Contractors' Questions: How do I get Security Clearance?

Contractor’s Question: I’m seeking Security Clearance as private individual under my own company. How should I go about obtaining this clearance and what should I keep in mind?

Expert’s Answer: The government states that “for legal and policy reasons, security clearance is not available on demand”. Instead, a contractor must be put through the clearance process by a “sponsor” – typically either the immediate client, or the government department engaging that client. The sponsor is officially the holder of the clearance, NOT the contractor. Some clients are what is known as ‘LIST X’ sponsors. This status is given to companies that are trusted and need to clear large volumes of individuals.

Bear in mind, a security clearance “involves a degree of intrusion into a person’s private life,” according to the Developed Vetting Agency. Usually an extensive form will have to be filled in, allowing access to various personal details. An interview may also be a part of the process. Details of you or your partner's finances, among numerous other details, may be requested.

Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checks, which confirms whether you have a criminal record, is not a level of security clearance. However, it is possible for a contractor to have a CRB check on demand, for a small fee, from some organisations.

Our organisation has worked tirelessly over the years to ensure that contractors don’t miss out on public sector opportunities as a result of not holding an existing clearance at the application stage. Our Security Clearance Forum, which brings together the Cabinet Office, recruitment agencies and contractors, helped bring about the publication of the Security Clearance Code of Practice.

This states that job adverts must make clear when security clearance is required and to what level, while emphasising that those with no security clearance should always be considered. The code also explains that as long as they are supervised, individuals may start work while a clearance is being processed.

The expert was Chris Bryce, chief executive of IPSE, the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed.