Security and Vetting To support a straighforward and transparent vetting process, the following information will help you to understand the different types of security clearance. 
Irrespective of the many exciting career pathways into Leonardo from placements and apprenticeships to opportunities through our STEM Returners programme, Leonardo UK requires all individuals to be eligible for, achieve and maintain the appropriate level of security clearance.  To support a straightforward and transparent vetting process, the following information will help you to understand the different types of security clearance.
Security Team
 Our Leonardo security teams are highly experienced in personnel security, alongside many other aspects of security.  Our teams expect to see people who have varied life experiences and will take a realistic view of modern life.  Acting with the highest standards of confidentiality and discretion, they make no moral judgements, handling personal information with respect and impartiality.  Their role is to support the security requirements, guaranteeing dignity and professionalism at all times. 

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Baseline Personnel Secruity Standard (BPSS)

The Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) is the entry-level background check.  It is not a formal security clearance, its application ensures organisations are employing individuals who have the right to work, with the honesty and integrity required and it underpins the National Security Vetting process.  

All successful applicants will be asked to provide photographic evidence of identity, eligibility to legally work in the UK, a basic unspent criminal record check and includes activity, employment and/or education history verification for up to five years. 

Additional documentation may be required, dependant on personal circumstances.   
For more information, please visit the UK Government pages: Government baseline personnel security standard - GOV.UK 

National Secruity Vetting

For staff operating in more sensitive posts, there is an additional range of personnel security controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV).  The Security Check (SC) and Developed Vetting (DV) are formal security clearances, conducted by The United Kingdom Security Vetting Agency (UKSV).  United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) is the main UK government provider of security clearances.  Additional vetting requirements may apply to certain roles at Leonardo on appointment. 

For more information, including which checks are involved, please visit the UK Government pages: 

National security vetting: clearance levels - GOV.UK
United Kingdom Security Vetting: Applicant - GOV.UK

Eligibility

At Leonardo, we are wholly committed to inclusion in all aspects of our business. We understand an inclusive environment is one that welcomes everyone as they are, and we see diversity as a strength.  There are some Leonardo UK roles which may be subject to restrictions, we want you to have the best possible chance of securing the job you are looking for, therefore these posts will be advertised to include restrictions as part of the job description. 

Factors including background, travel history, nationality, any previous nationalities held, and/or place of birth may be considered in a vetting decision. 

To be eligible for National Security Vetting at SC level, you generally need to have resided in the UK for the last 5 years and for DV, it’s 10 years.  In some circumstances, time spent overseas may be accepted, with additional overseas checks.  Additional vetting requirements may apply upon appointment. 

There are ongoing limitations on travelling to a small number of countries and additional security checks may be required as part of the recruitment process.  Applications from candidates with close connections to certain countries may take considerably longer to process, or in some cases, result in a withdrawal of an offer of employment.

Demystifying Vetting

These short animations provide you with an overview into the UK Government vetting process.

Vetting: An overview
This short animation will provide you with an overview into the UK Government vetting process.
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Vetting and Ethnicity
This short animation provides information on ethnicity in relation to the UK Government vetting process.
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Vetting and Internet Use
This short animation provides information on what you may need to discuss about your internet usage when going through the UK Government vetting process.
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Vetting and Finances
This short animation provides information on what to expect in relation to your finances when going through the UK Government vetting process.
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Vetting and Sexuality and Gender Identity
This short animation provides information  on sexuality and gender identity in relation to the UK Government vetting process.   Further guidance for the trans community can also be found on The UK Government Vetting Explained page.
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Vetting and Life Experiences
This short animation provides information about what may be asked about your life experiences when going through the UK Government vetting process.
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Vetting and Physical and Mental Health
This short animation provides information on what detail is required in relation to your physical and mental health when going through the UK Government vetting process.
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Vetting and Nationality and Travel
This short animation provides information on what details you may be asked about your nationality and travel experiences when going through the UK Government vetting process.
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Should you require any support or clarification, please contact our recruitment team by emailing ukcareers@leonardo.com.