CBSbutler supplying security cleared individuals
CBSbutler is a specialist in the identification of security cleared individuals. We use a number of methods to identify individuals such as niche, targeted online job boards, candidate networking and our candidate referral scheme. In addition, our reputation within the market means that we are often approached directly by candidates who would like us to represent them.
Conversely if a suitable candidate does not have the relevant security clearance we will act as the go-between the employer and the candidate, ensuring that the relevant paperwork and documentation is completed. In addition we will keep the candidate informed at all stages – particularly if their employment cannot commence until security clearance is granted.
What is security clearance?
Security clearance is an approved status for individuals that allows them to see classified or sensitive information.
In the public sector, especially in areas such as the UK government departments of the Ministry of Defence, Home Office and the armed forces all require personnel to be security cleared.
In addition private sector companies who supply goods or services to these companies may require some/all of their employees to be security cleared depending how sensitive the nature of the information is.
Who requires security clearance?
Increasingly more companies require their candidates to have security clearance. Typically sectors which require security clearance range from IT, heath, government, MoD and defence within the UK.
How can I obtain security clearance?
As an individual you cannot apply for Security Clearance – it is something that is requested by an employer and carried out by Government agencies. It is granted for a particular project or a period of time depending on the employment term.
If you already have Security Clearance it can be verified and transferred to a new employer. If you do not have the Security Clearance required for a particular role you would not be able to start your employment until clearance has been obtained.
Security clearance can take up to 12 weeks to obtain and is usually reviewed every 10 years. Although you do not have to be a British National in order to gain Security Clearance, you would have to meet a set of criteria depending on the level of clearance required.
There are four main types of national security checks and clearances:
Baseline Personnel Security Standard: BPSS (formerly Basic Check) and Enhanced Baseline Standard: EBS (formerly Enhanced Basic Check):
These are not formal security clearances. A (BPSS) or (EBS) provides a level of assurance as to the trustworthiness and integrity of individuals whose work involves access to CONFIDENTIAL assets or information. The check is carried out by screening identity documents and references.
Counter Terrorist Check (CTC) is required for personnel who work close to or with public figures, gives access to information or material vulnerable to terrorist attack or involves unrestricted access to certain government or commercial establishments. A (CTC) does not allow access, or knowledge, or custody, of protectively marked assets and information. The check includes a Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPPS) 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) is for people who have substantial 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. This is the most widely held security clearance for posts involving long-term, frequent and uncontrolled access to secret assets and occasional and controlled access to top-secret material.
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, in addition, 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.
CBSbutler supplying security cleared individuals
CBSbutler is a specialist in the identification of security cleared individuals. We use a number of methods to identify individuals such as niche, targeted online job boards, candidate networking and our candidate referral scheme. In addition, our reputation within the market means that we are often approached directly by candidates who would like us to represent them.
Conversely if a suitable candidate does not have the relevant security clearance we will act as the go-between the employer and the candidate, ensuring that the relevant paperwork and documentation is completed. In addition we will keep the candidate informed at all stages – particularly if their employment cannot commence until security clearance is granted.
