PECS and Vetting FAQs

1. How long does the pre-employment checks process take?

You should expect the pre-employment checks process to take an average of 16 weeks to complete. However, please note this is just a guide and the time to complete all checks will be based on individual circumstances.

2. I have been accepted for a role in the National Crime Agency. When should I hand in my notice in my current job?

As your offer is conditional upon the satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks, please do not resign from your current role until the PECs team have informed you that all checks have been completed and your start date has been confirmed.

3. What types of checks will I need to go through?

The standard pre-employment checks for those joining the NCA on a permanent basis are a substance misuse test, right to work checks, employment history checks, medical clearance, and security vetting checks.

Please note, UKSV support vetting applications on behalf of NCA Vetting. Once UKSV have completed their part of the process, you may be informed that the UKSV portal is complete. This only refers to the UKSV element of the vetting checks and does not mean that enhanced security vetting checks have been completed.

From when the vetting team add you to the UKSV portal, you have 21 days to complete the process - this cannot be extended. We advise that you start and complete the process as soon as possible, not leaving it until the last moment. This will help us to expedite your vetting.

Depending on the role, successful candidates may be required to undertake a medical. If required, the medical will take place in either London or Warrington. Unfortunately, travel costs will not be reimbursed.

4. Will I be kept informed of progress with pre-employment checks?

You will be provided with an update on all stages of pre-employment checks as they are completed. However, you will not be informed what the specific checks are for each stage.

5. I’ve failed pre-employment checks previously; will this be an issue?

You are welcome to apply for future NCA roles. Please be aware that future applications will be assessed against the same pre-employment checks criteria.

6. Will I be informed of the reasons if I don’t pass pre-employment checks?

No. For security reasons, you will not be told the reason for failing to meet NCA pre-employment check standards. There is no right to appeal.

7. How long do I need to have lived in the UK to undergo vetting checks?

For SC (Security Check Enhanced) you will need to have lived in the UK for 3 out of the last 5 years and for DV (Developed Vetting) you need to have lived in the UK for 5 out of 7 years. This does not need to be continuous. However, there are exceptions when residency abroad was due to UK government or military service.

Please note: From April 1 2025, we will be introducing tighter pre-clearance UK residency rules to ensure we have access to sufficient information to offer appropriate assurance.

These will be:

for SC clearance, at least 3 of the last 5 years, 2 of which must have been the immediately preceding years from the point of application;
for DV clearance, at least 7 of the last 10 years, 2 of which must have been the immediately preceding years from the point of application.

8. Do I need to undergo security checks if I am joining the agency on Secondment, loan, attachment, as a contractor or on a fixed term appointment?

Yes. You will still be required to undergo security checks. However, elements of the process may vary depending on employment type.

9. How will I be informed that I have completed the pre-employment checks process?

Once all pre-employment checks have been completed you will be notified and a start date can then be arranged. All new employees start with an induction course into the Agency, so this will be your first day in your new job.

10. My circumstances have changed since I applied for the role such as I have moved house or changed employer, what do I do?

Please inform the PECs team immediately of any changes in personal circumstances. This includes, but is not limited to, employer, employment status, relationship status, or address.

11. Will you be seeking references from my current employer?

Yes, it is a requirement for us to obtain a reference from your current employer as part of your pre-employment checks. It is a condition under HMG Baseline Personnel Security standards to provide evidence of employment or education from the last 3 years and you will be contacted by the pre-employment checks team to provide any required information.

You may also be required to provide reference information to UKSV as part of the vetting process and any queries about such should be directed to them.

Without this information it will not be possible to pass the NCA pre-employment standard required for employment.

12. What information do I have to send to vetting?

You may be asked to provide personal information to UK Security Vetting via an online portal (if applicable) and the submission of Pre-Employment Standard Checks form.

UKSV support NCA Vetting with processing vetting applications. You may be informed during the process that the UKSV portal is complete. This only applies to their part of the process and does not mean you have completed NCA Enhanced checks.

13. I have previously worked for the NCA or currently hold some form of NCA clearance, will this speed up my checks?

This will be dependent on individual circumstance of each candidate such as time elapsed from previous NCA employment and the type of NCA vetting held. However, it should be noted that if you are currently with the agency on a non-directly employed basis (such as a contractor, loan or secondment), you will be required to undergo full NCA enhanced checks.

14. What if I have clearance with the police or civil service?

The NCA conducts enhanced vetting checks which are unique to the agency. If you hold clearance elsewhere you will need to be re-vetted to the required NCA standards. Please be aware that having another form of clearance elsewhere does not mean the process of gaining NCA vetting will be quicker.

15. Who should I contact during the process?

Please contact the PECs team for all queries relating to your checks. You will receive contact from our occupational health team (if applicable) and vetting team during this process, please direct any responses back to these teams.

16. I have a question about…?

If you have a question and are not sure who to contact, please refer to the lists below. If you have a question that is not on any of the lists, please contact your PECs team contact and they will be able to direct you.

Pre-Employment Checks Team

Employment References
Progress of checks
Change in circumstances

Your Hiring Manager

Job Role

17. Who should I contact if I wish to withdraw?

If you wish to withdraw, please confirm in writing with the PECs team. Please note that once you have been withdrawn, you cannot be re-instated. This is in line with Civil Service Commission recruitment rules.

18. I am unable to access the UKSV portal, or I am having issues with the portal. ?

Please see the technical information below. UKSV manage the portal, and should be the first point of contact for any issues.

Please note: we have been advised that the UKSV Portal is currently not compatible with Apple web browser Safari. Please use an alternative web browser on Apple products such as Firefox, or complete your application on a different device.

The portal is a product of UKSV, therefore for any form queries or technical issues you will need to contact the UKSV Enquiry Centre directly via uksv-helpdesk@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

19. How long do I have to complete the vetting process, why do I get reminders?

20. I completely forgot/was too busy to complete within the 21 days - can I have the portal reactivated?

If you are unable to complete the portal for reasons beyond your control, we will consider reactivation on a case by case basis.

21. I am unable to log into the Portal after completing NSV forms. ?

Candidates will only be able to access their accounts for a certain amount of days following submitting NSV forms. It is recommended that you save a copy of your forms, for future reference.

22. My NSV Portal status is now showing as completed - does this mean the Pre-Employment process has now completed?

Unfortunately, not! NSV Portal completion forms but a part of the process to join the NCA - only once all your Pre-employment checks have completed will the Agency’s HR team will be in touch.

PECS and Vetting FAQs

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