DV clearance benefits?

[Spoiler]

I'm currently SC cleared with client A.

Have started doing a little work with client B, who has confirmed SC clearance. Now client B want to sponsor me for DV clearance.

Having done a quick search, it would seem DV clearance is a bit of a arse to go through. I'm only going to be doing a limited amount of work for client B (it's not a long term contract). Also, it looks like DV clearance lapses quite quickly if you don't use it (6 months).

Based on this, I'm wondering if it's worth the hassle going through the process or if it is a benefit to have DV clearance regardless?

[malvolio]

I'm currently SC cleared with client A.

Have started doing a little work with client B, who has confirmed SC clearance. Now client B want to sponsor me for DV clearance.

Having done a quick search, it would seem DV clearance is a bit of a arse to go through. I'm only going to be doing a limited amount of work for client B (it's not a long term contract). Also, it looks like DV clearance lapses quite quickly if you don't use it (6 months).

Based on this, I'm wondering if it's worth the hassle going through the process or if it is a benefit to have DV clearance regardless?

While DV clearance theoretically lapses immediately you leave the role it is required for, most agent and prime contractors are incapable of understanding that fact. Hence having DV gives you access to around 20% of all the available contract work out there that is not in banking, with no competition since the agencies don't put forward uncleared staff in flat defiance of HMG's guidelines. So if someone wants to spend £10k so you can get access to a closed market, I'd say you should go for it.

However, since SC allows occasional access to TS material anyway, is your proposed sponsor certain you will actually need it?

[Spoiler]

However, since SC allows occasional access to TS material anyway, is your proposed sponsor certain you will actually need it?

The client believes DV clearance will be required in order for me to work unsupervised on-site. Am going for a meeting with them soon in which they want to discuss clearance, so will get a better understanding of their requirements then.

Thanks.

[northernladuk]

I'm currently SC cleared with client A.

Have started doing a little work with client B, who has confirmed SC clearance. Now client B want to sponsor me for DV clearance.

Having done a quick search, it would seem DV clearance is a bit of a arse to go through. I'm only going to be doing a limited amount of work for client B (it's not a long term contract). Also, it looks like DV clearance lapses quite quickly if you don't use it (6 months).

Based on this, I'm wondering if it's worth the hassle going through the process or if it is a benefit to have DV clearance regardless?

Is that the hassle of filling in some paperwork while being paid and maybe an interview while being paid to get a very high level of clearance not attainable by 80% of contractors.. Nah too much hassle. Turn them down IMHO.

[Mr.Whippy]

I'm only going to be doing a limited amount of work for client B (it's not a long term contract)

The duration and frequency will very likely change once you have DV.....

[TykeMerc]

The duration and frequency will very likely change once you have DV.....

Considering how long it typically takes for a DV to be completed I'd imagine so. They can be done in a few weeks, but 6-12 months is far from uncommon.

[Mr.Whippy]

Considering how long it typically takes for a DV to be completed I'd imagine so. They can be done in a few weeks, but 6-12 months is far from uncommon.

A few weeks? I imagine you would've had to been DV cleared very recently for it to be done anywhere near that quick.

Not forgetting of course the potential to increase your rate once you're cleared.

Definitely worth the "hassle" imo.

[gingerjedi]

Is that the hassle of filling in some paperwork while being paid and maybe an interview while being paid to get a very high level of clearance not attainable by 80% of contractors.. Nah too much hassle. Turn them down IMHO.

The vetting is quite invasive, the interview and interviews of your referees are pretty much guaranteed.

Not everyone likes the idea of someone digging around in their personal life.

[TykeMerc]

The vetting is quite invasive, the interview and interviews of your referees are pretty much guaranteed.

Not everyone likes the idea of someone digging around in their personal life.

Indeed, not my cup of tea at all. The word interview is far too limited a word too.

[stek]

Indeed, not my cup of tea at all. The word interview is far too limited a word too.

Yeah, I had DV (or was it PV then?) at BNFL years ago, and they asked my refs how much alcohol I drank and if they ever saw bottles of drink about the house and stuff...

And they had my bank records without asking - not sure if they could do that now - reckon they can though...