A. The purpose of the CTC is to prevent persons who may have connections with terrorist organizations, or who may be vulnerable to pressure from such organizations, from undertaking certain security duties at UK airports where there is a risk that they could exploit their position to further the aims of a terrorist organization.
A. All staff who carry out any of the duties listed at Schedule 1 to Direction 11 of the Aviation Security Act 1982. The list is reproduced below CTC clearance is also required for all staff (even non-security staff) at the Channel Tunnel site, security staff at the Eurostar terminals and Port Facility Security Officers and their deputies.
A CTC is required for a smaller number of airport staff than the broader Criminal Record Check (CRC) that is required by all staff who hold permanent passes to a designated Restricted Zone (RZ).
Those with a valid CTC clearance, or higher, are not required to undergo a separate CRC.
A. A check against Security Service (MI5) records and police records. Occasionally a candidate may be invited to attend an interview with a DfT security officer.
A. It will depend on the circumstances of each case, which determine what checks need to be made. Whilst we strive to process applications as quickly as possible some checks will take longer than others. A very rough guide is to expect the process to take about 8 weeks.
A. CTC clearances for transport security staff are valid for 3 years.
A. There is no fee for CTCs issued by TRANSEC.
A. If a candidate is refused CTC clearance he/she will not be able to undertake security duties. An explanation will be given (where possible) of the reason why clearance was refused. Sponsoring employers will not be given these details without the candidate's permission (except in the most exceptional cases). Candidates can appeal, and the appeal will be considered by a senior official in TRANSEC/DfT (someone not involved with the original decision). Should that appeal be unsuccessful candidates will be provided with contact details for the independent Security Vetting Appeals Panel.
A. All candidates are treated impartially and consistently, irrespective of their sex, age, grade, nationality, colour, ethnic origin, religious affiliation or sexual orientation.
A. TRANSEC will take the greatest care to ensure that the information collected during the process is accurate, for example that there is no confusion over identity when carrying out criminal record checks. In addition, under the terms of the Security Service Act 1989, candidates may complain to the Security Service Tribunal - a panel independent of the Government comprising of senior members of the legal profession - if the candidate believes the Security Service has provided incorrect vetting information about them.
A. The Security Service is only likely to have a record on someone as a political activist if they have been involved with an organisation which advocates, or has in the past advocated, the overthrow of Parliamentary democracy by political, industrial or violent means. If in any doubt, details should be declared on the security questionnaire form and the candidate will be given a chance to explain the situation. Suitability for CTC clearance will be decided on the overall picture and not on one isolated piece of information.
A. Each case will be judged on its merits and a number of things taken into account (e.g. the seriousness of the offence(s); the length of time since it was committed; the age of the subject at the time; and any other special circumstances). The important thing is to be completely open and honest about any criminal history - including spent convictions and police cautions. Any attempt to conceal information could be taken as evidence of unreliability or dishonesty and may affect the decision on clearance.
A. Lying or concealing information is viewed very seriously because it is taken as evidence of unreliability and/or dishonesty. Clearance could be refused if information is deliberately concealed, even if it would not in itself have caused a problem. Clearance could be removed at a later date if a lie subsequently comes to light.
A. Confidentiality will be maintained in all but the most exceptional cases where a risk has been identified and a decision taken to 'manage the situation' rather than refuse clearance. In such cases those managing the risk will need the appropriate information in order to do this effectively.
A. It is important that CTC cleared staff maintain the standards of security expected and that TRANSEC is notified of any changes in personal circumstances (a change of partner, a new criminal conviction or an association with a group that advocates terrorism or the overthrow of democracy etc.)
A. If an individual is concerned about any aspect of security clearance or feels that someone has shown a suspicious or undue interest in their work they should, in the first instance, inform their manager. If a manager is concerned about a particular case he or she should seek advice from TRANSEC.
A. Applications to re-new an existing CTC clearance should be submitted 3 months before expiry.
A. If there has been a gap or gaps in excess of 12 months between the individual leaving the employment for which the CTC clearance was granted and starting the employment for which TRANSEC requires CTC clearance, then the individual will need to re-apply to TRANSEC for clearance. If in doubt advice should be sought from TRANSEC as to whether the clearance can be accepted.
A. Aviation security staff can work pending CTC clearance provided the following conditions are met:
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Aviation Security Activities Requiring CTC Clearance |
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(a) controlling access points to areas of the aerodrome designated as restricted zones by the Secretary of State under the powers contained in section 11A of the Aviation Security Act 1982, as amended; (b) the screening by metal detector or other equipment, or searching by hand, of passengers or other persons entering the restricted zones mentioned at (a) above; the screening by x-ray or other equipment, or searching by hand, of baggage, the searching of vehicles entering the restricted zone or the screening and/or searching of any other article as may be required from time to time by Directions issued under the Aviation Security Act 1982, as amended; (c) the searching of aircraft or the checking of the aircraft cabin, and the controlling of access to aircraft as required by Directions issued under the Aviation Security Act 1982, as amended; the searching and/or patrolling of the restricted zones mentioned at (a) above, or other areas as may be required from time to time by Directions issued under the Aviation Security Act 1982, as amended; (e) the issuing of passes to persons or in respect of vehicles in accordance with any Directions issued under the Aviation Security Act 1982, as amended; (f) the management of personnel in relation to any activity set out in paragraphs (a) to (e); and (g) observing the procedures set out in Schedule 4 to this direction, including those procedures to be undertaken by the vetting appointed person. |
Please write clearly in BLOCK CAPITALS.
On pages 3-5 please provide details for:
On pages 7-9 please do the following:
Ensure that you provide details of any spent and unspent convictions, probation, formal cautions, absolute/conditional discharge, bound over after being charged with any offence or any action pending (if you have been charged with an offence, but have not yet been to court or been notified of the court's decision). Please provide proof of charges being dropped.
Please read questions 35 and 36 very careful.