Guidance

EDV - Guidance Pack for Applicants

Updated 11 January 2024

1. Introduction to National Security Vetting

We understand that this might be a completely new experience for you so we have created this guidance to help you to understand the process, and hope that it helps put you at ease and prepares you for the next steps.

2. What is Vetting?

The word ‘vetting’ simply means “to carefully examine” The process you are about to undertake involves a combination of background checks and information gathering. 

It allows us to understand your behaviour in a variety of circumstances, enabling us to make an objective risk assessment as to whether holding clearance is suitable. In undertaking these checks and gathering information from other sources, this provides us with better insight into any risks and can allow us to mitigate against them or any potential conflicts of interest.

For more information visit Vetting Explained on gov.uk 

3. Why do I have to go through this process?

National Security Vetting is an integral part of protecting sensitive Government material and supporting national security. It allows us to ensure that privileged information doesn’t fall into dangerous hands - better protecting our nation, allies and our people.

Whilst it is in place to protect Government assets, the process is also there to consider any potential vulnerabilities faced by you and understand whether these can be or how best to mitigate those vulnerabilities.

The role you have applied for requires you to have enhanced Developed Vetting (eDV) level of assurance, this is because your role will include some or all of the following:

• Unrestricted access to Top Secret assets 
• Custody of a small quantity of Top Secret assets
• Entry to areas where Top Secret assets are stored
• Work in areas where Top Secret information might be overheard
• Use of IT systems which handle this level of information controls are in place

Please note that the eDV level of assurance is post specific and will be lapsed when you move out of this post. 

4. What will the process involve?

In most instances, before the National Security Vetting process begins, your employer will perform some pre-employment checks including a Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) check. The BPSS includes:

• Identity check
• Nationality and immigration status
• Employment history
• Unspent criminal records check

Once this stage is complete the Security Vetting process will begin. The enhanced Developed Vetting (eDV) includes :

• Checking departmental records
• A security questionnaire including information about your use of internet and finances
• Checking against criminal records
• Credit Reference check
• Security Service check
• Individual Interview with a Vetting Clearance Officer (VCO)

We have compiled some hints and tips for completing your security questionnaire here: Hints & Tips for completing your Security Questionnaire 

You can find more details about the Government’s personnel security and national security vetting policies and how the process works in the HMG Personnel Security Controls document.  

5. Who are Vetting Clearance Officers and what will they discuss with me at the interview?

Your Vetting Clearance Officer (VCO) is a UKSV employee who has undergone specialist training. The most important thing is that they are there to learn about you - the interview is not an interrogation or police interview under caution. VCOs are human and approach the conversation with you without judgement and with empathy and positive intent. Please do let them know if you feel uncomfortable or need clarity around why you are being asked particular questions. 

You will have contact with your VCO before the interview- this can be via phone or email. If you have a preferred way of communicating please do let them know.

Your interview will be conducted face to face and may take several hours and your Vetting Clearance Officer should offer a break or the option to notify them at any point if you need one. Should they forget to mention this when they are informing you of other things, please just ask if you need a break. They might appreciate the chance to get a cup of tea too. 

We will ask you to travel to see us at one of a number of established interview locations, but we will try to offer options to best fit your geographical location. If you are able to be as flexible as possible with the interview location, it may allow us to proceed a little quicker. We strive to be accommodating of any personal and/or caring needs.

At the interview you will discuss the following areas:  

• Nationality/citizenship 

• Family 

• Employment history 

• Health & wellbeing 

• Friends & associations

• Alcohol & substance use

• Travel 

• Sexual history 

• Finance

• Internet usage

• Criminality 

• Lifestyle & beliefs

Due to the nature of the discussion, the interview can be intrusive and some individuals may find themselves distressed or triggered during or following the interview. Please see the list of organisations you can contact for support at any point.

Please note, this is a voluntary process, there is no obligation to do the interview. However, If you decide not to, you won’t be able to be granted clearance so would have to withdraw from the role or programme. This may impact on your employment or ability to undertake work requiring security clearance. 

6. Who else will the Vetting Clearance Officers contact?

The VCO will also need to talk to suitable referees who can cover your personal and professional behaviours. 

7. How can I best prepare?

We have a series of short videos which help give insight into what detail is required during the vetting process, including what we may ask you about and why. Select the following link to learn more: Demystifying Vetting Videos  

Consider whether you need any reasonable adjustments, you can find our guidance here: Request a reasonable adjustment as a Security Vetting Applicant 

Check out the NSVS Portal Guidance Notes for instructions on how to activate the NSVS Portal account and how to access, complete and submit your security questionnaire.

Here are some tips from other applicants to help you prepare:

• “Don’t assume something will be a blocker”

• “Answer the question exactly - don’t get yourself tied up in knots.”

• “Don’t tell any lies. It’s all confidential. Even if you’ve made a mistake in your past, it’s not about being judged for what you’ve done.”

8. What happens next?

Your case will be sent to the relevant Decision Maker for your application. Once a decision has been made they will inform you of this.

9. How long will the vetting process take?

The length of time it takes to complete the vetting process will vary from person to person. We require multiple checks from different agencies and this can sometimes result in delays.

If you are currently employed, please don’t hand in your notice until you have been contacted with a decision. 

10. What are the possible outcomes and how may they affect me?

• Clearance awarded

• Clearance awarded with aftercare - Aftercare is the term used for the management of effective personnel security. If any potential risks are identified during the vetting process, this may be managed by scheduling an interim review. This review usually takes place around 18 months to 2 years after clearance has been awarded and will only review the risk area/s. To find out more visit our Guidance on Aftercare and existing clearances. 

• Clearance awarded with caveats and/or restrictions - There may be caveats and/or restrictions placed upon your clearance, these would be used to mitigate any risks and/or potential conflicts of interest. These will be discussed with you fully.

• Clearance refused 

• Clearance refused resulting in a review  to explore your suitability to continue with your current security clearance.

• Voluntary withdrawal - You are free to withdraw from the process at any time however, this may impact on your ability to undertake the role or work requiring security clearance. If this is the case please discuss this further with your sponsor. 

11. How will you handle my data?

The National Security Vetting privacy notice explains who we share your data with, who the data controllers are and how to go about raising a query or complaint. 

We will retain your data securely for as long as is necessary to safeguard National Security, normally this will be for 15 years from the date your clearance expires, lapses or is withdrawn. 

Things to remember

• If you’d prefer a call instead of emails - just ask

• You are the expert in your life and circumstances

• If you feel uncomfortable say so 

• Ask your VCO to explain why certain questions are being asked if you are unsure 

• Ask for a break if you need it

• You can request a VCO of a specific Gender, this request can be made on the Security Questionnaire using the information spaces.

• You can bring someone to the interview with you (so long as they are over 18 and don’t influence the interview in any way). If you choose to do so, please let your VCO know ahead of time. 

• Correct your VCO if the terminology or language makes you feel uncomfortable or offended. 

• Please provide the information that we ask for in advance of the interview. This will help us focus questions and keep the time to a minimum.

• Remember nerves, shyness, embarrassment and/or feeling uncomfortable  are normal 

• If you feel nervous or anxious do some calming exercises, and try to take your mind off it for a while with an activity you enjoy

• Communication and honesty is key

• Give your feedback on your experience

• Engage with the process, be professional and open.

Please see the Vetting Charter to learn more about what you can expect during the process.