Reply to: Security Check/Clearance transfer - how long should it take?

[smilesmile]

I've signed a contract for a role that was meant to begin weeks ago that required a clearance to be transferred. It's been about 3-4 weeks now - longer than the initial application to be cleared took (which was 2 weeks)

How long does it normally take (I know this is a variable, but what's considered reasonable?) and at what point do you cut your losses?

I know this is the name of the game, but I've lost thousands of pounds waiting for this to happen and at some point I need to say "no more".

Particularly interested in people who've recently had their SC transferred and how long theirs took.

Do you already get your SC now? I submitted my application in July, and still waiting for their vetting decision now.

[BoredBloke]

First time I've needed SC and got the letter saying my clearance was approved today. I submitted my application in mid July - so about 2 months for me.

[PerfectStorm]

My advice would be to go on holiday, apply for gigs for only 1 hour a day. 30 mins in the morning to catch new ads, 30 mins evening. Call up every lead you think looks good to inform them your CV is coming through during the call. Then, you either come back to your SC job in 2-3 weeks, or you get interviews remotely. The bonus of this is you get a holiday and also less stress. Hanging about around the house won't help much as you might or might not have a role as of now.

It's good advice. Already had a couple of holidays unfortunately but in terms of spending the time on leisure rather than just... waiting.... you're right.

[agentzero]

My advice would be to go on holiday, apply for gigs for only 1 hour a day. 30 mins in the morning to catch new ads, 30 mins evening. Call up every lead you think looks good to inform them your CV is coming through during the call. Then, you either come back to your SC job in 2-3 weeks, or you get interviews remotely. The bonus of this is you get a holiday and also less stress. Hanging about around the house won't help much as you might or might not have a role as of now.

[Lance]

Why does that make a difference. I've spent a lot of architecture time on access routes IP structures, ecure data management and the like. It's not all about what's stored but also a bout how...

I don't know if it does. I just know that I've always been working while waiting. No laptop from the client, or if I do have a laptop I don't have access to many systems/information. That doesn't stop me being useful.

[PerfectStorm]

Still waiting (and resuming the job hunting process)

This is one situation - waiting for a clearance to transfer - where "keep looking until you're at the client's desk" doesn't really help that much

How many thousands would you personally lose before you said "stop, no more"?

[malvolio]

lots to do that doesn't require clearance. But then I'm an architect not a developer.

Why does that make a difference. I've spent a lot of architecture time on access routes IP structures, ecure data management and the like. It's not all about what's stored but also a bout how...

[JoJoGabor]

I've jsut applied for it. I am told by the client company they are typically taking 3 months at the moment

[Lance]

You sat there charging them with no work to do? Or worked uncleared?

lots to do that doesn't require clearance. But then I'm an architect not a developer.

[David71]

What's going on with NPPV?

Core-Vet (NPPV portal) has been closed for a month for new applications and transfers. Was meant to re-open Sep 19th but now pushed back to Oct 3rd to allow the processing backlog to be addressed.

[northernladuk]

You sat there charging them with no work to do? Or worked uncleared?

You can work supervised or be restricted so you can't view sensitive documents. SC is to provide a certain level of assurance that you can be trusted with sensitive data. If you don't have access to it or are supervised then you can get on and work. For many roles you may not have direct access to it but be in an environment it's available so there are ways around it. If you are working directly with it then you are a bit screwed so would be sensible to not let you start. It's all on a risk based approach so no one single answer.

[PerfectStorm]

I've always been paid whilst waiting for SC to come through.

You sat there charging them with no work to do? Or worked uncleared?

[PerfectStorm]

What I normally say - give UKSV a call. They're nice people and will give help and advice where they can: 01904 662644

Not UKSV / SC, but to give an idea, the NPPV application hiatus has been extended due to the volume of work they have; no transfers or new applications until sometime in October now.

What's going on with NPPV?

[David71]

What I normally say - give UKSV a call. They're nice people and will give help and advice where they can: 01904 662644

Not UKSV / SC, but to give an idea, the NPPV application hiatus has been extended due to the volume of work they have; no transfers or new applications until sometime in October now.

[Lance]

I've always been paid whilst waiting for SC to come through.