This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.
Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need aversion of this document in a more accessible format, please email accessible.formats@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.
This document describes the governments personnel security and national security vetting policies and how the processes work including:
why and in what circumstances personnel security and national security vetting controls may be applied
the information you may be asked to provide about yourself, your partner, your family and other third parties, and the checks that may be made against it
decision making criteria and avenues of appeal
A statement of the governments personnel security and vetting policy and set of frequently asked questions and answers can be found at the back of this document.
Published 1 April 2013 Last updated 31 October 2022 +show all updates
Updated to reflect the amendments to the transference of clearances, to allow virtual individual/referee interviews, to introduce Level 1B as a new level of National Security Vettingand to update the SVAP policy.
Added information about Accreditation Check, which is a new level of national security vetting.
PDF updated due to new GDPR regulations of May 2018.
Updated HMG Personnel Security Controls - April 2014
New version of document - previous edition from October 2013.
