United Kingdom Security Vetting: Contact Us

Before contacting us

Before contacting the UKSV Helpdesk, please read the information contained in the links below. Answers to most queries can be found within these pages.

Applicant

UKSV National Security Vetting Solution: Guidance for applicants

Existing clearance holders

Sponsor

UKSV National Security Vetting Solution: Guidance for sponsors

Decision Maker

Referees, Hiring Managers, Contractors and Consultants

Forms and Guidance

International personnel security clearance

Contacting the UKSV Helpdesk

The UKSV Helpdesk launched on December 12 2023,2022, replacing the previous Enquiry Centre service provided by MOD. All vetting applicant and sponsor queries should be directed to the UKSV Helpdesk.

TheSponsors, UKSVapplicants Helpdeskand contactexisting addressclearance forholders allcan vettingnow submit your enquiries isdirectly uksv-helpdesk@cabinetoffice.gov.ukto the UKSV Helpdesk via our web portal.

We arerecommend pleasedusing tothis confirmmethod that,as it will ensure the correct information is captured and categorised so that our teams can process it as ofquickly Juneas 19possible. 2023,However, if your enquiry type cannot be found on the form, you can still contact us by email. 

• The UKSV Helpdesk phonecontact serviceaddress isfor now open to all vetting applicantsenquiries andis sponsors.uksv-helpdesk@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.

  • The UKSV Helpdesk phone number is 0330 058 8290.

  • The phone lines are open Monday to Thursday from 9am8am to 5pm.5pm and on Fridays from 8am to 1pm.

  Please note thatour opening hours over the phoneChristmas linesand willNew beYear closedperiod onfrom FridaysFriday toDecember enable22.

  December

  Friday usDecember to22: focus9am - 1pm

  Monday 25: Closed, Bank Holiday

  Tuesday 26: Closed, Bank Holiday

  Wednesday 27: 9am - 1pm

  Thursday 28: 9am - 1pm

  Friday 29: 9am - 1pm

  January

  Monday January 1: Closed, Bank Holiday

  Tuesday 2: 9am-1pm. We will have reduced staffing on respondingthis promptlydate due  to the email-onlyScottish enquiryBank types,Holiday which- includeif Extensions,your Reinstatementenquiry requests,is Notificationnot ofurgent, clearancewe (securityrecommend certificate)you andcontact Priorityus NATOlater requests.in the week.

  Help us to help you

  The UKSV Helpdesk would like to help you with your query as quickly as possible. To help us do this, when contacting the UKSV Helpdesk please make sure you are prepared with all the necessary information:

  Sponsor

  If you are a Sponsor, please provide us with:

  • Your Sponsor ID. This is needed every time you need to contact us.
  • Subject’s full name.
  • Subject’s Date of Birth / Case ID

  Please note:

  • ASI / VSI information can only be discussed with registered Sponsors who have NSVS Sponsor accounts. If you have forgotten your Sponsor ID or if you have registered for an account but not received your Sponsor ID yet, please contact the UKSV Helpdesk. You will be asked a number of questions to establish your identity. Once your identity has been confirmed we will inform you of your Sponsor ID.

  • If you have not registered for an account please contact your authorising body or Departmental Security Officer: If you are MOD, a list of authorising bodies can be found on the Defence Net / UKSV Team site / Departmental Security Authorities link. Other government department sponsors should contact their DSO.

  Vetting Applicant

  If you are a Vetting Applicant please provide us with:

  • Your full legal name and Date Of Birth on all correspondence
  • Town of Birth
  • Case ID if known.

  Failure to pass the security questions will result in your request being refused.

  Without the above information the UKSV Helpdesk is unable to respond to queries received and this will delay responses to your queries.

  If you are calling in response to receiving a Reminder Email requesting urgent action - please fully check your Spam / Junk folders for the original request, before contacting the UKSV Helpdesk.

  Please note that a Change of Personal Circumstances (CPC) should now be submitted via the NSVS portal and not to the Helpdesk unless your organisation has alternative arrangements as set out in this guidance.

  Security Appraisal Forms (SAFs) should be submitted via the sponsor portal if possible, please refer to the guidance here.

  Please also note that the Helpdesk is also unable to view or reset PINs, Passwords or Usernames. This is a self-service function that will need to be done on the portal. If you are unable to log into the portal it is advisable to use ‘Forgotten Username’ before attempting to use ‘Forgotten Password’.

  Enquiries Process

  We would also like to remind you of the types of enquiries that should be directed to our other points of contact rather than the UKSV Helpdesk:

  Enquiry	Next Steps
  Vetting Status Information (VSI) requests	Please use VSI self-service and only contact the Helpdesk if this service does not provide the information you require.
  Subject Access Requests (SARs)	Please see Obtaining Personal Information Held By UKSV

  Complaints

  How to make a complaint to UKSV.