What is security clearance?

Individual security vetting is undertaken in order that people can work, which in the course of doing so, requires national security clearance.

Clearance is granted at varying levels vary dependant upon the sensitivity of the information the individual has access to.

You cannot apply for Security Clearance as an individual. Clearance is sought by an employer and carried out by Government agencies. Clearance is granted for a specific period of time depending on the employment term or for a particular project. Security Clearance can be verified and transferred to a new employer if required.

There are four main types of national security checks and clearances:

Basic Checks (BC) and Enhanced Basic Checks (EBC)

These are not formal security clearances and simply provides a level of assurance as to the trustworthiness and integrity of individuals whose work involves access to confidential information. The check is carried out by screening identity documents and references.

Counter Terrorist Check (CTC)

This is required for personnel whose work involves access to information or material vulnerable to terrorist attack or involves unrestricted access to certain government or commercial establishments. The check includes a Basic Check (BC) and also a check against national security records. To gain (CTC) clearance you will normally have had to have been a resident in the UK for a minimum of 3 years.

Security Check (SC)

This is for people who have frequent access to SECRET, or occasional access to TOP SECRET assets and information. This level of clearance involves a Basic Check plus UK criminal and security checks and a credit check. To gain (SC) clearance you will normally have had to have been a resident in the UK for a minimum of 5 years.

SC clearance is transferable between roles but irrespective of the length of time it is issued for it automatically lapses after 12 months if the individual no longer holds a position requiring SC clearance.

Developed Vetting (DV)

This is the highest level of Security Clearance and is required for people with substantial unsupervised access to TOP SECRET assets, or for working in the intelligence or security agencies. This level of clearance involves Security Check (SC) and completion of a (DV) questionnaire, a financial check, checking of references and a detailed interview with a vetting officer. To gain (DV) clearance you will normally have had to have been a resident in the UK for a minimum of 10 years.

DV clearance is transferable between roles but irrespective of the length of time it is issued for it automatically lapses after 3 months if the individual no longer holds a position requiring DV clearance.

NATO has four levels of security classification; NATO RESTRICTED (NR), NATO CONFIDENTIAL (NC), NATO SECRET (NS) and COSMIC TOP SECRET (CTS).

NATO's clearance levels function independent of any clearance levels and do equate to or can be considered for a UK equivalent.