Why Security Vetting and Child Protection Checks are Needed.
We must ensure that those persons to be offered employment within the military environment do not pose a threat to national security or indeed the safety of the military and their families as well as the locally employed civilian staff.
The security clearance is therefore a prerequisite for employment. Clearance can take between 2 - 6 weeks and in some cases even longer. Your GEO LEC HR department explain which forms need to be completed and will give as much assistance as possible. Security clearances are however outside their control.
We also have an obligation to comply with UK laws relating to child protection. Anyone selected to work directly in a childcare setting, in the accompanying of children or with vulnerable adults will be required to undergo the same stringent checks as the applicant resident in the United Kingdom.
Clearly such checks necessitate a certain amount of research and for this reason the successful applicant will be asked to complete various types of forms. The type of form and depth of information required will depend on the clearance level that has been stipulated by the unit or organisation with a vacancy.
If you are posted to Germany from a country outside the UK then you may find the list of Embassies useful.
If you would like to find out more about the Defence Vetting Agency and how the clearing process works then visit https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/united-kingdom-security-vetting
An employee who will be required to handle highly classified documents will clearly need a higher security level than a labourer for example.
The types of checks now carried out for child protection reasons may seem excessive, particularly the documents to be completed and information required therein. When put into perspective however and considering the child abuse cases that have come to light over recent years it is only right that we do everything in our power to reduce the risk to our children.
Referees and References
As part of the Vetting and DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) process you will be asked to provide names and addresses of referees (not relatives or friends) who will be able to provide references for you. In order to speed up the process and avoid delays it is essential that you provide this information covering the last 3 years for the vetting process and 5 years for DBS checks. If you were not employed during the 3 or 5 year period then details from a professional such as your GP or someone of equivalent standing in the community would also be suitable.
Types of Clearance
When applying for one of the vacancies advertised on this web platform you will also find the level of security vetting required. In the case of child care settings you will see if DBS (formerly CRB -Criminal Records Bureau) clearance is required. By selecting the menu item Types of Clearance you can find out just what each type of clearance entails.
Completing Vetting/DBS Forms
The gathering of full addresses and places of employment over the last 5 years (with full dates) in advance will certainly help you in filling out the forms, should you be offered employment. Forms must also be completed in BLOCK CAPITALS using BLACK INK. If you take the forms home that are passed to you by the Recruiter to complete then you must hand them in personally.
When you return the forms personally you must also take along the following documents:
- Passport.
- ID Card.
- Birth & Marriage Certificates.
- Driving Licence.
- Proof of current Quarter Address (utility bill for example).