Security cleared roles should be open to all contractors

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Security cleared roles should be open to all contractors

Posted Aug 11, 2010

The Government has released further security clearance guidance which aims to reiterate that contractors should not have to hold existing clearance in order to apply for sensitive roles.

The aim of the publication - HMG Personnel Security Controls - is to "underline some important considerations that the statement it replaces did not". You can access the document here.

As we discussed in our guide to security clearance, despite existing Cabinet Office guidance, many contractors feel that the world of security cleared contracts is a 'closed shop' - where you can only apply for 'sensitive' contract roles if you already hold the required clearances.

In a letter to the PCG, who have campaigned heavily on this subject, the Cabinet Office explained:

"We hope that this clear articulation of vetting policy will assist our continuing efforts to address instances where individuals who do not hold an existing clearance are excluded from applying for certain vacancies (particularly sub-contracts").

You can read the PCG's new security clearance briefing here.

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