Source · Select Committees · Defence Committee
Recommendation 22
22
Accepted
Address long-standing security vetting issues, reducing waiting times and exploring a single clearance process.
Recommendation
The long-standing issues with security vetting must be addressed. In response to this Report we expect the Government to set out how it intends to reduce waiting times. In addition, we recommend that the Government explore having a single clearance process used across all Government departments and agencies. Furthermore, we suggest that the Government considers adapting its regional testing and evaluation ranges into hubs so that cleared individuals without access to suitable certified premises can use these hubs to take part in classified procurement, as well as for testing and evaluation. (Recommendation, Paragraph 88) 59
Government Response Summary
The government states that UK Security Vetting (UKSV) underwent a stabilisation programme in 2023 which recovered performance, and since April 2024, UKSV has consistently met its Key Performance Indicators for security vetting clearances.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
In 2023 United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV), which provides National Security Vetting (NSV) across Government, underwent a programme of stabilisation. The programme recovered performance across all NSV service offerings and led to sustained and stable improvements. Since April 2024 UKSV has consistently met its Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) across all service levels of National Security Vetting clearances, including Counter Terrorist Check (CTC), Security Check (SC), and Developed Vetting (DV). UKSV is now regarded as a stable service by its customers, including the Ministry of Defence.