Job Description

Put simply, we set the standards by which everything is measured. In doing so, the National Physical Laboratory is helping to combat issues on a global scale such as climate change, curing diseases and the development of cutting-edge communications technology. Our people are our greatest asset, no matter where our people are, when they are on our premises, they have the right to feel safe and secure and work in an environmentally sustainable manner.



As a member of the Security Team, this role is responsible for delivering National Security Vetting (NSV) arrangements, providing vetting advice, assisting on management of vetting exemption cases and ensuring compliance with customer and UK legislative requirements.

What you'll be doing

Responsible for sponsoring and administering NSV Clearance applications through the UKSV portal. Compliance with and identification of amendments required to policies and procedures. Build and maintain excellent relationships with internal and external stakeholders including contracting authorities and relevant government agencies. Provide pragmatic and appropriate advice, guidance and training across the organisation on vetting requirements, procedures, processes and legislation. Report and communicate non-compliance and provide guidance and support to comply. Manage and maintain relationships with external authorities and agencies, liaising and reporting on all aspects of security vetting clearance. Collate vetting statistics and distribute associated reports. Assist the vetting manager with residency waivers, vetting transfers, shares and aftercare requirements. Manage requests to the vetting shared mailbox ensuring all requests are responded to and dealt with in a timely and efficient manner. Assist with design and delivery of security vetting presentations to enhance understanding of the responsibility of holding NSV clearance. Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all screening and vetting activities. Contribute to the decision-making process by accurately recording and reporting information gathered to identify and evidence potential vulnerabilities. Contribute to evolving due diligence activity.


You'll have experience of supporting a security function and handling security issues. You have worked as part of a wider team but can also manage and co-ordinate your own workload. What's more you will have the very highest standards of integrity, be highly organised, detail-focussed and a good communicator.

What you can bring to the role

Experience of processing vetting requests through the UKSV Portal, transferring clearances and managing residency waivers.

o Excellent communication skills and stakeholder management.

o Strong organisation skills, able to work towards deadlines and balance conflicting priorities.

o Be discreet in the handling of sensitive situations.

o Understand what and when to escalate issues to management.

o In date SC clearance with no restrictions

We would also welcome the following

Membership of DISA or Membership of Security Institute

o Previous experience and knowledge of IPSA requirements.

We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of our work in specific departments means that nationality, residency and security requirements can be more tightly defined than others. You will be asked about this throughout the recruitment process. To work at NPL, you will need to obtain BPSS security clearance. However, to also work in this role you will need to have an SC clearance with no restrictions, or you must have the ability to obtain an SC clearance.

Please note: Applications will be reviewed, and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert therefore we may at any time bring the closing date forward. We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as practical


The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is a world-leading centre of excellence that provides cutting-edge measurement science, engineering and technology to underpin prosperity and quality of life in the UK. Find out more about what it is like working here - The measure of us - Overview



NPL and DSIT have strong commitments to diversity and equality of opportunity, and welcome applications from candidates irrespective of their background, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, or age, providing they meet the required criteria. Applications from women, disabled and black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates in particular are encouraged. All disabled candidates (as defined by the Equality Act 2010) who satisfy the minimum criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme.



At NPL, we believe our success is a result of the diversity and talent of our people. We strive to nurture and respect individuals to ensure everyone feels valued by treating everyone on the basis of their own individual merits and abilities regardless of their own or perceived identity, as part of our commitment to diversity & inclusion, we ensure we're creating an environment where all our colleagues feel supported and welcome. More about this on our Diversity & Inclusion page.



We are committed to the health and well-being of our employees. Flexible working and social activities are embedded in our culture to create a positive work-life balance, along with a broad range of rewards, benefits and recognition. Our values are at the heart of what we do, and they shape the way we interact, develop our people and celebrate success. To ensure everyone has an equal chance, we're always willing to make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss, please contact us.