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The UK Government Speeds Up Accreditation Checks
In the wake of the delays at UK Airports this summer, the UK Government have stepped in.
The British government are stepping in to try and ease the well-documented delays at UK airports which are being caused in part by staff shortages.
Statistic show mandatory aviation sector national security checks are being processed in record time, as the industry works to rapidly fill vacancies in the face of heightened demands for flights this summer.
The government has introduced a range of measures to help process security checks as quickly as possible, resulting in around 97% of Accreditation Checks being completed in around 5 days on average.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: "These statistics demonstrate how the government is doing its bit to help deliver for passengers; now the industry must fulfil its responsibilities... Building on our 22-point plan to help the industry minimize disruption, we will continue to do everything in our power to ensure this summer is a great success for the British public.”
Other measures being introduced to speed up the onboarding process include providing extra flexibility for employers to begin training new staff on certain modules while their background checks are ongoing, and permitting HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) employment history letters to be used as suitable forms of reference check. To support this, the government will also lean on the Aviation Skills Retention Platform to help develop and hold on to UK workers.
What are accreditation checks?
You can help more about accreditation checks here. In short, enhanced background checks are a mandatory regulation in order to obtain Airside passes at UK airports. Enhanced background checks include a standard background check, plus an Accreditation check performed by the UK Government, and must be conducted on anyone going airside unescorted at a UK airport. What is included in an Enhanced Background Check? Enhanced background checks combine:
A standard background check which comprises of:
5 year references and employment history check
Basic criminal record checks
Identity check
An Accreditation check (AC Check), which is undertaken by the UK Government
How can I complete these checks?
You must complete a background check, Identity check and Aviation Security training (GSAT) by collecting references, applying for criminal record checks and conducting Avsec training. But this can be time and labour intensive.
Alternatively, you could use an online background checking tool such as VettingGateway. Brought to by the experts at IDGateway, VettingGateway is an easy-to-use platform that uses automated tools to allow you to complete the required background checks all from one online platform. These comprise a 5 year employment check, Criminal record check and Identity check. For more information on how VettingGateway can help click here. Or you can sign up for your free starter licence by clicking here.
Once complete, a seamless integration with AirportGateway allows you to continue the process. AirportGateway then makes an application for an Accreditation check directly to the UK Government, using our automated solution that gives you total visibility on the status of your application for an Accreditation check.
IDGateway are the only company who offer an end-to-end solution for enhanced background checks. So get in contact with our team today who can support your requirements.
