The postholder will be responsible for all aspects of the security clearance process on the MoJ & MOD Programmes.
This will include managing the clearance process for all members of ESS, our consultant, and supply chain staff in accordance with the contractual requirements, the programme and GDPR.
This is to support the successful completion of projects from bid acceptance through the bid, pre-construction and construction periods and achieve the successful completion of projects in line with the project programme.
Your role will be diverse and fast-paced as you support the business in achieving its objectives and reducing risk to the organisation.
In addition to the above, the postholder may be required to undertake general administration and document controller duties.
Responsible for effective security control within the Company and the continuous development and effective day to day management and delivery of security policy, procedures, risk assessment, management and general security processes. Ultimately responsible for implementation of National Security Vetting within the Company and any subordinate organisations. The Security Vetting Officer will ensure that all activities are managed and undertaken promptly and effectively, liaising with HR and facilities and other functions as necessary.
We are seeking a highly organised and detail-oriented Security Vetting Officer to join our team at ESS. As a Security Vetting Officer, you will be responsible for providing a security vetting service to internal and external customers, ensuring that all applicants information and queries are processed professionally and efficiently.
The officer will operate within a dynamic and enthusiastic environment, conducting the management of security-vetted personnel to work within the organisation. This role is critical to the business, ensuring the safe and secure handling of sensitive information.
Role:
- Provide a security vetting service to internal and external customers, ensuring that all vetting applicants' information and queries are processed professionally and efficiently.
- Support the recruitment process by obtaining security clearances and checks for all new employees.
- Liaise with external agencies, such as the UK Security Vetting (UKSV) and other relevant organisations, to facilitate the vetting process, including transfer and processing of clearances.
- Act as the primary point of contact for vetting issues and problems, ensuring timely resolution and minimal disruption to business operations.
- Develop and implement security policies, protocols, and procedures to maintain a safe and secure environment.
- Conduct investigations into security breaches or incidents, gather evidence, and prepare detailed reports.
- Conduct regular audits and risk assessments to identify potential security threats and assess the effectiveness of security measures.
- Collaborate with our IT team to obtain and update security clearances, ensuring seamless integration with our systems.
- Ensure effective controls and measures are applied diligently and confidentiality is maintained throughout the vetting and aftercare processes.
- Assist stakeholders regarding vetting requirements, standards, and policy, ensuring enquiries are dealt with considering data protection/security in relation to disclosure of information.
- Escalate security vetting matters to supervision in a timely manner for guidance and resolution.
- Stay updated on industry trends and best practices in security management.
- Develop internal systems and workflow to obtain timely security clearances.
- Providing updates to show the status of security clearances for each individual and overall metrics.
- Prepare and implement the Company Security Instructions, liaise with other disciplines such as HR and IT to ensure security is considered and embedded within all appropriate policies.
- Own and maintain a security Risk Register where risks are identified, documented, tracked, mitigated, and monitored.
Person Specification:
- Proficient in the use of the Microsoft Office suite of software, specifically Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
- In date SC clearance, with more than two years recent experience in a personnel security clearance role.
- Experience of BPSS and UKSV vetting processes
- Experience on the use of electronic vetting/clearance databases and multi-IT platforms.
- Experience and knowledge of MOD and defence industry, and awareness of their recruitment and onboarding processes.
- Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
- Ability to follow processes and adhere to strict guidelines.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work under pressure and prioritise work as required.
- Professional, meticulous approach, with a keen eye for detail.
- Able to identify internal/external customer needs and consistently meet them
- Act as an advocate of customers at all levels within ESS.
- Seek feedback from customers to improve the service
- Maintains constant focus on current performance and of future goals regardless of circumstances
- Review own performance against plans to achieve a more efficient and effective service
- Constructively challenges current working methods and suggests ways to improve them
- Able to act in the strictest of confidence with personal sensitive data - integrity is paramount
- Ability to challenge, negotiate and problem solve when required
- Willingness to learn new standards and processes to apply best practice security
REF-216 888