Security clearance
Discussion
Without knowing exactly what job I would suggest it would be SC clearance. Unless you are working with children or vulnerable persons or the job is one of those that requires you to declare spent convictions (and this should be made clear in the advert), an old spent conviction should not prevent you getting cleared to SC level. In your position, if you really want the job, then apply.
It’s unlikely to need SC clearance more likely BPSS in which case spent convictions are not declared. You may as well go for it because if you don’t your 20 year old self will be holding you back. If it turns out they do need SC then so be it just be honest and if it comes back as an issue move on.
One way to find out!
At a guess I would have thought MoD would be more interested in anything directly related to security (your activities and family connections), fraud or ability to compromise you though.
Mind I don't think there's anything of interest about me, but I never heard anything back after applying for clearance for a Whitehall job. Maybe I just tipped the weirdometer.
At a guess I would have thought MoD would be more interested in anything directly related to security (your activities and family connections), fraud or ability to compromise you though.
Mind I don't think there's anything of interest about me, but I never heard anything back after applying for clearance for a Whitehall job. Maybe I just tipped the weirdometer.
craigjm said:
It’s unlikely to need SC clearance more likely BPSS in which case spent convictions are not declared. You may as well go for it because if you don’t your 20 year old self will be holding you back. If it turns out they do need SC then so be it just be honest and if it comes back as an issue move on.
Your right, I will never know otherwise... Evanivitch said:
Could someone use your conviction to extort information from you?
Mani85 said:
I am ashamed
These are the key points. Clearance isn't about you being a saint and it's unlikely you'll be flat out rejected for spent convictons, it's about whether people can use aspects of your life or past life to blackmail you. I would expect a clearance process to be asking you who knows about your conviction, and if the answer isn't "most people I know, i'm totally comfortable with it", then it will be asking how you would feel about it becoming known to your close friends and family.
They want to avoid you being vulnerable to "Tell me all about the BAE Death-Ray-o-Tron 9000, or I'll tell your kids about when you were sent down for drugs".
p.s. job adverts usually will say up front if they need you to be eligible for SC or DV clearance (there are a few flat out "no" criteria for both).
craigjm said:
everything you need to know is here
Thanks for that Craig, I have read through that earlier on. Basically it’s saying if I get a basic check I will be ok and if it’s the SC then very unlikely I will pass. My problem is not knowing if they will carry out the SC after they have done the mandatory basic (BPSS). Apparently it’s dependent on role.
Oh well il just apply for it and see what happens.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/security-vetting-and-c...
Thanks for that Craig, I have read through that earlier on. Basically it’s saying if I get a basic check I will be ok and if it’s the SC then very unlikely I will pass. My problem is not knowing if they will carry out the SC after they have done the mandatory basic (BPSS). Apparently it’s dependent on role.
Oh well il just apply for it and see what happens.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/security-vetting-and-c...
Mani85 said:
Scrump said:
A spent conviction would not normally stop you getting the sort of clearance you are likely to need for that type of job. Just be open and honest.
Just thought with it being MOD, it will be stringent Good Luck
Mani85 said:
So it’s more about if not a weak individual who is easily manipulated?
The higher you go up the security vetting, the more in depth it becomes.Fundamentally, they want to be sure you're a reliable person of sound personality (not seeking fame or a compulsive liar), mental health (not paranoid or addicted), social health (you're not cheating on your wife, hiding your sexuality or ashamed of your porn habit) and financial health (haven't got uncontrollable debt).
At the lower security levels they're just going to check your credit score, your employment history and criminal record.
As you get higher the start to interview you, friends, family etc and ask some really "fun" questions.
Mani85 said:
Job ad states , wil require BPSS check (unspent convictions only) as a minimum and may require higher level ie SC dependant on role.
That was a generic note at the bottom of the AD
Basic is unspent as you say, rehabilitation of offenders act means you don’t need to declare them. Crimes involving violence or sexual assault are never spent and will show up if they check. Everything else should be fine.That was a generic note at the bottom of the AD
SC clearance just involves you declaring everything so best to come clean, far worse to try and hide it and they will know anyway as they have access to your criminal record. They aren’t concerned that you’ve made mistakes, they are looking to see if you are vulnerable to bribery or coercion. DV clearance requires them to look into all sorts of things, interviewing past employers, friends and family to get an idea of who you are. They also look at your internet search history and financial situation of you and your partner. Unless you really have something to hide, you’ll be fine.
wormus said:
DV clearance requires them to look into all sorts of things, interviewing past employers, friends and family to get an idea of who you are. They also look at your internet search history and financial situation of you and your partner.
Yep and takes six months but thankfully most jobs, certainly the one here, won’t require DV 
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