Reply to: How long does SC clearance take

[scalyback]

all my gigs require min level of SC for the work i do so lcuky enough it is still valid and hopefully will remain to be valid until 2009

My DV clearance run out in July and I have had to start the SC clearance again, 6 weeks now of sitting in an office trying not to look furtive because you can't really do anything, on the up side I am being paid. On the down side it is a fixed term contract so not sure if I would be kept on after it expires (about 8 weeks left)

[Cooperinliverp00l]

Remember you work with clients for 12 months without the requirement for SC and you have to start from square one. Saying I've got SC until x x x date is only valid as long as you remain in an environment where sc is required.

all my gigs require min level of SC for the work i do so lcuky enough it is still valid and hopefully will remain to be valid until 2009

[scooterscot]

I'm SC'd until 2009 so need to worry at the moment for me.

Remember you work with clients for 12 months without the requirement for SC and you have to start from square one. Saying I've got SC until x x x date is only valid as long as you remain in an environment where sc is required.

[threaded]

I had to escort a lady around one time, and then she wanted to loo. So then I had to find a lady I knew to do the introduction, so she could then escort her to the loo.

Why didn't they team her up with a girl in the first place? I think security get off on causing those sort of embarrassing situations.

[Cooperinliverp00l]

mine took about 6 weeks to come through. I had basic clearence within a week meaning i could go to the toilet on my own. Think due to the nature of work and client they were able to put a bit of pressure on Home Office DSU to get it through a.s.a.p. The other contracter who started the same time as me on a 3 month contract had his come 2 days before he left.

I'm SC'd until 2009 so need to worry at the moment for me.

[MrsGoof]

ta,

gig doesn't start for 5 weeks and previously I just had to be escorted

[scooterscot]

Yeah 3 months is about right, however if the client likes you enough you should be able to get a waiver under the supervision of a staff member, while you wait.

[threaded]

... I have noticed a lot of ads demanding you already be cleared recently though. Should they be reported for that or is it a waste of time?

I think that those agencies don't actually have any jobs. They are just getting names to sell on to the agencies that do have the jobs. That is why they don't know how to word their adverts, because they are not on the list to be told about these changes.

If that makes sense to you?

[Epiphone]

Incidentally, how many of you know that the rules have changed? You can't be refused an interview becuase you haven't got clearance, and you can't be refused a role unless the job will be finished before clearance can be granted (i.e. 30 days for SC, according to the Cabinet Office. Yeah, right). Indications so far are that absolutely nobody is taking any notice...

Yep, hence the agencies adverts now saying "have or willing to undergo..." I have noticed a lot of ads demanding you already be cleared recently though. Should they be reported for that or is it a waste of time?

[Will808]

Mine took 6 weeks, but I was also allowed on site with "before clearance" status as long as I was escorted.

[GreenerGrass]

Indications so far are that absolutely nobody is taking any notice...

Hmm, got an email about a contract needing SC last week something like "due to the urgent nature and duration of 3 months SC clearance highly preferable".

I can't see any government contract ever lasting just 3 months though...

[barely_pointless]

mine took 3 months about, and before that I had to be escorted everywhere which was fun considering I was travelling on a Republic of Ireland passport!!

[Number9]

7 working days

Mine took 7 working days and I was allowed on-site beforehand as long as I didn't access the Secret Network, only allowed on the Restricted Network.

If you get the role then it will happen quite quickly, its getting the role first, most companies just want to hire SC already...........but if they need they can get around it.

[malvolio]

Cabinet Office think 30 days. Snag is, that is for an internal, full time Civil Servant. If you are coming through an external prime contractor or agency, you have to join the back of the queue to be submitted to DVA - that's where the delays are coming from, not DVA themselves.

Incidentally, how many of you know that the rules have changed? You can't be refused an interview becuase you haven't got clearance, and you can't be refused a role unless the job will be finished before clearance can be granted (i.e. 30 days for SC, according to the Cabinet Office. Yeah, right). Indications so far are that absolutely nobody is taking any notice...

[nucastle]

16 weeks apparently.

Mine took about that.