A number of the defence projects that Northrop Grumman Sperry Marine works on require that our employees have Security Clearance at SC (Security Check) level or for a BPSS (Baseline Personnel Security Standard) security check to be carried out on them. The type of clearance/check required will be specified in the job description.

Anyone who accepts an offer of employment from Northrop Grumman Sperry Marine has to go through Denied Party Screening (DPS) before their employment can be confirmed. The DPS ensures that the person has not been denied export privileges by the US Government or restricted by other foreign Governments. DPS screening usually takes one or two days.

Security Check Level Explained

Security Check (SC) level clearance is for people who have substantial access to SECRET, or occasional access to TOP SECRET assets and information. This level of clearance involves a  Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) security check, an United Kingdom criminal and security checks and a credit check. To gain SC clearance you will normally have to have been a resident in the United Kingdom for a minimum of five years.

SC level clearance is valid for five years for contractors and ten years for permanent employees. It usually takes a minimum of six weeks for SC clearance to be granted.

You cannot apply for SC level clearance as an individual; you will either have already obtained it via an application made by your current employer (Security Clearance can be verified and transferred to us if we become your new employer), or we will apply for it on your behalf once you have been offered a job by us.

Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) Explained

Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) is an entry level security check and takes approximately four weeks to complete. A BPSS check aims to provide an appropriate level of assurance as to the trustworthiness, integrity, and probable reliability of prospective employees.

The check is carried out by screening identity documents and references for verification of identity, nationality and immigration status; employment history (past 3 years) and criminal records.