security clearance

**DaveB** · 10 April 2015, 19:40

Originally posted by Janus31 View Post

Hi

I have been offered a job which requires SC security clearance,

I got a community order 10 years ago for what could be seen as a serious offence,

there were strong mitigating circumstances, hence I did not get custodial sentence

before I accept offer I was going to use the acro police service to see what is on my record 10 years down the line,

has anyone used this service, how long does it take to get results ?

https://www.acro.police.uk/subject_access.aspx

Don't piss about with that, just tell them everything on the application. If you leave stuff out they will take that as a sign of dishonesty and you won't get cleared. Just because something is not on the PNC does not mean it isn't on record somewhere else and the PNC is not the only source that is checked.

**SueEllen** · 10 April 2015, 19:52

Depending who your SC is for and your actual crime you could be cleared. However if you hide stuff, they will find out and you will never be cleared for any role.

**northernladuk** · 10 April 2015, 20:44

Have a read if the Security Clearance sticking in the business section. Many question on a similar issue in there with plenty it responses to digest.

**scooterscot** · 11 April 2015, 08:47

Be honest in your application. Checking your own records shall achieve nothing.

**centurian** · 11 April 2015, 08:55

SC is actually much more forgiving about past offences than DBS checks (which are used to work in health/education) - even what may constitute serious offences. Most physical based offences, such as assault, even serious assaults - they often don't care about - as long as they were in the past.

Fraud based offences - they very much care about - because it shows you were deceitful.

However, SC has zero tolerance for even the slightest hint that you are trying to hide anything - even if what you are trying to hide is trivial. If there's one thing that will get you permanently barred for any SC jobs - that's it.

before I accept offer I was going to use the acro police service to see what is on my record 10 years down the line,

Doesn't matter how long it has been, or how minor. For SC and enhanced DBS checks, everything is visible - even arrests which never led to anything - and there is no time limit.

Rehabilitation of offenders act allows cautions/convictions to be spent, so you don't have to declare it, but that doesn't apply to SC/DBS

**Janus31** · 11 April 2015, 15:47

thanks for all replies

I have checked the other threads, some good information

after deep thought over this, I think I will not go for this offer in the end,

gut feel is that I will not get the clearance,

go after jobs that do not require SC clearance, as they say, is a no brainer

**NotAllThere** · 11 April 2015, 15:49

Why not apply? The worst that can happen is that you get turned down, isn't it?

**Janus31** · 11 April 2015, 16:26

Originally posted by NotAllThere View Post

Why not apply? The worst that can happen is that you get turned down, isn't it?

unless I have got the timing of things wrong :

resign from current job, accept new offer, then if I don't get clearance, I am suddenly jobless,

**northernladuk** · 11 April 2015, 16:35

Originally posted by NotAllThere View Post

Why not apply? The worst that can happen is that you get turned down, isn't it?

Guessing there is a notice period involved which could be unacceptable to the client including the risk of SC. Not the best situation for a new gig.
IMO if you are serious about going contracting you hand notice in and then start looking. Its pretty rare you will find a client willing to wait.

security clearance