How long does it take to obtain security clearance in the UK?

How long does it take to obtain security clearance in the UK?

Security clearance is essential for many job roles in the UK. If you’re going to be working directly for the government, need access to sensitive data as a contractor, or will be working in classified locations such as military establishments or nuclear facilities, you’ll need the appropriate level of vetting before you can start your job.

How long approval takes will vary according to the level of clearance you require. Therefore, it’s important you’re aware of the expected timelines when applying for a security cleared position.

How long do security clearance checks take?

Generally speaking, the more in-depth the process, the longer the vetting period will be. Here are the key types of security clearance in the UK and the average time it takes to complete them.

Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS): Five to ten days

BPSS is not a security clearance as such, but is an important prerequisite for more in-depth vetting processes. This looks at four key factors – your identity, your right to work in the UK, your recent employment history and any criminal record. These checks are relatively unobtrusive, so can usually be carried out fairly swiftly.

Counter Terrorism Check (CTC): Six to eight weeks 

A CTC clearance is required for anyone who will be working in close proximity to public and government figures, or whose job will bring them into contact with assets that may be vulnerable to terrorist attacks. Checks take a minimum of six weeks, but could take longer. Once approved, this clearance is valid for ten years.

Security Check (SC): Six weeks

Needed for anyone who will be handling data classified as SECRET, SC vetting usually takes around six weeks and includes a full security questionnaire and detailed investigation of your personal and financial history. In some cases, an in-person interview may be required, but this is not typical. An SC clearance will last for ten years for permanent employees and five years for contractors. 

Developed Vetting (DV): Six to nine months

The most rigorous type of security clearance in the UK, DV is reserved for individuals with access to TOP SECRET graded assets. As such, it is a hugely in-depth process, with investigation not only into you, but your partner or spouse. It will always require a thorough interview with an officer from United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV). Once approved, this must be renewed every seven years.

What factors can influence security clearance timelines?

The above timelines are general guidelines, and there are several factors that could have an impact on how long a security clearance application takes to complete. The length of time taken to complete the process will vary from person to person. Often UKSV will require multiple checks from different agencies, which can also lead to delays.

Some potential considerations that may increase the time taken include:

• The complexity of your background: A long work history, time spent travelling or living abroad or multiple residences can all add to the time taken to conduct checks.
• Financial issues: Especially for high-level clearances, issues such as a poor credit rating or previous bankruptcies may require close examination.
• Personal history: Any indications of issues such as substance abuse, gambling addiction or evidence of previous dishonesty will make an application more complex.
• Criminal record: While a previous history is not automatically disqualifying, criminal records are considered on a case-by-case basis.

A step-by-step guide to the vetting process

While the details will vary depending on the type of security clearance you’re applying for, there are a few key processes that are common across most applications.

• Initial checks: Undertaken as part of the BPSS check, this will confirm your identity, right to work, basic employment history and criminal record.
• Security questionnaire: This will ask you to provide information about your personal, employment and financial status and history, including relationships, places of residence, personal and political interests and your social media usage.
• Credit, criminal and security service checks: The UKSV will ask for information from various agencies to confirm your history and look for any omissions.
• Interview: Typically only required for DV and some SC clearances, an in-person interview with a vetting officer will delve into your life in much greater detail. 
• Adjudication and decision: The UKSV will consider the findings of its investigations and make a final decision on whether or not to approve clearance.

Tips to expedite your security clearance

In order to make your application go as smoothly as possible, it’s important to be fully upfront about any potential issues, particularly for more extensive checks such as SC and DV. Here are some things to keep in mind.

• Any omissions or attempts to conceal unflattering information are likely to be discovered. Deliberate efforts to mislead are looked upon particularly poorly.

• It’s better to be open than avoid awkward topics. As noted above, personal, financial or criminal problems are looked at on a case-by-case basis.

• The questionnaires needed for SC and DV vetting can seem daunting, but taking the time to fill them out as thoroughly as possible reduces the chances of delays while UKSV requests more detail.

• If you realise you have inadvertently made a mistake or omitted something important in the questionnaire after submitting it, tell the security vetting team or the person who sponsored your application as soon as possible.

• If you are asked to provide additional information, be sure to respond as quickly and completely as possible.

What to do if security clearance is denied

If the final decision of UKSV is a refusal, this is not the end of the road. There remain options available via the appeals process, which allows you to challenge the decision if you believe it to be incorrect or unfair.

The Security Vetting Appeals Panel (SVAP) is able to review the basis on which the decision has been taken, considering the rigour and fairness of the processes involved. It then makes a recommendation, which may be to uphold or reverse the decision, or ask for the process to be re-run if new information has come to light.

However, it should be remembered that the SVAP’s conclusions are only advisory. It remains the responsibility of the relevant department or organisation to decide how to respond.