Government Contract and SC Clearance

[AfricanExport]

Hi

I am looking for some info. I'm an IT contractor and there is a nice looking contact quite local to me. I want it!

The ad says you can only apply if you had SC Clearance. Is that not discrimination? I cannot get sc cleared unless I work for a similar organisation so how can they prevent me from applying for a role.

I want to apply and think I should be judged based on my knowledge and ability not on whether I've worked for the government before.

I am sure I read once that they cannot do that. . but I could be wrong.

Thanks

[MinesAPintOfTea]

I'm reasonably sure that they are supposed to sponsor your SC if you win the contract (to encourage open government stuff?) That doesn't mean they will necessarily follow the rules though.

If you are going to bid for it then consider your chances of getting through SC, especially if your username refers to time spent out of the UK, as its a bit of a waste to do all the bidding work if you can't get SC.

[hotcrosshunny]

It isn't about having previous experience.

It is a security risk. If you say you don't have sc clearance but are happy to get it then that should be fine. I would give them a ring and point out that out. Sc clearance isn't that hard or even always necessary

[AfricanExport]

Hi

Thanks so much. I am going to give it a bash and see what happens.

As a matter of interest Why would the fact that I was not born in Britain make a difference?

I realise that it's security clearance and it's good to know is relatively easy but I was told it could take 6 months...

[MinesAPintOfTea]

I don't have SC but I understand its impossible to get if not british nationality and difficult if you've spent substantial time living in a country that isn't a close ally. Someone else might know if there's anywhere you can ask for yourself about your exact position.

[AfricanExport]

Hi

Hmm interesting. I am British national with British heritage.. But I did not grow up here, I'll investigate that further... Thanks. If I have no chance in hell because of where I was born I would just be wasting my time. That would be sad.