The latest IT Contractor News from Contract Eye

Despite Government guidance to encourage a level playing field for all contractors, it appears than a sizeable number of job postings are still being made which demand that applicants have pre-existing security clearance in place.

SC roles a 'closed shop'

Many contractors feel that security cleared contract roles are a 'closed shop', whereby you can only apply for 'sensitive' jobs if you already hold the right level of security clearance.

The Cabinet Office has published various pieces of guidance, including an update to the HMG Personnel Security Controls guide in August 2010.

A ministerial Parliamentary answer provided earlier this month revealed that over 240 job postings had been reported to the Cabinet Office for demanding that the applicant already held a security clearance. Most of the roles were in IT.

The main problem is that many clients need contractors to start as soon as possible, but some clearances can take over a month to secure. Confronted with the 'urgency' of some client needs, it is obviously far easier for recruitment agents to seek candidates with existing clearance to fill the roles.

What can be done to improve the process?

REC Technology points out that a new online system, 'Cerberus' is having some impact on making the whole process of applying for security cleared jobs more efficient, but says that "more must be done by all sides to make sure the new system provides maximum benefit."

Jeff Brooks (Chair of REC Technology), commented:

"Everyone agrees that job adverts requiring pre-existing security clearance should be avoided. Including as wide a pool of candidates as possible is best for the client, best for the recruiter and of course best for candidates seeking work. This is becoming more urgent as the ratio of qualified candidates to vacancies is beginning to tighten.

"However, correcting this is not a job for recruiters alone. Clients in particular should focus on planning their skills needs well in advance, something that a good recruitment agency will always encourage and be keen to help with. If a client simply demands a security-cleared IT contractor to start in two week' time, there is little a recruiter can do to change that brief and expectation.

"Hopefully the new 'Cerberus' system will reduce the approval time for new clearances, as has been promised. The REC is committed to working in partnership with PCG and the civil service to monitor the impact of the new system, promote best practice to clients, and seek ways to open up this important market."

Further Security Clearance resources

Try our popular guide to security clearance for IT contractors.

You can download a handy PCG guide on applying for security cleared roles here.