Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 13
13
Accepted
UK Security Vetting consistently fails to meet targets for aftercare checks.
Conclusion
The Cabinet Office sought to reassure us that UKSV did not stop processing renewals altogether, but that it had continued to process renewals at a lower rate, adopting a risk- based, data-driven approach. “Should an adverse indicator arise [from newly introduced automated data checks], we absolutely then moved forward with the full process”.30 One such means of detecting such an indicator is an aftercare check, which should occur between the initial clearance and a full renewal with the aim of capturing any changes in circumstances that might impact on the clearance. UKSV aims to complete 85% of scheduled aftercare checks within 95 days but has failed to meet that target once since the start of 2018–19.31 The Cabinet Office defended this risk-based approach saying that UKSV would rather take time to work with individuals to mitigate risks and achieve the right outcome even if it meant failing to achieve a KPI,32 and that it had introduced a triage approach across national security vetting to ensure a focus on high-risk cases.33 Staff resourcing constraints
Government Response Summary
The government agrees and states UKSV plans to stabilise the DV renewal service line by the end of March 2024, supported by a significant injection of surge resources to address the backlog.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
3.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: March 2024 3.2 UKSV is planning for the DV renewal service line to be stabilised by the end of March 2024 and performance sustained thereafter. As set out above, in response to recommendation 1, ministers have agreed a significant injection of surge resources into UKSV for this financial year including HMRC Surge personnel and operational staff. These staff will enable UKSV to address the backlog before reverting to Business-as-Usual staffing. The surge of resources, and the sequencing of efforts (as set out above) are designed to ensure continuity of service on other products while the backlog is addressed.