Another Gotcha for RAF retired

[SOSL]

Just discovered a new "Gotcha". Just when I thought I'd got them all covered.

Retired from RAF in 2004; checked my security clearance (SC valid until 2013).

Worked on UK MoD contracts for 6 years and then took a year off , well actualy 14 months.

Recently submitted CV etc for another MoD contract including " SC cleared until Dec 2013".

Turns out Clearance becomes invalid if not "used" for a year. So I didn't get the job because: a. Not cleared. b. someone (e.g. me) needs to pay for vetting. c. Vetting Agency waiting list = 6 months.

I thought you should know.

Best wishes SOS

[Top Bunk Tester]

Mmmm got caught out by that one back in 2000, luckily the wait list was only 3 months for SC then and still got the job.

[Wensleydale]

I used to have my old security grading on my CV until I tried to get a civilian contractor pass onto my old airbase. The story I was told by police flight is that your security clearance is automatically deleted 6 months after you leave the services unless it has been requested by another agency during that time. Even although I knew the staff, I still had to be met and escorted every time I went on base until the pass appeared some weeks later.

[Whopity]

Nothing new, I applied for one job and it took 3 months to get a clearance, turned the job down and applied for another, and it took a further 3 months to get the clearance again. They get paid for each clearance they do, its money for old rope if its just been done. Welcome to the commercial World!

[SOSL]

Thanks, Whopity. I'm rather enjoying the commercial world. Haven't had to turn down any offers - just thought guys might like to know about this "gotcha".

Rgds SOS

[The Old Fat One]

It's a job creation scheme and it applies wider than just the military. At the base level (clearance to work with kids) each clearance is job specific. ie, you can get cleared for one job, leave it, and have to re-apply exactly the same again to get re-cleared for another job. Add to that the checks are a joke anyway.

I was EV cleared in the military 3 times (EPV as was then). I still had to jump through the basic hoops (SC) when I came out and worked for a civvy company. Then I had to go through Disclosure Scotland twice in a year for two other jobs (one of which I did not get). All paid for by someone else. Just part of the total bolloc*s that is the modern state.

[November4]

TOFO is spot on with job creation. I was SC in the job I did from leaving the RAF - working for the Police. Left that and my current job requires me to have air side passes for LHR and LGW. Both pass applications needed Disclosures from Scotland at £35 (I think) a go. I am also enhanced CRB checked due to my wife being a childminder. So that's 3 lots of checks at whatever costs.

None of which really means anything apart from - you haven't been caught or prosecuted!

[thing]

I'm a teacher now and have an Enhanced CRB, which as I keep pointing out is only valid the instant it's issued....apparently I'm not supposed to say things like that....

[Fox3WheresMyBanana]

It's not necessarily privatisation that does it.
Here in Canada my enhanced CRB equivalent is expected to take 4 months, though a colleague (ex- RCAF SAR pilot) has been waiting a year, and he can't even enquire why, as the procedure is classified and, yes, he doesn't have a clearance yet.
But I can get a Firearm in 4 weeks.
And a building permit in 4 minutes.
All are Government run; just depends where the cuts fall.