Advice from anyone who has been through Security Clearance, please

[Vollys]

I've been offered a job that requires SC level clearance. Most aspects are fine, but the requirement to provide current supervisor contact details is difficult as I was hoping to be able to let my current employer know once SC has come through and I have a formal offer in place, especially as I have been advised not to hand my notice in until this point. Reference checks have already been done through HMRC and character references requested. It's not a performance concern and previous employers would be happy to give me good feedback, but for various reasons I can't stay long-term at my current workplace once they know I have applied elsewhere.

If you've been through the process, do you know whether it is likely that current supervisors will be contacted/interviewed? If I have to have the conversation to notify them then I have to but it would put me in an unfortunate position.

It's very unlikely that they would interview your current supervisor for an SC - but they may contact them to confirm details. I haven't done an SC for many years but I think there is a part of the form for Additional Comment where you could detail your concerns. Also, you could email the UKSV helpdesk and ask.

If you have already been offered the role, ask if you can start the role during the SC clearance process - some firms are happy to do so if you've done a BPSS and the security controller is content that controls will be put in place to stop access to secret material.

Thank you, I really appreciate the advice. I called the helpline today and they were understanding and advised the same as you with the additional comment box so I'll do that. I have a provisional offer but I think it is contingent on SC so i think it's a case of waiting now.