This week we launch our three-year programme to completely reimagine vetting, the process that civil servants, the armed forces, police, defence industry and other security regulated sector staff need to complete for security cleared roles. We will be making it easier for people to apply for clearances via a new technology platform that we will roll out next summer and will simplify and join up the process to make it faster and more consistent.
When our transformation is complete, colleagues who need clearances should expect to start new roles sooner and colleagues with clearances who change jobs or employers should expect their transfer to happen seamlessly.
One of our first steps is to publish a new vetting charter, which emphasises our commitment to make vetting as transparent as we can and to support everyone who needs to be vetted and hold a security clearance.
People are our greatest asset and we see protecting national security as a partnership. To increase inclusivity and participation in the process, we want to provide a vetting service which reflects how people live their lives in the 21st century, and welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply for security cleared roles.
Ensuring that vetting enables the Civil Service to be an inclusive employer of all talents will be a top priority for the Programme. We will continue to work closely with the Civil Service’s Affinity Groups to achieve this.
We have introduced a new feedback process which will allow applicants to offer views on their experience with the process. We will act on this feedback to drive improvements. We are also developing a new complaints process which will give applicants the opportunity to raise any concerns they may have with the process, with our United Kingdom Security Vetting organisation, or independently of it if they prefer.
Over the next 3 years, we will deliver a faster, more efficient and more effective vetting service to get people into security roles more quickly. This will include more support for applicants going through vetting for the first time, the ability for clearance holders to move easily between organisations and closer alignment with HR and recruitment processes.
We will have much to share over the coming months, and the team will be publishing regular updates, features and blogs. If you would like to know more you can contact the Programme at vrpmo@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.
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