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Candidate information: security vetting FAQ |
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GCHQ is a crucial intelligence environment. Therefore all potential entrants are subject to security vetting and have to undergo a period of probation. We want to ensure things like national security, performance, technical proficiency and suitability for vital tasks. We want to ensure things like national security, performance, technical proficiency and suitability for vital tasks.  How does the security vetting work?All applicants will be subject to a counter terrorist check which will include checks with other agencies. Successful applicants will undergo further security vetting. This will involve Personnel Security will carrying out further enquiries to ensure you can be trusted with sensitive Government information. Presuming these are satisfactorily completed, you will be granted a Developed Vetting (DV) clearance. The process involves paper references and interviews with referees (eg social, employment, education). You will also be interviewed and asked to produce your passport, birth certificate and any other relevant documents. During the process (and often towards the end) we will need to speak to your current employer and will seek your permission where necessary. At the end of the process, we make a decision. Because this is such a sensitive area, we can't offer guarantees. But be encouraged - the majority of people are granted DV clearance. How long does it take?Usually 3-4 months and you can help speed things up by getting referees to reply promptly. The officer assigned your case will keep in touch during their enquiries and do their best to let you know how things are progressing. If you are unable to reach anyone in the Personnel Security area and want progress details, you are free to contact our Recruitment Office at any time. Because of the time the process takes, you shouldn't hand in your notice to your present employer until DV clearance is granted. Does everyone have to go through the vetting process, or are there exceptions?Because of the nature of our work, it is a condition of employment that all staff and contractors require Developed Vetting (DV) clearance, the most comprehensive form of security vetting in the UK. The aim is to ensure that the integrity, character and personal circumstances of an individual are such that he or she can be entrusted with access to sensitive Government information or assets. Candidates who already hold clearance from their current employment will still be subject to the vetting process, but certain parts may not need repeating. I hold dual nationality or think I am entitled to dual nationality - how does this affect my eligibility?The Nationality rules state that you must be a British citizen for employment at GCHQ and that you will normally be required to relinquish any non-British nationality. However, you should not take any steps to do so before discussing the issue with a Vetting Officer, as in some circumstances this requirement may be waived. Are there any residency criteria I need to meet?Yes. You should normally have been resident in the UK for 10 years immediately prior to your application. However, you may still be considered if you have, for example, been serving with HM forces or in some other official capacity, studying abroad or have parents who are normally resident in the UK. You will be expected to provide references spanning the last 10 years. Those referees need to be easily contactable in the UK. Does the use of drugs affect my eligibility?GCHQ has a strict no drugs policy. Therefore, while it accepts that some members of staff may have experimented briefly with recreational drugs and that some may need to take prescribed drugs over a period of time, it cannot condone the habitual use of illegal drugs, or the abuse or misuse of legal drugs. Consequently, all potential candidates undergo a drugs test as part of the recruitment campaign and we reserve the right to test further in the early stages of employment in cases of doubt. Will you refuse my clearance if I have a criminal record?We will look at each case on its merits. We will take into account the seriousness of the offence, when it was committed, your age at the time and any other special circumstances. It is important to be honest about your criminal history; if you try to hide it we are likely to refuse your clearance. How closely will you look at my finances?You will be asked to complete a form about your financial circumstances and a check will be made with a credit reference agency. At the interview, you will be asked to present paperwork in support of the detail on the form and answer questions about your financial situation. Will I need to provide referees?You will be asked to provide the names of people who have known you well over a significant period of your life (not blood relatives). They will be asked to describe you and your way of life, attitudes, abilities etc. What if I keep quiet about something and hope no one finds out?Lying or concealing information during the vetting process will be taken as evidence of unreliability and/or dishonesty. Your clearance could be refused because you lied even though what you were seeking to conceal may not have caused a problem. Who can I tell about my application?Discretion is important to the department, so please be circumspect about who you tell about your application. You may of course discuss your interest with your partner and /or immediate family, but you are particularly advised not to draw unwelcome attention to your application by using insecure communication channels on the internet (eg email, newsgroups, etc). Is there a probation period?Your performance, conduct and health will be regularly reviewed during a probation period, the duration of which will normally be 6 months. Subject to your achieving a satisfactory standard over this period, your permanent appointment will be confirmed. |
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