Security Clearance (SC) Q&A Read first before asking questions

[northernladuk]

Hi all,
I have been offered a job which requires SC. I also have two criminal convictions from 11 years ago which resulted in 6 months prison time. I have not declared this on my job application as it is “spent”.

How far down the application process are you? Is this a permanent job? If it's contract it's very unusual for anyone without SC to get a look in. I'd be suprised if it's not too much different for perm roles. Easier to stick someone in that's got it than go through the whole process. Once you've got the job you'll have to go through the SC paperwork where you should declare the convictions even if spent.

I am happy to go through the process of applying for SC but concerned about how and when to hand in my resignation to my current employer. I am currently on a 3 month notice period.

You don't hadn in your notice until you've got an offer and have accepted. Does your prospective employer know you are on three months?

Obviously I would not want to hand in notice until I am 100% sure there is job for me to go to.

Obviously

How long is the SC process currently taking and does anyone have an experience or advice for this situation?

Usually you can start even without SC, you'll just be escorted or not give access to the secure stuff until you've got the gig so not having SC on day one isn't really a problem. I can see the issue here if you aren't sure you'll pass SC clearance though.

[IT SC newbie]

Hi all,
I have been offered a job which requires SC. I also have two criminal convictions from 11 years ago which resulted in 6 months prison time. I have not declared this on my job application as it is “spent”.

I am happy to go through the process of applying for SC but concerned about how and when to hand in my resignation to my current employer. I am currently on a 3 month notice period.

Obviously I would not want to hand in notice until I am 100% sure there is job for me to go to.

How long is the SC process currently taking and does anyone have an experience or advice for this situation?

[PerfectStorm]

Good to note that it's only partners you live with who need to have their inside leg measured.

Indeed - you could be getting shoved into suitcases by anyone - as long as you don't do anything dodgy like cohabiting.

[ladymuck]

That's gone now, but there is inexplicably a copy of the DV and SC forms on the Guardian's website
DV: https://image.guardian.co.uk/sys-fil...orm_NSV002.pdf
SC: https://image.guardian.co.uk/sys-fil...8Compliant.pdf
(Spooks: nowt dodgy here, they're near enough the first result on Google)

DV could rather boringly be described as like SC but with an additional question about who your grandad is.

Good to note that it's only partners you live with who need to have their inside leg measured.

[Lance]

That's gone now, but there is inexplicably a copy of the DV and SC forms on the Guardian's website
DV: https://image.guardian.co.uk/sys-fil...orm_NSV002.pdf
SC: https://image.guardian.co.uk/sys-fil...8Compliant.pdf
(Spooks: nowt dodgy here, they're near enough the first result on Google)

DV could rather boringly be described as like SC but with an additional question about who your grandad is.

the SC form linked is out of date.
It's done online now (has been for 5 years as far as I know).

[David71]

What would happen if you were trying to hedge your bets and going through multiple 'onboardings' with cleared roles for different agencies who haven't yet produced a contract or start date - would it cause a conflict in the pre-start, short term where both agencies are trying to facilitate the transfer of clearance? Or can both attempt to start the transfer then the 'winner' finalises it when you start?

Or has anyone been in such a situation and how was it resolved?

You can have clearances 'split' but I believe most places don't go down this route as it's more complicated than just getting a second clearance if required. Not sure about two sponsors trying to transfer a single clearance at the same time....usual advice from me...give UKSV a call and ask.

[malvolio]

What would happen if you were trying to hedge your bets and going through multiple 'onboardings' with cleared roles for different agencies who haven't yet produced a contract or start date - would it cause a conflict in the pre-start, short term where both agencies are trying to facilitate the transfer of clearance? Or can both attempt to start the transfer then the 'winner' finalises it when you start?

Or has anyone been in such a situation and how was it resolved?

Clearance goes with the post not the post holder. So until you're hired, the process won't start...

[PerfectStorm]

What would happen if you were trying to hedge your bets and going through multiple 'onboardings' with cleared roles for different agencies who haven't yet produced a contract or start date - would it cause a conflict in the pre-start, short term where both agencies are trying to facilitate the transfer of clearance? Or can both attempt to start the transfer then the 'winner' finalises it when you start?

Or has anyone been in such a situation and how was it resolved?

[malvolio]

Heard a lot of rumour about this but anyone got any data on how 'invasive' it is?

Very. Along the lines of asking your Mum about your political leanings as a teenager, where have you ever been on holiday and have you ever been accused (not convicted) of a sex crime kind of intrusive.

But it is all rumour. Nobody's talking about it that knows about it. For very obvious reasons.

[PerfectStorm]

ermm...

The DV process involves interviewing family and friends in some depth as well as detailed looks at your financial and personal history. It is not only nothing like SC but is deeply invasive. Unlike the risk assessment based processes for the lower levels, it is concerned with the totality of your suitability for Top Secret (and above) material.

Heard a lot of rumour about this but anyone got any data on how 'invasive' it is?