SC Clearance advice

Twilliamson

Twilliamson

Twilliamson

Associate
Joined
17 Jul 2023
Posts
3
Location
Lancashire
Hi,

I’m currently going through an SC clearance and worrying about the whole process. I’m currently 28 years old and when I was 13/14 years old I was arrested for I can only guess as assault (high school fight) I was taken to a youth court and found guilty, I had to pay compensation to the other person and do some community service.

I have declared this on my SC application but worried it may hinder my result.

I was also taken into the police station on a different occasion at the age of around 12/13 for having a vocal argument with my mum and the neighbour called the police. I really can’t remember much about this so don’t know if I was arrested or cautioned. I was taken to the station for an adult to collect me. (I have forgotten to report this on my application, but have later emailed the vetting office to add this to my file in case it does come up)

Any advice would be great!
 
Just be honest and see what happens. I very much doubt that childhood stuff matters in slightest.

There's really no point in fretting about it, you can only wait and see what they say. You've shown pretty good integrity by following up with additional detail.

I'd say It's primarily about finances and threat of responding to blackmail.
 
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First rule - just be honest. SC is relatively painless. DV you’ll get interviewed (and any subject is game).

If you’re honest then they know that you have nothing to blackmail you with, and if you lie then you’re lying on official application and that could be more difficulty (beyond not getting the job).

It’s up to them if they decide it’s a problem or not, not you.
 
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I thought that kind of criminal activity was wiped once you turn 18? I wouldn’t worry, it’s only SC - they’re just looking to see if you are who you say you are and not a Russian spy or whatever.
 
NickK said:
First rule - just be honest. SC is relatively painless. DV you’ll get interviewed (and any subject is game).

If you’re honest then they know that you have nothing to blackmail you with, and if you lie then you’re lying on official application and that could be more difficulty (beyond not getting the job).

It’s up to them if they decide it’s a problem or not, not you.
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I was as honest as I could be, but the second incident I’d forgotten about but my mum had reminded me of this. This prompted me to email them and declare it in case it does show. Could this go against me for not initially declaring it
 
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Twilliamson said:
I was as honest as I could be, but the second incident I’d forgotten about but my mum had reminded me of this. This prompted me to email them and declare it in case it does show. Could this go against me for not initially declaring it
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Actually i would declare it and the circumstances. It means your open and honest. I could not say if it would or if it wouldn’t. However you’re being proactive. I wouldn’t fret.
 
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Yep - as above. All they really care about is anything you can be blackmailed with; financial difficulties etc. Declare it on your application, but it should go to the bottom of your list - it's minor and won't matter.
 
I would not worry.
Half the people I work with are ex forces and majority of them have SC, yet they appear to be the most corrupt, opportunistic and disgusting individuals about.

As long as you have not lied on your application, you'll be fine. SC is almost a micky mouse level of clearance.
 
Twilliamson said:
I was as honest as I could be, but the second incident I’d forgotten about but my mum had reminded me of this. This prompted me to email them and declare it in case it does show. Could this go against me for not initially declaring it
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Well done for declaring it. Being honest and transparent is the best policy with them because if they find out information like that has been held back, your clearance will be withdrawn and you'll be asked to leave immediately.
 
schnitzellkeppel said:
Well done for declaring it. Being honest and transparent is the best policy with them because if they find out information like that has been held back, your clearance will be withdrawn and you'll be asked to leave immediately.
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Exactly.

The OP should also bear in mind that if the folks evaluating you for an SC (or DV) ask you a question, they already know the answer.
 
Terminal_Boy said:
Exactly.

The OP should also bear in mind that if the folks evaluating you for an SC (or DV) ask you a question, they already know the answer.
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And if your clearance means you get asked questions by nice individuals in a closed room.. they do know the answer but it's how you handle it is. .. "... your sexual preferences ...." etc etc :D They know you almost as well as your mother.. but they've already interviewed her too.. along with your partner...
 
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NickK said:
And if your clearance means you get asked questions by nice individuals in a closed room.. they do know the answer but it's how you handle it is. .. "... your sexual preferences ...." etc etc :D They know you almost as well as your mother.. but they've already interviewed her too.. along with your partner...
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you mean... they were not hitting on him ? dang no wonder i keep fail..
"hey you hunk of hard muscle, come here often?, playing hard to get? now problem i dig it, i luv the chase as much as the capture... ask me your questions so we can get to know each other intermitally"

SC is just first step and easist. after that the next levels obvs get more intrusive and look at patterns in your life (and non patterns) might even set an AI on you to look at interweb histories, know associates ect.

get it out honestly and if you dont get it, dont worry to much. it may not be you but an associate thats red flagged as example.
 
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There's more than one type of security clearance and it very much depends on what role or/and type of company you're looking to work for.

I've had four different roles at four different companies that require three different types of clearance.

If you looking to work for a school or college, then it's mainly looking to see if you are a pedo, sexual crimes etc.
If you're looking to work for a fintech, then it's financial crime and stability to check that you won't try to steal from them or easy to bribe to help someone else steal from them.
if it's medical then it's another set of searches...

most places want to carry out their own searches even if you had one done before... and as long as you're honest and explain yourself most people without an adult record will be fine.
it's if you lie or cover up about the smallest thing, then they may just say... "well you bs us about this, so you may be bs-ing about something else... we cba to check and just won't hire you!"
a few of possible collegues of mine has been tripped over like that, there's me getting all excited that I will get some help. Only to find out that HR are wanting some more info about something and next thing I know; I'm asked to look at more CVs as it's gone back to stage 1 of the recuirement.
 
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