What does NSV mean in UNCLASSIFIED

National Security Vetting (NSV) is a form of background and security checking used by UK Government organisations. It is used to determine if an individual should be given access to classified information or other sensitive resources.

NSV checks are usually carried out, on behalf of the Secretary of State for Defence, by appropriately qualified personnel approved by the Security Service (MI5). The process involves a thorough examination of an individual's background, life history and character references, as well as interviews and polygraph tests if necessary.

NSV checks are typically performed by personnel approved by MI5 for this purpose, who have been suitably trained in assessing potential threats posed by individuals seeking access to official secrets.

During vetting, an individual's background, life history and character references will be examined in order to evaluate whether they would pose any risk when accessing official secrets. Polygraph tests may also be administered as part of the assessment process.

Not everyone who works with confidential information will require a National Security Vetting check; it depends on the particular security classification level required and the nature of the role being undertaken. However, having an NSV enables better protection for all those involved in dealing with high-security documents and sensitive areas.