Vetting Officer

The Aviation Security (AvSec) team plays a crucial role in keeping aviation safe and secure, helping to develop security policy, monitoring compliance with regulatory requirements and promoting continuous improvement., The purpose of the Vetting Officer role within the Aviation Security team is to assist with processing vetting applications. Vetting Officers are required to undertake work at all stages of the vetting process and the successful candidates will be required to analyse and interpret complex and sensitive information relating to individuals in the aviation industry.

When working on more complex cases the vetting officers will be responsible for conducting a thorough investigation of all available information about an individual. This will include using their specialist knowledge, training and a wide range of tools, IT systems and research techniques to critically analyse information relating to an individual and assess whether clearance should be granted. In most cases the vetting officer will be solely responsible for taking the decision on whether clearance should be granted or refused and in all cases clear and comprehensive reports of the work undertaken and the decisions reached will need to be maintained. Full on the job training will be provided to the successful applicants.

The role holder will be required to interact with a number of different stakeholders and teams at all levels. This will be both within the CAA and our partner organisation's office. They will have to be able to work closely with other members of the CAA Vetting team, UKSV, and other partners involved in the security vetting process. As such they will be required to develop and maintain effective working relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.

This is a critical role which can have a direct and significant impact on aviation security and the recruitment times for aviation industry employees at all levels.

Core Accountabilities

• Review aviation related applications for NSV clearance and decide whether clearance can be granted using various IT systems, specialist knowledge and research techniques, escalating to the vetting team leader where appropriate


• Conduct investigations, critically analyses information from a variety of sources, build a case and ultimately make appropriate recommendations or take appropriate decisions on individual cases


• Undertake other AvSec related work and projects as required, As with many appointments within the CAA, these roles require access to operationally sensitive infrastructure and/or Nationally Protected information. For these roles the post holders must undergo National Security Vetting and achieve the appropriate level of clearance.


The successful candidates will need to achieve a DV clearance and meet additional requirements outlined by our Partner Organisations. DV clearances can take up to 9 months to complete and therefore we encourage our candidates to wait until CAA has confirmed successful completion of all required pre-employment checks before they submit notice with any employers.

In the unfortunate event where CAA is not able to sponsor candidates' security clearance, the candidate will be notified of the decision in writing, but no further information will be provided.

To be eligible for this screening you will need to be a British Citizen and have lived in the UK for at least 10 years. Any time spent overseas must also be accounted for.

Please note: To hold and maintain a DV clearance post holders are prohibited from using or possessing illegal drugs.

As part of onboarding, applicants will be required to fully declare any previous use of illegal drugs and will have to take part in testing. Failure to adhere to these requirements may result in applicants being withdrawn from the process.

This role will be office based in central London. Subject to work requirements colleagues may benefit from up to 2 days per week working from home once the initial training and probationary period has been completed.


• Ability to analyse and interpret complex information from various sources


• A good working knowledge of standard IT packages (Word, Excel, Outlook) and able to work efficiently in a paperless environment


• Ability to communicate with people at all levels of the organisation


• Available to work from a Central London office at least 3-4 days a week


• Previous experience or understanding of data protection principles would be beneficial but not essential


• Aviation industry experience would be beneficial but not essential


• Security vetting experience would be beneficial but not essential


• Some experience in report writing would be beneficial but not essential


What Can We Offer You?

You'll be problem solving alongside a great team and will benefit from a supportive working environment. We build a friendly atmosphere and have a genuine skills diversity across our team (technical experts, regulatory experts, training specialists, auditors). We'll assist you in being able to take pride in producing your best work.

In everything we do, we blend a passion for protecting the public through proportionate regulations and independent advice to the Department for Transport. We are proud to challenge conventional thinking and bring excellent service to deliver the best outcomes for aviation security.

The CAA values high ethical standards and personal integrity among employees. If invited for interview you will be asked to complete a declaration of interest.

Working With Us

We offer a range of excellent benefits such as flexible working arrangements, free onsite gym at Gatwick, discounted gym membership for London, 28 days annual leave, additional 5 days leave purchase scheme, a generous pension scheme and much more!

We are on a journey towards being increasingly adaptable, where our colleagues collaborate as part of cross-functional teams. This approach ensures we never stop learning together. It also means that you may become involved in activities that take you out of your day-to-day role, providing you with opportunities to develop and grow your career with us.