Government vetting status allowing individuals to access classified information at specified levels.
Security clearance is government approval for individuals to access classified information, obtained through vetting processes examining background, history, and potential vulnerabilities. UK clearance levels include Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), Counter-Terrorist Check (CTC), Security Check (SC), and Developed Vetting (DV). Higher clearances enable access to more sensitive information but require more intensive vetting. Clearances are sponsored by organisations, not individuals.
Why It Matters
The DSC Perspective:
Many defence and government roles require clearance. Clearance takes time—SC can take months, DV longer. Plan staffing around clearance timelines. Cleared personnel are valuable in the defence sector.