Security Clearance

Many contracts (especially those for Government Organisations) require contractors to gain security clearance before starting an assignment. There are a 4 main types of security clearance; Basic Identity Checks (BC), Counter Terrorist Checks (CTC), Security Checks (SC) and Developed Vetting (DV). If you have never held any form of security clearance before you may find that you are limited to the type of contract you will be offered. This is due the fact that the majority of security checks (with the exception of Basic Identity Checks) take a long time to complete and require a sponsor i.e. the company that wishes to hire you. There is a chance that Security Clearance will not be granted at the end of a check meaning that the organisation has to go back to the start of the process to find a suitable contractor. If you have already held basic security clearance an organisation will feel more comfortable and confident with the process. Are you a highly skilled expat Contractor? Would you like to maximise your contract income and work towards a visa extension or visa transfer? If so Commonwealth Contractors can help! To discuss your situation with an experienced advisor call Commonwealth Contractors now on 0330 390 9021 or Submit your Details and we will get right back to you!

Basic Identity Checks (BC)

A Basic Identity Check provides fundamental assurance to an organisation that a contractor who has access to sensitive information is trustworthy. A BC is not a formal security clearance but is a pre-requisite for a CTC, SC or DV. The check only takes around 2 days to 2 weeks to complete in which time a contractor’s identity and employment history are investigated. Many professionals new to requiring security clearance often start off with an assignment that requires a Basic Identity Check.

Counter-Terrorist Checks (CTC)

Counter-Terrorist Checks are required where there may be a threat from terrorism to Government establishments. A CTC involves a Basic Identity Check and then a detailed check against Police and MI5 records. Unfortunately CTCs can take a long time, often 6 months. The good news however is that once approved a CTC is normally valid for up to 3 years.

Security Checks (SC)

Security Clearance is the most widely undertaken check to be carried out and is required where an individual may be given uncontrolled access to sensitive information. A Security Check involves a Basic Identity Check plus further checks against security and criminal records. An SC takes around 6 weeks to complete but once approved is normally only reviewed once every 10 years. There is significant demand for consultants with Security Clearance. By holding Security Clearance you may be able to agree higher contract rates as there is a smaller pool of workers from which to choose.

Developed Vetting (DV)

Developed Vetting is the highest level of security clearance and is required only for the most sensitive assignments. Contractors will not normally be required to undertake this form of check as workers requiring this level of clearance are normally recruited on a permanent basis.

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To find out more about Commonwealth Contractors call now on 0330 390 9021 or Submit your Details and we will get right back to you!