Reply to: BC(E) security clearance

[threaded]

I went to an interview the other day.......

At the end the guy said that if I had any criminal convictions (excluding the odd motoring problem!) then my clearance would be turned down.

Utter tosh. Either he's challenging you or you missheard.

If you fail to disclose a record you will be turned down.

HTH

[castoff101]

Thanks WageSlave - your help much appreciated

[WageSlave]

Thanks Wage Slave that would be really helpful ......

castoff101, although the majority clearly disapprove of my presence on this board and would love to see me disappear, I did say that I'd give an update when received.

Malvolio has already said as much, but my friend at the Home Office has confirmed that BCe does indeed cover criminal convictions.

Looks like your only sensible option is to come clean and hope for the best.

HTH

[WageSlave]

Malvolio, do they interview old flames for DV?

[malvolio]

If you want to find out what it's all about, you could do worse than start at www.dva.mod.uk - it's all there and, for a change, in sensible english.

And yes, the various vetting authorities are interested in you telling the truth (think about it - you are asking to be trusted with restricted information, so they are understandably twitchy if you are less than totally honest) and about your potential exposure to blackmail. Not so much of a problem at the lower end, and these days we tend not to worry too much about gays, infidelity and the like of course, but if you have a mistress and go for DV, for example, you won't get it.

[WageSlave]

Thanks Wage Salve that would be really helpful ......

I've asked the question. I'll let you know as soon as I get a response.

[castoff101]

Thanks Wage Slave that would be really helpful ......

[WageSlave]

I am not sure as to the extent of BC. I've never applied myself and it's been a few years since I saw the form. However, let me ask a friend of mine doing a gig with the Home Office...

CTC and SC definitely ask about convictions. I know that for certain because I've been through the process a few times.

[castoff101]

?

I am a bit confused by the levels of clearance !

BC is only the basic check - refs etc

Is there actual a section on the form asking about convictions?

I have searched to see if I can get a copy of the BC form - but cannot find. Is it publicly available ?

Thanks

[WageSlave]

Lucifer, I believe that cautions are now permanent. Although they aren't convictions and so won't show up on a search against criminal records.

Gunman, I believe they are also interested in whether you are likely to pose a threat. For example, a conviction for terrorism would indicate the candidate isn't an ideal material for a Home Office contract.
I don't believe that are interested in sexuality. The RAF used to ask questions like that for DV.

[The Lone Gunman]

As someone said earlier, it is not about the crime you commited (in most cases) as long as you are not likely to do it again.

What the security people want to know is whether you could be "approached" in some way to persuade you to divulge or obtain info.
If you are in serious debt then you are open to a bribe. This is a major problem and will be difficult to get past.
If you are a closet gay then you can be blackmailed with outing. If you have a secret criminal record you can be blackmailed with threats to tell the boss.
If you have already fessed up then there is nothing to blackmail.

[Lucifer Box]

It used to be the case that the only "wipe clean" conviction is what's called an "adult caution", which was after 3 years I think. Other than that, yes, there's likely to be a record. Best to be honest.

[WageSlave]

Hmmm. Unfortunately in this country fraud and anything involving a willy (except rape) is considered very bad (crazy country!).

The police weren't involved, but presumably you went to court. In which case there must surely be a record.

There must be a way for you to ask someone responsible for processing clearance without identifying yourself.

[Lucifer Box]

There's only one way to find out for sure. As that is a fraud type crime, that is the second most serious crime next to murder (some would say more serious).

[castoff101]

tut tut

Back to the question please !!

so how serious would this be?

"False representation to obtain social security benefit" - contrary to the Social Security Act 1986.

This occurred over 12 years ago, received 18mths conditional discharge.

All money repaid ..................

The Police were not involved but I guess this is recorded on some other database which is used for BC searches.

Enough to stop me getting BC ?