Security clearance guidelines limits potential public sector candidate pool

29-April 2009

Cabinet Office guidelines aren’t designed to disadvantage individuals without security clearance, but in practice the short timescales placed on recruitment agencies are often unrealistic for giving candidates enough time to go through the full clearance process (recruiter.co.uk, 14 April, ‘IT recruiters react to The Times claims’).

This limits the potential candidate pool open to the public sector, and detrimentally so. The government is not necessarily getting the best person for the job, just the best prospect available with the necessary security clearance. There is a tremendous wealth of ability from within the private sector and many organisations would benefit if these skills can be identified early enough to go through clearance.

It is a process of education and support on all sides. Agencies that are HM Governmentapproved understand the issues involved with such recruitment. There is a need for flexibility as each request differs depending on the level of the position, timescale involved and security clearance required.

Recruitment agencies have a responsibility to consult with their clients from the outset to inform and educate on these issues, so they can help with future planning and provide the right candidates, with the right skill set and security clearance.

• Alan Rommel, managing director, Parity Resources