Speeding up security checks

Situation

Our customer provides a wide range of services to government departments who require their employees to be vetted with a Security Check (SC). The process for SC clearance was taking a month, hindered by a manual checking system. This meant they were losing staff and carrying gaps for too long.  They asked us whether we could help improve turnaround times.  

Solution

We included them in piloting a new, secure, web-based Security Check clearance system. We provided a brief overview of the system to the security officers who log in and set up files for new applicants to complete online. The new secure system is designed to reduce the errors during the application process, by introducing mandatory fields and pop-up menus to chose from a list of answers.  It also cross checks the information given by the applicant prior to the form's submission.

Impact

The new online system has reduced the work previously necessary to check that forms contained all the information required.  Previously between 15 and 20% of forms had to be returned for further information, but  the introduction of the new system has considerable reduced this. This means the company's security officers can now focus on the decision making process, looking at the information provided from the vetting results and making decisions, rather than focusing on administrative work. Their SC clearances are now turned round in less than a week instead of a month.