Guidance

Vetting explained and our vetting charter

An overview of what the vetting process involves and your responsibilities when you apply for and hold security clearance.

From:
United Kingdom Security Vetting and Cabinet Office
Published
14 October 2020
Last updated
20 February 2024 — See all updates

Documents

Vetting explained

HTML

The vetting charter

HTML

Guidance for Applicants

PDF, 289 KB, 15 pages

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Guidance for Applicants - accessible version

MS Word Document, 29.8 KB

Guidance for Sponsors

PDF, 263 KB, 6 pages

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Guidance for Sponsors - accessible version

MS Word Document, 28.1 KB

Supporting colleagues going through national security vetting - Guidance for Line Managers

PDF, 336 KB, 3 pages

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Applying for National Security Clearance - Guidance for the Trans community

PDF, 68.2 KB, 1 page

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Applying for National Security Clearance - Guidance for the Trans community - Accessible version

MS Word Document, 35.9 KB

Applying for National Security Clearance - Guidance for those experiencing Menopause

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Details

These documents outline our commitment to applicants and holders of a UK security clearance and what we expect from them. Useful guidance for vetting applicants and sponsors can also be found on this page.

Further guidance for vetting applicants and sponsors, including common errors to avoid, can also be found in these videos. More information is also available on our Demystifying Vetting page

Advice for new applicants

Advice for new applicants

Advice for vetting sponsors

Advice for vetting sponsors

Published 14 October 2020
Last updated 20 February 2024 + show all updates

  1. Guidance added to support national security vetting applicants who are experiencing menopause.

  2. Guidance added for Trans community on applying for national security clearance

  3. Guidance added for line managers on supporting colleagues applying for national security vetting.

  4. Links added to guidance videos for vetting sponsors and applicants

  5. Guidance for applicants and sponsors has been added.

  6. First published.

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