BPSS, SC and DV clearance: how to hire security-cleared staff in the UK and the Netherlands

Defence, aerospace and government programmes depend on specialists who can access sensitive work. However, one missing clearance can delay a start date by months. In the UK, hiring starts with BPSS clearance and may continue to SC clearance or DV clearance. In the Netherlands, designated roles need a VGB instead. This guide explains each check from the employer’s side.

What is BPSS clearance?

BPSS clearance refers to the Baseline Personnel Security Standard, the UK government’s pre-employment screening standard. The employer runs it, not a vetting agency. Strictly speaking, BPSS is not a formal security clearance. Nevertheless, it underpins every higher level of national security vetting, so SC and DV applications build on it. The government’s BPSS policy sets four checks:

• Identity
• Right to work in the UK
• Employment history covering at least three years
• Unspent criminal convictions

Candidates who need a visa also need a licensed sponsor, as our guide to the UK sponsor licence explains.

What is the difference between SC clearance and DV clearance?

SC clearance covers roles with long-term, frequent and uncontrolled access to SECRET assets. DV clearance is the most thorough standard level and covers frequent, uncontrolled access to TOP SECRET assets. United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) runs most cases. Both levels build on a completed BPSS clearance.

In practice, the checks deepen at each level. SC adds a security questionnaire, credit checks and a Security Service records check. DV also adds a full financial review, an interview and referee enquiries. UKSV lists every step on its clearance levels page.

Check	Who runs it	Typical purpose	Review or look-back
BPSS	The employer	Pre-employment screening	No validity period
SC clearance	UKSV, via a sponsor	Regular access to SECRET assets	Review after 10 years (7 for some contractors)
DV clearance	UKSV, via a sponsor	Frequent access to TOP SECRET assets	Review at least every 7 years
VGB (level A, B or C)	AIVD or MIVD	Designated positions involving confidentiality	Looks back 10, 8 or 5 years

Can employers apply for SC clearance directly?

No. Neither candidates nor ordinary employers can apply for SC clearance or DV clearance on their own. Requests arise during a government contract, and a registered sponsor submits them. UKSV returns any application without a valid sponsor account. Therefore, clarify sponsorship with your contracting authority before you recruit.

Two further rules surprise employers. First, UK policy does not expect candidates to hold clearance already, except for short-term, urgent posts. Second, no central rule stops you employing someone while vetting continues. Instead, you limit their access until clearance arrives.

What is a VGB in the Netherlands?

A VGB, or verklaring van geen bezwaar, is the Dutch certificate of no objection. Nobody may take up a designated position involving confidentiality (vertrouwensfunctie) without one. The AIVD, or the MIVD for defence roles, screens the candidate at level A, B or C. Each decision covers one person in one position.

After selection, the employer requests the screening and the candidate completes a questionnaire. By law, a decision is due within eight weeks. The AIVD’s guidance on security screening describes the full process.

How does time abroad affect clearance?

Time abroad is the biggest hurdle for international hires. UK vetting typically expects three years of UK residency for CTC, five for SC and ten for DV. Dutch screening, meanwhile, looks back ten years at level A, eight at level B and five at level C.

In the Netherlands, the AIVD can refuse a VGB when it finds too little information about periods abroad. The destination, duration and reason for each stay all count. In the UK, limited residency is not an automatic bar, although it can slow vetting.

What changed for VGB holders in 2026?

The amended Security Screening Act took effect in stages on 1 April and 1 July 2026. It introduced a location-related VGB. This stays valid when someone changes employer at the same designated location, such as an airport. The Act also created a register of current confidential position holders.

Every employer must now report when someone leaves a position involving confidentiality. So update your offboarding checklists.

Planning security-cleared hiring across both countries

Treat clearance as part of the hiring timeline, not an afterthought. Confirm the required level for every role before you advertise. Then gather residence and employment history early, because unexplained gaps cause many delays.

• Map each role to BPSS, SC, DV or a VGB level
• Budget months, not weeks, for DV clearance
• Restrict access until clearance arrives
• Track UK review dates and Dutch reporting duties

Our salary benchmarking tool shows indicative ranges for defence and space roles in the Netherlands.

Moving cleared talent across borders with confidence

Security clearance is where compliance and talent mobility meet. When employers plan it early, critical programmes keep moving. When they plan it late, skilled people wait for months and projects stall.

Since 1987, Octagon Professionals has helped organisations move talent across borders with clarity, compliance and trust. Our HR experts source security-cleared and clearance-eligible professionals. We also manage clearance-related administration, and we employ and pay staff across jurisdictions. 

As a result, you reduce the risk of delayed starts, premature access and missed reporting duties. Meanwhile, you keep full control over salaries, benefits and working arrangements. Planning cleared hires in the UK or the Netherlands? Contact Octagon Professionals at to discuss your workforce requirements.

Frequently asked questions

What does BPSS clearance check?

BPSS clearance confirms four things about a new hire. They cover identity, UK right to work, at least three years of work history and unspent convictions. The employer completes the checks before making a formal offer. Candidates who recently lived overseas must provide extra evidence.

How long does SC clearance take?

There is no fixed timescale. UKSV says timing varies by person, because several agencies contribute checks. SC clearance usually takes weeks, while DV clearance often takes several months. Complete, accurate questionnaires reduce delays. Applicants should also keep their current job until a decision arrives.

Can you start work before SC clearance is granted?

Often, yes. No central UK rule prohibits employing someone while SC clearance or DV clearance is pending. Instead, the employer makes a risk-based decision with its security team and limits access to sensitive information. However, identity and right to work checks must still come first.

Do you need a VGB to work in the Netherlands?

Only for designated positions involving confidentiality, known as vertrouwensfuncties. These exist in government, defence, civil aviation, the police and some private companies. Most Dutch jobs need no VGB. Instead, many employers request a VOG, a certificate of conduct from Justis covering criminal records.