to. The relevant department or agency must determine if security clearance is required and if so, at what level.
The Cabinet Office, which takes the lead in security matters for all of Government issued a bulletin 'Advertising for individuals with existing security' in January 2013 reminding Government departments and agencies that “Cabinet Office policy stipulates that government departments, their prime contractors and recruitment agencies should not require existing security clearances as pre-requisites when procuring contracts or recruiting contractors. Any exceptions must only be made when a vacancy arises at short notice and is urgent, or the appointment is of very short term duration”. The bulletin also includes a reminder about the need to identify the appropriate level of security clearance, for both cost and time reasons.
A Code of Practice: In October 2014 the Cabinet Office released a Code of Practice on recruiting for vacancies requiring National Security Vetting. The Code was developed by Government together with a number of stakeholders including the REC (as a member of the Security Clearance Forum). The Code describes the Government’s and the recruitment industry’s commitment to ensuring that vetting requirements are applied fairly. The Code sets out what is expected of Government departments, recruiters and candidates in the recruitment process.
Disclaimer
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