Misdirection

[pmeswani]

Was approached by an agency a few weeks ago (maybe as a result of me applying for the job via Jobserve) for a job in Berkshire. The agency told me that SC clearance was required for the role. Received the Job Description and noticed DV is required for the role. Raised the issue as a concern with the agency who reassured me that SC would be adequate.

Well, had the interview yesterday, went ok for most part, and the company mentioned that they would require the candidate to go through DV. They did, to their credit, ask me why I had concerns over going through DV, to which I gave them 1 of many reasons.... which involves having certain secrets from my family (nowt illegal, unless you consider p0rn and gambling as illegal). I wasn't overly convinced with their reassurances that my secrets would not be disclosed to my family or personal referees. (Other reasons for not going for DV is to prevent the DVA from interviewing my mother, brother and sister who I am certain will not protray me in good light).

Thought about the whole idea of going through DV clearance for all of 2 to 3 hours. Decided it was in my best interest to withdraw from the application on grounds of misrepresentation of intent from the agency / company.

I don't think I regret withdrawing.... any views welcomed.

[TykeMerc]

Seems perfectly reasonable viewpoint to me.

I have no desire to get DV clearance either as I find the prospect of the DVA digging around in my life to that extent intrusive and distasteful.

[NotAllThere]

Sounds crazy to me. Why would the investigators disclose what they've learned to your family or friends? I'm sure they seen worse things in the course of their duties than what you get up to in the privacy of your bedsit.

They'll probably investigate you now for not wanting to be investigated. Highly suspicious.

I'm not surprised you're annoyed at the agency though. In future, tell the agency in writing that you won't go for any DV role, and if it turns out the role is DV related, you'll invoice them for the time and effort you've expended.

[pmeswani]

Sounds crazy to me. Why would the investigators disclose what they've learned to your family or friends? I'm sure they seen worse things in the course of their duties than what you get up to in the privacy of your bedsit.

They'll probably investigate you now for not wanting to be investigated. Highly suspicious.

I'm not surprised you're annoyed at the agency though. In future, tell the agency in writing that you won't go for any DV role, and if it turns out the role is DV related, you'll invoice them for the time and effort you've expended.

None of the activities I do are illegal. However, if you know my family, they would firmly place a solid steel boot up my posterier if they ever found out what I do week in / week out. It's not the agency that is totally at fault.... I partly blame the company for interviewing me under false pretence which annoyed me most. I guess I should be grateful that I withdrew.

I've heard a number of cases where candidates were told to inform their relatives of their activites in order to gain DV clearance. Not worth the hassle or headache.

[pmeswani]

Seems perfectly reasonable viewpoint to me.

I have no desire to get DV clearance either as I find the prospect of the DVA digging around in my life to that extent intrusive and distasteful.

Don't mind the digging around bit. Don't want info to be passed onto relatives / references, especially when it comes to questioning credibility, etc.

[The Lone Gunman]

There should be no disclosure to anyone. I think you could even take legal action. DV is worth having if someone will put you through it.
Contact the help desk at the defence vetting agency to talk about your concerns.

[pmeswani]

There should be no disclosure to anyone. I think you could even take legal action. DV is worth having if someone will put you through it.
Contact the help desk at the defence vetting agency to talk about your concerns.

Not really worth the effort to be honest. Am going to avoid DV roles from now on.

[TykeMerc]

Don't mind the digging around bit. Don't want info to be passed onto relatives / references, especially when it comes to questioning credibility, etc.

Oh they wouldn't disclose information to your relatives deliberately and they would avoid implying stuff in their questions too. Don't forget the DVA use experienced interrogators.

My objections are on the grounds that I'm a private person so don't want someone rummaging around in my life to that extent.

[voodooflux]

Contact the help desk at the defence vetting agency to talk about your concerns.

Sounds like sensible advice.

Don't forget the DVA use experienced interrogators.

They don't resort to waterboarding do they!?

[AlanR]

DV should not be the (only) reason to decline

I was Dv'ed for a position in Berkshire (sure you know where) and the only person the DVA spoke to me was me. They didnt contact / speak to my wife, mother, father, brothers, sister, anybody that i am aware of.

I know a lot of people get hung up on DV but i didnt find anything untoward with it, as long as you are honest and up front.

I know of somebody who had a fair bit of debt through a failed business venture who went through the DV process, he told them about it, what he was doing about it etc and he had no problems.

I would recommend that if the position is one that want do not let the DV process be the reason for not pursing it.

Alan