May. 03 2024
Source Page: National Crime Agency inspection: Vetting and anti-corruption part 2. How effective is the National Crime Agency at dealing with corruption? 23p.Found: National Crime Agency inspection: Vetting and anti-corruption part 2.
Asked by: Siobhain McDonagh (Labour - Mitcham and Morden)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many and what proportion of people who applied to join Border Force failed (a) vetting and (b) additional security checks vetting in each year since 2015.
Answered by Tom Pursglove - Minister of State (Minister for Legal Migration and Delivery)
We are not able to share any data on vetting or additional security check failures as this is never released at a department level as it would provide insights into security controls.
Asked by: Kevan Jones (Labour - North Durham)
Question to the Cabinet Office:
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many and what proportion of clearances were processed by United Kingdom Security Vetting within 95 days in the latest period for which data is available.
Answered by John Glen - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office
In December 2023, United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) processed 91.22% of routine initial Developed Vetting cases in 95 days and 8.62% of Developed Vetting review cases. For routine Security Check (SC)/Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) clearances UKSV completed 95.1% of routine cases within 25 days.
In 2023, UKSV implemented a stabilisation programme which included an increase in headcount. Under Ministerial direction, UKSV prioritised the recovery of initial Developed Vetting turnaround times, followed by Security Check and Counter Terrorist Check turnaround times. These first two targets were met on time. UKSV is currently focussing efforts to maintain the performance of these and is making good progress to meet the third target to recover the turnaround times of Developed Vetting review cases by the end of March 2024.
In line with the practice followed by successive administrations, the Government does not otherwise comment on security matters.
Asked by: Ashley Dalton (Labour - West Lancashire)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what data his Department holds on the number of (a) members of staff and (b) officers in Lancashire Constabulary for whom (i) the correct level of vetting has not been applied and (ii) vetting clearance has expired.
Answered by Chris Philp - Minister of State (Home Office)
The Home Office does not hold data in relation to the number, status or levels of vetting for individuals working in policing. Vetting and recruitment matters are handled independently, and on a case-by-case basis, by each force. Decisions on vetting should be made in accordance with the statutory Vetting Code of Practice and vetting authorised professional practice (APP), issued by the College of Policing.
His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) carries out regular inspections on the effectiveness of forces’ vetting arrangements. Details of these inspections are available on its website: https://hmicfrs.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/
The vetting APP outlines the criteria that forces should consider when determining the level of vetting clearance which is to be applied to a post rather than a particular rank. This includes whether the post requires access to particularly sensitive information and/or assets.
Asked by: Sarah Dyke (Liberal Democrat - Somerton and Frome)
Question to the Cabinet Office:
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether he has had recent discussions with United Kingdom Security Vetting on vetting clearance rates for applicants with mental health conditions.
Answered by John Glen - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office
I have had recent engagement with the UKSV across various aspects of National Security Vetting (NSV).
The NSV process takes into account many aspects of an individual’s life in order to gather a greater understanding of any risks which may make them unsuitable to have access to sensitive information, assets or access to certain sensitive sites. The individual’s health (both physical and mental) are just one of those aspects. Any mitigations to those risks are also taken into account when making a decision on suitability for clearance. I can advise that many people with mental health considerations do hold NSV clearance.
NSV policy is kept under constant review to ensure that policy reflects changes in society and addresses new and emerging global trends.
It may interest the Honourable Member and her constituents to know there is public facing guidance available on the UKSV government website. This includes information about the vetting process as well as mental health considerations and includes efforts made to help demystify the vetting process and ensure improved inclusivity.
In line with the practice followed by successive administrations, the Government does not otherwise comment on security matters.
Jul. 20 2023
Source Page: Police vetting: code of practiceFound: Police vetting: code of practice
Jul. 20 2023
Source Page: Police vetting: code of practiceFound: Police vetting: code of practice
Mentions:
1: Chris Philp (Con - Croydon South) processes and is underpinned by the new statutory code of practice for vetting, strengthened by the - Speech Link
Jul. 20 2023
Source Page: Police vetting: code of practiceFound: Police vetting: code of practice
Mentions:
1: Baroness Doocey (LD - Life peer) This would inform vetting and any potential future investigations. - Speech Link
2: Lord Sharpe of Epsom (Con - Life peer) The report did not specifically recommend that the Government legislate on vetting standards. - Speech Link