Professor Anthony Glees Dr Julian Richards University of ... - PCG

containing an inherent conflict of interest between contractor and agency.Markets are composed of human beings, and human beings are subject to hardnosedcommercial drivers and realities. Indeed, it would not always be counterintuitivefor an agency to think that someone with a pre-existing clearance wouldbe their best bet. The trouble with this is only too obvious -- that to act in thisway is contrary to the guidelines and disadvantages many contractors.For these reasons and because the introduction of the Cerberus scheme whichhas definitively marked a new chapter in the process of obtaining securityclearances, we believe the time is now ripe for an intensive and sustainedprogramme of education and awareness building, both within the industry and(because we are talking here of the national interest) outside of it. We feel itshould involve Parliament, the representatives of the people but also the mediaand anyone with a legitimate concern with national security policy. The aimshould be the provision of a level playing field to sustain value for moneyobjectives and the provision of the best people who have the best match of skillsto undertake the work that is so vitally necessary.We also believe that if the Cabinet Office or the Office of Government Commercecurrently lack the resources to provide a regulatory regime, then this issomething that government must rectify if the problem cannot be resolved byother means. There is little sense in the government spending money onreforming the systems and processes that are meant to deliver our nationalsecurity guidelines if there are then not the means to ensure the guidelines arebeing fully and effectively followed.The ancient Greeks believed that Cerberus, the name given to the DVA‟s newcomputer system for processing clearances was literally a hound from hell. Histask was to guard the gates of Hades and prevent those condemned to theUnderworld from trying to re-enter the world of light and life. This new electronicCerberus is part of a more complex task. Yes, it is to keep out of sensitive sitesthose who cannot be trusted with our national secrets and security. But it has25