Eligibility
SIS is a large organisation, much like many others. But it’s also unlike any other employer you’ll ever work for. Due to the sensitive nature of our operations, if you decide you’d like to apply, you’ll need to be eligible first and pass our security clearance too. Here’s everything you need to know before you progress with your application to work with us.
Your nationality
We protect British interests both at home and overseas. Because of this, we ask you to be a British citizen and to have lived in the UK for the majority of the ten years before you make your application. There are a few exceptions to the residency rule. If you’ve studied abroad, served overseas with HM forces or lived overseas with your parents, you may still be eligible to apply.
One of your parents must be (or have been) a British Citizen too or have substantial ties to the UK.
If you hold dual nationality, you can still apply to SIS, but dependent on what the nationality is, you may be required to give up your non-British citizenship before you can take up any role we offer to you.
Drugs Policy
Our staff and contractors are subject to a no drugs policy to reflect the adverse impact of illegal drug use and the misuse and abuse of other substances on behaviour, judgement, physical and mental health.
The policy prohibits the use, possession or supply of illegal drugs. This includes drugs which are illegal in the UK, even if legal abroad. Misuse or abuse of prescribed medication or any other substance, including psychoactive substances (formerly known as 'legal highs'), is also incompatible with holding security clearance, which can be refused, or withdrawn, if this policy is not observed. You must adhere to our drugs policy from the point of application onwards.
The point of application is the date you submit your application form.
We realise some of our candidates may have used drugs in the past. This may not be a bar to a successful application, but it is important to be open and honest about any drug/substance use. You will be asked during the recruitment process to provide a sample which will be tested for drugs, should your application proceed.
Our security clearance
When you work for SIS, you’ll have a security clearance relevant to your role. Some of our positions mean you’ll have access to a wide range of sensitive information. It’s paramount, for the safety of our organisation, our people and our country, that this information doesn’t get into the wrong hands.
Because of this, everyone applying to SIS must pass our security clearance to the appropriate level. It’s a long process, up to three months in most cases, and it takes a very fair, in-depth and pretty intrusive look at your life, including your finances. It’s important to be aware of this commitment before you apply. And it’s important to be completely open and honest when you answer our security questions. If any details are concealed, it will mean your application can’t be taken forward.
Find out more about our assessment process before you decide to apply for any role.