Security clearance

All job roles at AWE require security clearance. This is carried out by Defence Business Services, NSV (DBS) – a Ministry of Defence (MOD) department.

There are two levels of clearance, Security Check (SC) and Developed Vetting (DV).

If you are offered a job after a successful interview, you are required to complete an online security questionnaire – an AWE team member will discuss this with you in more detail at the time.

The time it takes

The time it takes to carry out each individual security clearance varies as they can be affected by a number of factors – such as the availability of your personal referees or whether checks need to be carried out in other countries.

It’s important that you disclose everything accurately about your background on your security form. Failure to do so can cause unnecessary delay. If DBS need to make overseas enquiries this may also cause a delay. 

The process

As DBS is an independent organisation, we don’t have control over the time the process may take. Once your security application is submitted to DBS they will contact you to arrange a face-to-face interview. At offer stage your recruitment partner will explain what the clearance process will be and support you through it.

"AWE promotes diversity in employment. Because of the nature of work associated with these posts, they are subject to special nationality rules and are open only to British nationals. All selected candidates will be required to undergo security clearance."