Understanding UK Security Clearance

On many of our sites, a number of security clearance checks may be required of our workforce before starting on-site. We explain what these checks are, why they’re needed, and what information you would need to provide when going through these security checks.

Understanding the Different Levels of Security Checks

While many sites may just ask you to prove your eligibility to work in the United Kingdom, others need more in-depth information. This is because some sites will require security clearance from the Government to ensure that the workforce on their site doesn’t present a national security risk as they would be working with and around sensitive information.

There are four different levels of security clearance, depending on what job you would be doing.

BPSS: The Baseline Personnel Security Standard, as well as the Enhanced Baseline Standard (EBS), is typically used for pre-employment checks. This includes things like ID checks and reference checks. The BPSS is done, according to government resources, to “ensure that organisations are employing people entitled to work in the UK and with the honesty, integrity and values needed for government-related work.”

Yasmin Lobb from our Plymouth office explains the process that she goes through with our candidates for BPSS Security Clearance for Devonport Dockyard.

SC: Security Checks are necessary for those that will have long-term access to assets considered ‘SECRET’, and occasional access to ‘TOP SECRET’ assets.

This is one that is required at the minute for a number of roles that can be found through our Job Search page.

CTC: The next level up is Counter Terrorist Checks, which are for those who would be working with sensitive data or materials. It’s for anyone who may be vulnerable to a terrorist attack or who, within their daily work will need to have unrestricted access to certain government or commercial establishments.

DV: Developed Vetting checks are the highest possible security checks you can go through. They are for those, as per the government website, who would have frequent and uncontrolled access to ‘TOP SECRET’ assets, or those who may require any access to ‘TOP SECRET’ codeword material.

How Do I Get Security Clearance?

If you’ve applied for a role with us that requires you to have SC Clearance and you don’t have it, we can help. Our team will walk you through the process and ensure you’re aware of everything you need each step of the way, from basic ID checks to what references would be acceptable for the vetting process.

A basic BPSS check can take as little as 1-2 days to get security clearance. If the job you’ve applied for requires a higher level of vetting, the process and checks can take several weeks.

If you’re unsure of the security checks you may need for an upcoming job, or one you’d like to apply for, call our team now on 0800 009 2997 and they’ll walk you through everything you need to know.