SC Question and Job Offer!!

[Peter Loew]

Hi all,

I've just had an offer from Company X and this role requires SC Clearance, which I was using up until Sept. 08.

I got a call from the agent saying that Company X says my SC Clearance is currently with Company Y who I used to work with before my last contract (about 2.5 years ago).

So I rang the DVA and this is indeed the case. Apparently my last company didn't bother physically transferring the clearance, they merely verified it as I needed to work in an SC Cleared environment within Central Gov.

I asked the DVA if this would be a problem because as a contractor if I don't make use of my SC within 12 months I loose it, and they said so long as I worked in an SC Cleared environment / on SC projects then all Company X needs to do is get written confirmation from my last company that this is indeed the case and away we go.

This implies that it doesn't matter where the physical SC is held, so long as you were in an SC required role because companies can apparently verify the SC without physically transferring it.

Has anybody else had a similar experience? I am really happy to get this offer which is a great role on a great rate, but just don't want the SC thing stuffing it up!

P

[loubylou]

I have been SC cleared for over 10 years in various companies and OH used to do vetting. As long as the clearance was obtained within the last 10 years it can usually just be a case of filling in the form again and DVA will ok it as long as there are no major changes to your criminal record etc.

It doesn't matter who holds the clearance it just goes on the system of where you are now working.

In other words to answer your question it shouldn't be a problem so go for it.

[pmeswani]

Hi all,

I've just had an offer from Company X and this role requires SC Clearance, which I was using up until Sept. 08.

I got a call from the agent saying that Company X says my SC Clearance is currently with Company Y who I used to work with before my last contract (about 2.5 years ago).

So I rang the DVA and this is indeed the case. Apparently my last company didn't bother physically transferring the clearance, they merely verified it as I needed to work in an SC Cleared environment within Central Gov.

I asked the DVA if this would be a problem because as a contractor if I don't make use of my SC within 12 months I loose it, and they said so long as I worked in an SC Cleared environment / on SC projects then all Company X needs to do is get written confirmation from my last company that this is indeed the case and away we go.

This implies that it doesn't matter where the physical SC is held, so long as you were in an SC required role because companies can apparently verify the SC without physically transferring it.

Has anybody else had a similar experience? I am really happy to get this offer which is a great role on a great rate, but just don't want the SC thing stuffing it up!

P

I can't say that I have been in your situation. In the worst case scenario... would Company X withdraw the offer if the SC clearance is not current? If not, then you should be ok as going through the clearance should only take a matter of a few weeks.

[loubylou]

I can't say that I have been in your situation. In the worst case scenario... would Company X withdraw the offer if the SC clearance is not current? If not, then you should be ok as going through the clearance should only take a matter of a few weeks.

SC Clearance usually takes a minimum of 3 months and that is if you are lucky, if it is held with another company they will let you work whilst they transfer it. I have been with the current client for 6 months and they still haven't managed to transfer the clearance. Luckily for them they managed the police check 2 weeks before i finish!

[Peter Loew]

I can't say that I have been in your situation. In the worst case scenario... would Company X withdraw the offer if the SC clearance is not current? If not, then you should be ok as going through the clearance should only take a matter of a few weeks.

I'm not sure, but I'm hoping to find out more tomorrow. I've already spoken to my last company and they are willing to produce written proof that I was indeed in an SC cleared role till Sept. 08.

I'll let you know how it all goes!

[chris79]

Hope you get this sorted out ASAP, can't be a good situation to find yourself in and the last thing you want is losing the contract because of an oversight.

[Ardesco]

if the DVA says it is fine you have nothing to worry about, they are reasonably competent.

[bassy]

This has happened to me - mine is held by a company I left about 2.5 years ago and I have worked two other SC roles since then. Both times they just rang the original company and confirmed clearance and didnt pass it over.

[thelace]

No idea but congrats on the offer!

[bassy]

hmm i rang to check this with the DVA helpdesk this morning as I am in the same position as the original poster. Left a company A in 2006 as that is where my clearance is still held and worked for company B and C since then in SC roles where they checked my clearance. Was told that since they hadnt transferred my clearance from A that it was now not valid... which means it wasnt valid for my last role at company C even though they checked. Am now pretty confused