SC Clearance and bad debts

**~Craig~** · 28 April 2008, 10:06

Originally posted by the_duderama View Post

Quick question regarding SC Clearance - got a sponsor etc, however I didn't know it involved a credit check.

Problem being I am on a debt management plan through the cccs, as a result I have several defaults, but i have made agrements with all my debtors about repayment rates etc. Now this is a new role from permie to contractor, and one of the reasons why i moved into contracting was to clear this debt (stands at around 6K) and start a nice clean slate. With my current rate i should be able to get rid of it within 3 to 4 months, and still have some spare to live a comfortable life style.

I understand it is best to be open and honest, which i plan to be. However do any of you know if this will be a bar to getting the clearance? I'm thinking i should discuss this with the clients security officer and see what they say.

I would just declare everything on the form which show's you're being open & honest about your situation. To be honest £6k isn't a lot these days anyway...

I definitley would NOT mention it to the client or their security officer as it's none of their business and could go against you if they think you might fail.

If I remember rightly the SC forms just get sealed in an envelope and sent straight off.

**The Lone Gunman** · 28 April 2008, 10:17

The SC people are looking for a number of things.
One of them is if extrenal powers could use anything as leverage to get you to spy etc.
As long as you are dealing with your debt they will probably be OK.
Tell them everything. What you owe and how you are dealing with it.

Being dishonest on the form will get you dismissed instantly and you will probably never be able to get clearance again if you get caught.

You could always ring or email the DVA. The support guys are very friendly and will give you all the advice you need. Their contact details are on the web site.

**scooby** · 28 April 2008, 10:22

see here, this might help

http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/Ab...nalFinance.htm

**the_duderama** · 28 April 2008, 11:49

thanks guys, think i'll speak to the DVA and see what details they need from me. To be honest i was unsure if i could contact them directly or not.

**mikeyboy** · 4 May 2008, 15:46

I wouldn't see it as a problem. I was in a similar situation when I applied for my SC. Although 6k was a lot less than I owed.
As everyone has said, be open and honest on the application form and it won't be an issue. Try and hide things and you'll never get clearance. From memory there is a section where you can add additional notes. Would be worthwhile explaining your situation there. Definitely do not tell the security officer or anyone else from the client. None of their business.

**brianbetter** · 6 May 2008, 15:28

SC clearance

I am a pimp that spends a lot of time seeing my contractors through the security clearance procedure.

The worst thing to do is hide things, if you hide something and they find out, then it looks bad. If you are truthful, then the power to lever you with it is gone.

As an example, I had a contractor who in his younger days had been to prison for manslaughter and was worried about SC. He told the truth and clearance was not a problem.

This is obviously a very extreme example but making mistakes in your life is no reason for denying security clearance, but trying to hide them is.

**eagle72** · 24 June 2008, 18:51

Re: SC Clearance and bad debts

For what it's worth, I was in a very similar position. I'm with the CCCS on a large repayment plan, much higher than the £6k mentioned, due to a messy seperation. I also had a police caution from 15+ years before.

I was totally open with the DVA, told them everything. It was terrifying, as I knew my next job relied on my getting cleared, and I'd already given my notice into my current job.

It took about six weeks to go through, and they came back a few times with further questions and details, but were always friendly, helpful and I got cleared. They are going to review it in a couple of years, which is understandable, but it seems as the other responders here are saying, it's being open and honest they're looking for.

If you've screwed up a few times in your life before, if it's a long time ago, or a "blip" and you've been honest about it, I'm guessing you'll be fine.

**jedized** · 11 November 2009, 10:38

Iva

Hi eagle72

I am about to go through the SC Clearance process and am very worried as it is the first time that I have had to do this since being in my IVA.

I would appreciate any info about how to approach this.

Did you give full details as to how you ended up in debt - how much detail is required?

Any help would be much appreciated

Many thanks

**RichardCranium** · 11 November 2009, 11:24

Originally posted by jedized View Post

I am about to go through the SC Clearance process and am very worried. I would appreciate any info about how to approach this.

Did you give full details as to how you ended up in debt - how much detail is required?

They didn't ask me about that. They want to know if you are vulnerable to bribery. If you have run up gambling or drug debts of £150,000 to Big Ron's Loan Sharkery Ltd, they will worry you might sell secrets for cash and you will probably fail.

If you owe £20k to the bank / credit cards / loan and are paying them back regularly, like I was, they accept that is a fact of modern life.

Edit: actually, having a formal agreement in place to pay back your debts may work in your favour with them. It shows you have things under control.

Edit edit: they will be doing a credit check on you so make sure what you tell them is broadly similar to what the credit check will say!

Edit edit edit: I am assuming you are asking about MOD SC clearance. Otherwise the above is irrelevant.

SC Clearance and bad debts