Security Clearance

Security Clearance

Security clearance at The Investigo Group

At The Investigo Group (TIG), all roles require government-approved security clearance.

This is because every role, regardless of function or seniority may involve access to secure offices, client environments, systems, networks, or sensitive information, either directly or indirectly. Even roles that are not technical or client facing can involve proximity to protected areas, data, or people.

For this reason, security clearance is a baseline requirement across the Group, not a reflection of an individual role’s responsibilities.

You do not need to already hold security clearance to apply. However, you must be eligible and willing to complete the process, and any offer of employment will be conditional on successfully obtaining clearance.

Most candidates successfully complete security clearance with our support.

We actively support all candidates through the clearance process, helping you understand what to expect, what information is required, and the likely timelines involved.

What is security clearance?

Security clearance is a standard process used across the UK public and private sectors to confirm an individual’s suitability to work in environments where sensitive or protected information may be present. It is:

  • An objective eligibility assessment
  • Conducted in line with UK government guidance
  • Not a judgement of personal character

To help explain the process, the UK Cabinet Office has produced a short video covering:

  • What security clearance is
  • Why it is required
  • What types of checks are involved

What is security clearance?

Security clearance is a standard process used across the UK public and private sectors to confirm an individual’s suitability to work in environments where sensitive or protected information may be present. It is:

  • An objective eligibility assessment
  • Conducted in line with UK government guidance
  • Not a judgement of personal character

To help explain the process, the UK Cabinet Office has produced a short video covering:

  • What security clearance is
  • Why it is required
  • What types of checks are involved

What we’ll support you with

Throughout the clearance process, we’ll:

  • Explain the clearance level required and why it applies
  • Guide you through the information and documentation needed
  • Share realistic timelines and keep you updated on progress
  • Act as your point of contact for questions or concerns

While clearance decisions are made independently by the relevant authorities, we’ll support you at every step we can.

What pre-employment checks are involved?

As part of our pre-employment screening and the security clearance process, checks may include:

  • Identity verification
  • Right to Work in the UK
  • Employment and education history
  • Criminal record checks (where applicable)
  • Credit and financial background checks (where required)
  • Personal and professional references
  • Review of publicly available information, including social media

These checks are standard for roles requiring access to secure or sensitive environments.

Conditional offers of employment

All offers made by The Investigo Group are conditional and subject to:

  • Successful completion of Right to Work checks (via Experian)
  • Satisfactory pre-employment and security screening (as above)
  • The ability to obtain and maintain the required level of security clearance

Our minimum clearance requirement

For roles requiring clearance, the minimum level we sponsor is NPPV3 with SC (Security Check).

We support all successful candidates through the clearance process, working closely with you to make it as clear, straightforward and well communicated as possible.

If new information is identified

Occasionally, information may come to light during screening or the clearance process that was not known at the time an offer was made. If this happens:

  • The information will be reviewed fairly and proportionately
  • We may request additional clarification or context
  • In some circumstances, we may be unable to proceed where legal, security or representation requirements cannot be met, including where publicly available information (such as social media) is incompatible with client, regulatory or security obligations.

This may result in an offer being withdrawn or not confirmed.

Fairness, confidentiality and transparency

All screening and clearance processes are handled:

  • Confidentially
  • In line with UK employment law
  • In accordance with UK GDPR and data protection legislation

Our pre-employment checks are carried out by TIG and our accredited screening partners to confirm identity, right to work, suitability and representation, in line with UK employment law and data protection requirements.

Security clearance is a separate and independent process, conducted by the relevant government authorities based on the requirements of the role and client environment.

Decisions are based solely on objective legal and security requirements.

Frequently asked questions

Why does security clearance apply to every role?

Because of the clients and environments we work with, all roles may involve access to secure offices, systems, networks or sensitive information, either directly or indirectly.

Even roles that are not technical or client facing can involve proximity to protected data, people or environments. For this reason, security clearance is a baseline requirement across the Group, not a reflection of individual seniority or responsibility.

I’ve never needed security clearance before, is that a problem?

Not at all. In Most cases candidates can be hired who have never held security clearance previously. You do not need to already hold clearance to apply. If you’re successful, we’ll:

  • Explain the process clearly
  • Guide you through what information is required and at what stage
  • Keep you informed on timelines and progress

We support you throughout, and you’ll always know what stage you’re at.

What happens if something comes up during screening or clearance?

If new information is identified:

  • It will be reviewed fairly and proportionately
  • We may ask you for clarification or context
  • In some cases, we may be unable to proceed if legal, security or representational requirements cannot be met

Wherever possible, we aim to be open and transparent with candidates during this process.

Who makes the final decision on security clearance?

Security clearance decisions are made by the relevant government authorities, not by TIG. In some cases, the specific reasons for an outcome may not be shared with us or with the candidate. Decisions are based solely on objective legal and security criteria.

Who carries out pre-employment checks?

Pre-employment checks are carried out by The Investigo Group (TIG) and or our accredited screening partners.

These checks are completed usually before security clearance is progressed and are used to confirm identity, right to work, suitability for the role and appropriate representation. They are conducted lawfully, proportionately and in line with UK employment law and data protection requirements.

Pre-employment checks are separate from government security clearance. Both stages must be completed satisfactorily for employment or engagement to be confirmed.

How is my information handled?

All information provided during screening and clearance is:

  • Handled confidentially
  • Used only for recruitment and security assessment purposes
  • Processed in line with UK GDPR and data protection legislation