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Defence Vetting Agency - Frequently Asked Questions - The Vetting System


Questions about the Vetting System

Why is the vetting system necessary? The UK needs protective security to counter threats, which may stem from hostile intelligence services, terrorist and other pressure groups, and individuals that may be susceptible to pressure. Vetting aims to make sure that people subject to it can be trusted with sensitive Government information or assets.
What is the aim of the vetting system? Its aim is to make sure that a person's character and personal circumstances are such that he or she can be trusted with sensitive Government information or assets.

Who is affected? The system applies to people in the following categories whose employment involves access to sensitive Government assets: crown servants; members of the security and intelligence agencies; members of the armed forces; the police; employees of certain other non-government organisations that are obliged to comply with the Government’s security procedures;employees of contractors providing goods and services to the Government.

How does the vetting system work? All candidates for jobs that provide access to sensitive information or sites are asked to complete one or more security questionnaires, which invite them to provide the personal details needed to enable the necessary checks to be carried out. Interviews may also be carried out. The depth of checks varies according to the level of regular access to sensitive information that the job entails.