Civil service - what's included in the 'security check?'

[FeathersMcFeather]

I've gone for an AO grade job on a military base, just reception type stuff in a medical setting

It says the level of check they'll do is 'security check' and I wondered if anyone could point me in the right direction of what this check will involve

I know it's separate to the DBS. Does it include financial history?

Thanks in advance

A normal security check (bpss) s quite basic - proof of identity and address check, criminal record check.

Security clearance = more I depth address check and wider family, plus finances - it isn't about poor credit it's about whether you declare - its to make sure you can't be blackmailed. Main thing is honesty- that's all that matters.

More than just you, your immediate household. It is checking for any vulnerabilities to bribery or coercion.

I think it may be the BPSS check then as this is quite a low level job

Thanks both

The level of security check needed isn't just dependant on the job role, it is also the nature of the base you're working on and the records you'll be handling.

As others have said, they are looking for opportunities for you to bribed, or evidence of excessive gambling etc that might make you vulnerable to theft or coercion.

I filled in all my forms and never heard anything from them until my clearance came through. My family didn't hear anything either. So they must have satisfied themselves from whatever they're allowed to access without asking for permission from the individuals!

I know several highly cleared people with fairly dubious lifestyles. They pass the clearance because they are totally honest and so are far far less likely to be bribed than someone who is ashamed or hiding their flaws.

SC is fairly trivial to get, biggest problem is if you have lots of debt or a gambling issue (leaving you open to bribery etc).

Here you go, OP - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels/national-security-vetting-clearance-levels

Click on the bit that says Security Check and it explains all about it.

Security Check is not BPSS, Security Check is done UKSV unlike BPSS, but yes it's relatively basic and nothing to worry about, shouldn't take too long hopefully if their times have sped up a bit recently, but won't be as quick as a DBS if you've done that before.

It's quite standard to need SC if working on a military base, even if it's a low level job.