How to become an IT Contractor - Becoming an IT Contractor

The PCG, Recruitment and Employment Confederation, and the Cabinet Office, have expressed their concerns that workers are being asked if they hold security clearance for certain jobs before they are offered the placement.

Asking for clearance levels in advance of a posting breaches the guidance agreed with the Cabinet Office, except where the placement is short term or required at very short notice.

For years, many IT contractors have viewed security cleared roles as a "closed shop".

The PCG and others have campaigned to withdraw the competitive advantage having clearance can provide, however it is well known that some recruitment agencies still advertise for 'security cleared' IT specialists, despite Government guidance on the subject.

Agents should think twice before demanding a clearance up front

Tom Hadley, REC's Director of External Relations, explained: "Contract jobs in sensitive areas may require a security clearance, however this should not be seen as a pre-requisite for the posting. In many cases clients can wait for a candidate to be cleared and it is important that these jobs are open to as many contractors as possible.

"We are aware that sometimes clients may ask for clearances up front, but this should only happen when a contractor is needed at short notice. This advice is in line with guidance from the Cabinet Office and we urge clients and agencies alike to think twice before demanding a clearance up front."

Inappropriate requests for clearance

John Brazier, MD of the PCG said: "Too many freelancers are finding their path blocked by inappropriate requests for existing clearance. This is not just against the Cabinet Office guidelines, and detrimental to contractors, it's also clearly harmful to end users who find themselves with a severely restricted pool of talent. Having worked with the Cabinet Office on the guidelines two years ago, we are pleased to see they continue to push this issue and we will be continuing to work closely with them to make sure the guidelines are followed."

Controls should be applied proportionately and fairly

Cabinet Minister, the Rt Hon Angela Smith MP stressed that "national security vetting controls are important, but must be applied proportionately and fairly. Where security clearances are necessary, an existing clearance should not be used as part of the selection criteria or inhibit access to jobs, except in rare cases where a contract is urgent or very short term. The Cabinet Office will continue to work with the REC, PCG and others to ensure vetting guidelines are properly understood and applied."

You can read more about this issue in our popular security clearance guide for contractors.