BPSS - employment history question

[Jamesss]

Hi all,

Hope you can help on this one. I'm going for several opportunities at the moment that need a BPSS; some will need a CTC or SC on top of that.

My question is regarding employment histories, primarily the 3 year verifiable history that BPSS needs. For the last 24 months, I've got a totally verifiable history - a year bask at uni and a year working.

For the 12 months prior, I was taking a career break. I wasn't working, and I wasn't claiming benefits as I had savings. With the exception of a couple of months travelling, I was in the country. I can get references for years prior to this - it's just that 12 month gap that still sits inside the three year history.

Do you think that this will be an issue for BPSS? I hear that they're strict on the employment history. Is there and point going for jobs that need BPSS given this, or would I need to wait another year until I've built that 3 year history again?

Thanks!

[FGB]

Gaps in employment record usually have to to be covered by a personal references. It can be tough finding someone suitable who can vouch for the period in question. Even tougher when you have no mates.

[malvolio]

Yes, it is tough, but it is also perfectly understandable why they ask for it. A personal reference from someone who knows you and is themselves of some standing will cover it, provided you can also prove that you didn't take gap year holidays off the tourist trail, such as Pakistan. Which, to be honest, is pretty near impossible. For BPSS you can probably swing it with a personal reference, but for anything else you need the solid three year history.

Perhaps look for roles outside the public sector? That would have the added advantage of working in a sector that is up to date, rather than about 10 years behind like most HMG-related bodies are

[Eirikur]

Perhaps look for roles outside the public sector? That would have the added advantage of working in a sector that is up to date, rather than about 10 years behind like most HMG-related bodies are

The financial sector requires similar checks.

For my basic security clearance, copies of my tickets to a holiday destination were accepted