Security Clearance (again)

[bassy]

i'm currently waiting for security clearance for a contract and i'm not allowed to start until i get it (got that off the client rather than the agency). Been waiting about 3 weeks now. So i suppose its pretty dependant on what data you could be handling.

[threaded]

One place, the local window cleaners will tell you, no one does any work at all! They sit around at empty desks reading the newspapers... hæ hæ hæ

So, not strictly true, some places they can't help but have classified stuff laying about so you need clearance before starting work (or even walking past the windows )

[ratewhore]

You do not need clearance to start a contract. Any agency that tells you that is talking poo. You can start work with a basic check (which takes hours, maybe a day) while waiting for your clearance to come through. When your clearance comes through you can take yourself to the toilet but if it fails you're gone.

This is true not only for various govt agencies but also for the private sector companies working on HMG contracts.

[datestamp]

As a side issue, did anybody see the Al Quaida mob being sentenced in Spain the other day on CNN? The translation went: "Al Akmed Fred Bloggins. Guilty. 10 years in clink. 11 years banned from working for central or local government departments". Er, excuse me. Does that mean the Spaniards let their criminals work for government departments while banged up? Surely, it would make sense that anybody involved in or reasonably linked with people involved in planting bombs in public places should never be allowed to work for government departments local, regional or otherwise.

[WageSlave]

Wage Erm lets just say Gordon Brown was the ultimate boss and the other one you know already.

Ah, I worked there. I still remember being invited to GB's palace. Strange place. I can't remember the security arrangements but I do remember the senior civil servant I was working to standing over me on my last day to ensure I didn't steal anything.

[Chico]

Wage Erm lets just say Gordon Brown was the ultimate boss and the other one you know already.

[WageSlave]

So that was at the department of environment, transport and regions.

Yes, which no longer exists. DEFRA is fairly lax on security as it doesn't really handle matters of national security, which is the key issue. If you are looking to get a gig with the HSE or something around food, health, etc, the same will be true.
In local government you do not require security clearance.

Chico, which public sector organisations have you worked in?

[MrsGoof]

Yep, I was, the only limitation I had was that a member of my team (with clearance) had to escort me into the building in the morning.

[Chico]

mulhall it totally depends on your skills and the hiring manager. If the timescales are tight and you are the right person and the candidates who are security cleared are not as able as you are then you are in.

[mulhall]

Thanks guys, I'm just pre-arming myself for the next conversation with recruitment agencies.

So that was at the department of environment, transport and regions.

Chico can I ask where you could get in whilst awaiting clearance?

[WageSlave]

Yep loads of times - you will have to bring in your own laptop and have to sign a visitors pass, be escorted to various places- like datacentres and other sensitive places. Thats until your security clearance comes through.

Yes, that is true, although you aren't allowed to access the client network, so it has to be stand-alone.

And it's a real pain to have staff on site without clearance, especially if you have escort rights.

WS in 'had to take consultants to the toilet' mode.

PPS. Yes, I offered a helping hand

[WageSlave]

Has anyone even heard of a contractor being employed before clearance was granted?

Yes, although I suspect things have been tightened since 9/11, and it largely depends on the area in which work is being performed.
I worked at DETR without any initial security clearance, and staff were allowed to work at the Home Office whilst obtaining clearance (although they were consultants, so the risk was probably mitigated by the firm).

I can't imagine <he said naively> that the MoD would be so lax about security issues.

[Chico]

Yep loads of times - you will have to bring in your own laptop and have to sign a visitors pass, be escorted to various places- like datacentres and other sensitive places. Thats until your security clearance comes through.

[mulhall]

Following the article the other day on the MOD DVA stance on contractors and clearance I read this in the DVAs FAQ:

"Can I employ staff awaiting clearance?

There is no central regulation prohibiting the employment of people awaiting security clearance. The decision whether or not to do this, limiting their access as necessary, is a risk management judgement for the area concerned, as advised by his or her security staff."

Has anyone even heard of a contractor being employed before clearance was granted?