The civil service has launched an ‘exciting’ job opportunity for 10 vetting clearance officers – as it hunts for new talent in the aftermath of the Peter Mandelson fiasco.
Applicants for the UK Security Vetting role have been encouraged to get their CVs in by May 10 for a chance to join the ‘fantastic place to work’ for up to £42,000 a year.
The position, described as ‘integral to the security vetting process’, involves ‘effectively listening to and processing sensitive information shared at interview’ and ‘making informed decisions and recommendations’.
It follows the revelation former ambassador to the US Peter Mandelson failed his security vetting check – but was nonetheless given the green light for the top diplomatic role.
A job description on the gov.uk website reads: ‘We believe UKSV is a fantastic place to work, and we understand that maintaining a good work-life balance is essential for everyone.
‘When you become a part of UKSV, you also become part of a friendly, supportive, and diverse community. We’re here to help you build your confidence and enjoy your experiences both at work and beyond.’
It adds: ‘We are seeking individuals to join as a Vetting Clearance Officer (VCO). This role is integral to the security vetting process and it is an exciting time to join UKSV.
‘You will join a team of experienced and passionate individuals who carry out investigative interviews as part of our vetting service. You will be working in a target driven environment and must be able to adapt to change.’
Conservative shadow cabinet office minister Mike Wood told the Daily Mail Labour should ‘stop trying to appoint friends of paedophiles as ambassadors’ if it is serious about strengthening national security.
It follows the revelation former ambassador to the US Peter Mandelson failed his security vetting check. Mandelson is pictured yesterday near his home in London walking his dog
Applicants for the UK Security Vetting role have been encouraged to get their CVs in by May 10 for a chance to join the ‘fantastic place to work’. The job advert can be seen here
A description on the advertisement reads: ‘Vetting is a process which enables employers to identify, manage, and mitigate risks in roles with national security concerns’
He added: ‘What’s the point of hiring them if their advice on security risks with Russia and China are ignored.
‘Only the Conservatives, under new leadership, will restore common sense governance.’
The job pays between £37,922 and £41,992, has an employer contribution of 28.97 per cent to the civil service pension and is described as a Higher Executive Officer position.
Interviews will take place in June.
Last week it was claimed vetting officers had wanted to refused Lord Mandelson the security clearance that grants access to top secret government material.
The United Kingdom Security Vetting, which is part of the Cabinet Office, is responsible for conducting in-depth vetting.
Foreign Office officials pushed the controversial appointment through regardless and the Prime Minister has since faced the deeply damaging allegation he lied to Parliament.
A separate dossier had also previously warned Sir Keir his pick for the job carried a ‘general reputational risk’ over Mandelson’s ‘particularly close’ relationship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
In a last-ditch attempt by Sir Keir to cling on, Downing Street this week claimed the Foreign Office had acted alone in granting Mandelson the developed vetting status needed to take up his job in Washington against the advice of internal security experts.
Foreign Office permanent under-secretary Sir Olly Robbins – the head civil servant at the department – yesterday told MPs he had been sacked by Keir Starmer after coming under pressure to approve Mr Mandelson’s appointment quickly.
He said he gave the clearance after being assured any risk could be managed.
In a last-ditch attempt by Sir Keir to cling on, Downing Street this week claimed the Foreign Office had acted alone in granting Mandelson the developed vetting status (file image)
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In explosive testimony Sir Olly claimed Downing Street ‘chased’ the posting as US ambassador and was ‘dismissive’ of the need for any security vetting.
The Foreign Affairs Committee heard claims that Sir Keir’s former chief of staff called Sir Olly’s predecessor insisting: ‘Just f***ing approve it.’
Opening another damaging flank, Sir Olly revealed that No10 tried to get Sir Keir’s spin doctor Matthew Doyle a plum posting as a ‘head of mission’ abroad.
Sir Olly – who took on his role after Mandelson was publicly announced, but before he was formally confirmed as US envoy – said there was an ‘atmosphere of pressure’.
‘I walked into a situation in which there was already a very very strong expectation… that he needed to be in post and in America as soon as possible,’ he said.
Developed vetting is standard for most mid-level diplomatic staff. An outright refusal of clearance is believed to be quite rare, although ‘mitigations’ can be requested.
