SC Clearance advice

Twilliamson · 17 Jul 2023 at 19:01

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!

Hedge · 17 Jul 2023 at 19:02

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.

Twilliamson · 17 Jul 2023 at 19:06

Hedge said:
Just be honest and see what happens. I very much doubt that childhood stuff matters in slightest.

Do you think me not declaring the second incident will matter? In case they don’t see my email in time or decide to add this to the file?

robfosters · 17 Jul 2023 at 19:07

No, you’ll be fine. They look at things more like financial problems, drug convictions, political activity etc.

They don’t care about you having a row with your mum at 12 years old.

NickK · 17 Jul 2023 at 19:07

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.

Maccy · 17 Jul 2023 at 19:08

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.

Twilliamson · 17 Jul 2023 at 19:08

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.

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

Hedge · 17 Jul 2023 at 19:12

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

I edited my earlier post but no you'll be fine.

NickK · 17 Jul 2023 at 19:13

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

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.

Zefan · 17 Jul 2023 at 19:18

Don't even sweat this. I say this as someone who's worked with some proper dodgy characters that somehow had SC.

-westy- · 19 Jul 2023 at 11:56

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.

sidimmu · 19 Jul 2023 at 12:26

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.

Housey · 3 Aug 2023 at 17:49

I wouldn't worry and if they do get difficult, offer em out.