Which Suitability Clearance level is right for your personnel?

How do you select the right one?
Does everyone in your organisation need the same level?

Answer: Great questions. Using a ‘Scope and Effect’ grading methodology, you can self-assess and guide your organisation in classifying the appropriate level to match your personnel risk management.

EXTREMELY LOW RISK:
Description: The work involves the performance of specific, routine operations that include a few separate tasks or procedures. The work product or service is required to facilitate the work of others; however, it has little impact beyond the immediate organizational unit or beyond the timely provision of limited services to others.

RECOMMENDATION: NO SUITABILITY CLEARANCE REQUIRED.

LOW RISK:
Description: The work involves the execution of specific rules, regulations, or procedures and typically comprises a complete segment of an assignment or project of broader scope. The work product or service affects the accuracy, reliability, or acceptability of further processes or services.

RECOMMENDATION: NO SUITABILITY CLEARANCE REQUIRED.

LOW TO MODERATE RISK:
Description: The work involves treating a variety of conventional problems, questions, or situations in conformance with established criteria. The work product or service affects the design or operation of systems, programs, or equipment; the adequacy of such activities as field investigations, testing operations, or research conclusions; or the social, physical, and economic well-being of people.

RECOMMENDATION: SUITABILITY CLEARANCE CL0: THE BASIC ASSESSMENT. Details: 5 years covered. Questions relating to financial and mental health are usually not assessed. Only the obvious red flags are assessed. It can be likened to an official BASELINE security clearance interview. 40% of all cleared positions are at this level.

MODERATE TO HIGH RISK:
Description: The work involves establishing criteria; formulating projects; assessing program effectiveness; or investigating or analysing a variety of unusual conditions, problems, or questions. The work product or service affects a wide range of inter-organisational activities, major activities or industrial concerns, or the operation of other organisations.

RECOMMENDATION: YES: SUITABILITY CLEARANCE CL1: THE STANDARD ASSESSMENT. Details: The years double from 5 to 10 years. Deeper than CL0. Questions concerning financial situation and mental health history are now in scope. It could be likened to an official SECRET/NV1 security clearance interview. 41% of all cleared positions are at this level.

HIGH TO VERY HIGH RISK:
Description: The work involves isolating and defining unknown conditions, resolving critical problems, or developing new theories or strategies. The work product or service affects the work of other experts, the development of major aspects of administrative programs or missions, or the well-being of substantial numbers of people.

RECOMMENDATION: SUITABILITY CLEARANCE CL2: THE PREMIUM ASSESSMENT. Deeper than the CL1. Now it also includes deeply personal topics, undetected criminal activity, IT usage, probes financial behaviours further, and an in depth look at mental health. It could be likened to a TOP SECRET / NV2 security clearance interview. 15% of all cleared positions are at this level.

VERY HIGH TO EXTREME RISK:
Description: The work involves planning, developing, and carrying out vital administration or programs. The programs are essential to the mission of the organisation or affect large numbers of people on a long-term or continuing basis.

RECOMMENDATION: YES: SUITABILITY CLEARANCE CL3: THE ULTIMATE ASSESSMENT. Whole of Life (to age 16). No stone left unturned and deeper than CL2. More rigour around finances, and also psychological, psychometric and adverse behavioural manifestations. It could be likened to a TOP SCRET POSITIVE VETTING security clearance interview. 4% of all cleared positions are at this level.

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