Security Opt-In Notice

Security Opt-In Notice

DAS works with UK government departments and for that reason those who work for us may have access to sensitive information. That means that all our staff must possess the relevant level of UK national security clearance.

There are currently (correct as of 1 January 2023) 4 main levels of UK national security clearance:

  1. Accreditation Check (AC)
  2. Counter Terrorist Check (CTC)
  3. Security Check (SC)
  4. Developed Vetting (DV)

United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) is the main UK government provider of security clearances. You can read more on the government website here and here.

As well as satisfying the other requirements and conditions of a job offer from DAS, to be able to work for DAS you must be capable of obtaining Security Check (SC) clearance or above without restrictions against the known application conditions (“Condition 1”) and Security Check (SC) clearance or above must actually be granted to you by UKSV following an application being made by DAS (“Condition 2”). The decision on whether to grant you security clearance will be taken by UKSV.

As explained at the government website links above, obtaining national security clearance is a stringent and time-consuming process. Some information relating to you or your application might mean you are unable to satisfy condition 1. If that is the case DAS will be unable to pursue an application for Security Check (SC) clearance for you.

Since having Security Check (SC) clearance without restrictions is a non-negotiable condition of employment with DAS, and there are no guarantees that anyone will obtain Security Check (SC) clearance, DAS strongly advises you not to resign from your current employment until you have your Security Check (SC) clearance.

Please be aware that if DAS makes an application for national security clearance in relation to your application for employment with us, we will necessarily have to share some of your personal data with United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) to enable to the checking process to commence. You will be asked directly by United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) to provide personal information about yourself and to consent to the application being made and background checks being undertaken about you. This application process would take place following receipt of an accepted offer of employment from DAS.

Due to the nature of national security clearance, DAS will not be given any reasons if your application for Security Check (SC) clearance is unsuccessful and we will therefore not be able to share any reasons with you. UK Government’s guidance states: “There is no requirement in law to inform someone who is being recruited by a new employer why they have been refused employment if the decision has been made on security grounds. They will be told if possible, but considerations of national security or confidentiality may prevent this.”

For further information on how DAS will use your personal data please see our Recruitment Privacy Notice.

By applying for a role with DAS, you indicate:

  • you have read and understood the national security clearance application process;
  • you understand the strict limitations on the level of information DAS will be able to share with you if your application is unsuccessful;
  • your consent to us proceeding with an application to United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV), assuming you have satisfied Condition 1.

Alternatively, you can choose not to proceed further with your application for employment with DAS and we will therefore not make an application for national security clearance for you.