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

[Aeia]

Again you are being overly pedantic. They don't but there is active clearance around that can be transfered. And if you do apply without it they will tell you it's an urgent gig and turn you down. So it's not rhubarb at all.

Yep, just been told I can't apply for a contract role because I don't hold SC even though the role was advertised as "must be eligible to obtain SC" it's basically a closed market!

[northernladuk]

Not quite. The clearance is not yours, it goes with the role; no role, no clearance.

It isn't yours but it's useful to have the contact details to pass on or if your next role doesn't need it. Remember PsychoCandy got in a right tiz with it because he didn't take the details of someone that dealt with it and there was a problem in the system when speaking to his new client. Getting the name of the person/group at the last client that dealt with the SC application or transfer could help and can't harm.

Ignore all the rhubarb about "Must have Security Clearance" from the agencies. Nobody out of a job has security clearance (apart from DV where subtly different rules apply), and you don't need clearance to apply: an active vet as described above is the best you can hope for.

Again you are being overly pedantic. They don't but there is active clearance around that can be transfered. And if you do apply without it they will tell you it's an urgent gig and turn you down. So it's not rhubarb at all.

[malvolio]

Try and get hold of someone in security at the client that handled the application. They should still hold it. If the agent is being a pain tell them you need the contact details should you ever need to transfer it. If that doesn't work approach the client direct or find someone on linkedin and start mailing. It's likely it's still valid and they will hold it until it needs transferring.

Not quite. The clearance is not yours, it goes with the role; no role, no clearance.

However the convention is that the results of the vetting will be held for up to 12 months, and if you get a new offer where the same vetting criteria apply, then you can most likely transfer the original vetting to the new role.

Ignore all the rhubarb about "Must have Security Clearance" from the agencies. Nobody out of a job has security clearance (apart from DV where subtly different rules apply), and you don't need clearance to apply: an active vet as described above is the best you can hope for.

[northernladuk]

my clearance has come through however the role is no longer there. has anyone had this before and what to do in this situation?

Try and get hold of someone in security at the client that handled the application. They should still hold it. If the agent is being a pain tell them you need the contact details should you ever need to transfer it. If that doesn't work approach the client direct or find someone on linkedin and start mailing. It's likely it's still valid and they will hold it until it needs transferring.

[na764]

my clearance has come through however the role is no longer there. has anyone had this before and what to do in this situation?

[Lolly85]

Edit: found the answer

[BlackCountryContractor]

Fixed Penalty Notices from my recollection are based in 2 forms - Council (Civil) or Police (Criminal)

Matters relating to civil issued FPNs are recorded by the council on their records

Matters relating to Police issued FPNs are recorded on PNC database

Regarding Police FPNs then you need to declare it full stop

Regarding council related FPNs then you need to check if the matter had a criminal-related element to it or if it was a civil-related element (e.g. Fly-tipping is concidered criminal-related whereas Parking Fines are civil-related)

Regarding disclosure of civil FPNs, I will say it is better to disclose but bear in mind you should discuss with vetting about this as you fill out the forms, remember they are there to help you if you have questions.

[northernladuk]

It has eased my worries. Just a couple of more things, what exactly does a departmental/company records check entail?

No idea sorry.

Also do you recommend disclosing the incident, or only if i’m specifically asked if they find out?

From what I remember the form doesn't ask in to that detail. Asks about criminal issues doesn't it? If it asks specifically answer, if it doesn't, don't.

Also do i need to disclose any fixed penalty notices? i got a fine a few months ago for “fare evasion” because i used my friends railcard on the train because i thought it was “family and friends” but i paid the fine off straight away.
Will this show up on a basic/enhanced DBS check? I have no criminal convictions against my name but unsure whether a fixed penalty notice counts as a caution?7

I don't know. Thing is they know what they are doing, if they need to find out they will. We don't know exactly what they look for, how or what effect it does. If everyone knew exactly how the vetting process worked it would be easy to game so no one but them really know.

Stop worrying, fill the form out as it requests you do, put everything it asks truthfully, don't put anything on that it doesn't ask and just get on with it.

Worrying about everything isn't going to help you and won't make a jot of difference to the process.

[patz7]

No need to worry. They know what they are doing. They are good at spotting who is a national security risk and who isn't. A couple of blips doesn't make you that so you will be fine. If you had massive gambling debts, dealing drugs, took regular holidays to Afghanistan or other activities that other parties could leverage to get you to steal and sell secrets then you'd be in trouble. Having a daft moment doesn't mean you aren't untrustworthy which is all they are looking at.

Even if they do speak to the other employers they'll be too afraid to say anything but the basics. If they give an opinion that is wrong they'll be on the hook legally and no one wants that for ex employees.

Fill in the forms, do your best and you you'll be judged on your merits, not a minor past indescretion.

Once again, thank you very much for the response.

It has eased my worries. Just a couple of more things, what exactly does a departmental/company records check entail?

Also do you recommend disclosing the incident, or only if i’m specifically asked if they find out?

The form itself I will complete honestly as I have nothing to hide/ be worried about but if I don’t have to mention the incident I won’t.

Also do i need to disclose any fixed penalty notices? i got a fine a few months ago for “fare evasion” because i used my friends railcard on the train because i thought it was “family and friends” but i paid the fine off straight away.
Will this show up on a basic/enhanced DBS check? I have no criminal convictions against my name but unsure whether a fixed penalty notice counts as a caution?

Like you said, this is a small indiscretion that I am ashamed of but I do not pose a threat to national security, i’m just a young person about to enter the next stage of their career.

[northernladuk]

Thanks for the reply, I really do appreciate it. Like I mentioned it was a stupid decision and act to carry out and I have learnt from it.

Will SC not be able to access or find out via a Departmental/Company Records check if it’s on my staff file? - this is what i’m worried about most.

I thought they ask previous employers/supervisors what you were like as an employee?

I feel like i’m over worrying but this apprenticeship is my dream role.

Apart from that, i have a clean record and have never been convicted of anything or been involved in any illegal activity so I should be okay in that aspect.

No need to worry. They know what they are doing. They are good at spotting who is a national security risk and who isn't. A couple of blips doesn't make you that so you will be fine. If you had massive gambling debts, dealing drugs, took regular holidays to Afghanistan or other activities that other parties could leverage to get you to steal and sell secrets then you'd be in trouble. Having a daft moment doesn't mean you aren't untrustworthy which is all they are looking at.

Even if they do speak to the other employers they'll be too afraid to say anything but the basics. If they give an opinion that is wrong they'll be on the hook legally and no one wants that for ex employees.

Fill in the forms, do your best and you you'll be judged on your merits, not a minor past indescretion.

[patz7]

Don't worry about it. I don't even think they put reasons for leaving now. Most companies are too afraid of you suing them for bad references so they rarely give references anymore. Just confirm your start and leaving dates which is all they obliged to do. If they start sharing detailed information as to why you left if you lose a job through incorrect information they are on the hook for legal action.

No need to disclose anything unless asked. Fill in the documentation as asked with the truth and don't worry about ex employers giving detailed references and character checks. It won't happen.

It's possible to pass SC with a whole host of 'issues' in the past. Even crimial convictions and jail time aren't necessarily blockers. They are looking to see if you are trustworthy with sensitive information and if there is anything in your past that can open you up to being coerced in to passing sensitive info on etc. Kids being kids and occassional bad decisions doesn't make you a national security risk.

Thanks for the reply, I really do appreciate it. Like I mentioned it was a stupid decision and act to carry out and I have learnt from it.

Will SC not be able to access or find out via a Departmental/Company Records check if it’s on my staff file? - this is what i’m worried about most.

I thought they ask previous employers/supervisors what you were like as an employee?

I feel like i’m over worrying but this apprenticeship is my dream role.

Apart from that, i have a clean record and have never been convicted of anything or been involved in any illegal activity so I should be okay in that aspect.

[northernladuk]

Hi all,

I’ve been made an offer for a Degree Apprenticeship at an aerospace company.

I believe SC requires a "Departmental/Company Records Check", and I am a little confused about what this entails.

I had a part time job when I was 18 at a toy store. I was fired for stealing a game, (£80 cost). I was dismissed on my next shift and I paid the money back. Stupid thing to do i know, i was young and naive.

I’m 20 now and I’ve had a 2 jobs since and whenever they’ve contacted them for a reference i don’t think they put down i was dismissed, i think they put down i resigned.

I’ve also requested a data access request to see what the official reason for leaving was but i imagine it was “resignation”

My former manager was really fair and I feel like they’ve put it past them and decided to not disclose it since to future reference checks as I paid the money back and owned up.

I must also add Police were never contacted at all and i was never/have ever been convicted of anything.

Shall i disclose this on my security clearance form because i’m going to have to put my previous employer details anyway and they will probably ask about my character or is it just “dates worked”and “reason for leaving”

shall i get in contact with my previous manager and discuss this?

i’ve had 2 jobs since, one in banking and one in a government department as an AO where i think i had to go through BPSS as a CS and i have a glowing record.

However this was a silly mistake i made in my early career that i fear may jeopardise my chances of getting SC.

Does anyone have any advice?

There are no gaps on my CV as i was a student at the time.

I will put down the employer on my CV but what questions will SC ask the employer when they contact them?

Any help would be so appreciated,

Thanks in advance.

Don't worry about it. I don't even think they put reasons for leaving now. Most companies are too afraid of you suing them for bad references so they rarely give references anymore. Just confirm your start and leaving dates which is all they obliged to do. If they start sharing detailed information as to why you left if you lose a job through incorrect information they are on the hook for legal action.

No need to disclose anything unless asked. Fill in the documentation as asked with the truth and don't worry about ex employers giving detailed references and character checks. It won't happen.

It's possible to pass SC with a whole host of 'issues' in the past. Even crimial convictions and jail time aren't necessarily blockers. They are looking to see if you are trustworthy with sensitive information and if there is anything in your past that can open you up to being coerced in to passing sensitive info on etc. Kids being kids and occassional bad decisions doesn't make you a national security risk.

[patz7]

Hi all,

I’ve been made an offer for a Degree Apprenticeship at an aerospace company.

I believe SC requires a "Departmental/Company Records Check", and I am a little confused about what this entails.

I had a part time job when I was 18 at a toy store. I was fired for stealing a game, (£80 cost). I was dismissed on my next shift and I paid the money back. Stupid thing to do i know, i was young and naive.

I’m 20 now and I’ve had a 2 jobs since and whenever they’ve contacted them for a reference i don’t think they put down i was dismissed, i think they put down i resigned.

I’ve also requested a data access request to see what the official reason for leaving was but i imagine it was “resignation”

My former manager was really fair and I feel like they’ve put it past them and decided to not disclose it since to future reference checks as I paid the money back and owned up.

I must also add Police were never contacted at all and i was never/have ever been convicted of anything.

Shall i disclose this on my security clearance form because i’m going to have to put my previous employer details anyway and they will probably ask about my character or is it just “dates worked”and “reason for leaving”

shall i get in contact with my previous manager and discuss this?

i’ve had 2 jobs since, one in banking and one in a government department as an AO where i think i had to go through BPSS as a CS and i have a glowing record.

However this was a silly mistake i made in my early career that i fear may jeopardise my chances of getting SC.

Does anyone have any advice?

There are no gaps on my CV as i was a student at the time.

I will put down the employer on my CV but what questions will SC ask the employer when they contact them?

Any help would be so appreciated,

Thanks in advance.

[IT SC newbie]

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.

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

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’s a permanent position and I have been verbally offered the position. The contract should be coming through in the next week or so.

Yes my new potential employer knows I’m on a 3 month notice period.

I do really want this job, but equally cannot afford to find myself unemployed if I am declined SC.

I guess my options are to ask when the contract comes through what assurances I have on my position if SC is failed and if the process can be completed before handing in my notice..

[malvolio]

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”.

snip...

It might be spent but the vetting process will ask you about any and all such stuff so you can't ignore it. They will be discrete about it though.

Whether or not it will impact your clearance depends on two things; what it was for and what the role entails. That said, people with criminal records have got clearance so it's by no means an automatic fail