What to Ask Your Security Clearance Sponsor - Essential Checklist

Before You Commit: Critical Questions to Protect Your Investment

Choosing a security clearance sponsor is one of the most important decisions in your career. The wrong choice can cost you thousands in failed applications, project delays, and compliance issues. Use this checklist to evaluate potential sponsors and protect your professional future.

📋 Compliance & Legal Protection

AGSVA & DISP Compliance

• Are you a current DISP member? (Ask what level of membership you hold)
• When did you receive your current DISP membership?
• Do you comply with all PSPF (Protective Security Policy Framework) mandates without exception?
• How do you ensure ongoing PSPF compliance throughout the sponsorship period?
• Do you conduct mandatory Employment Screening Checks (ESC) as required by AGSVA?
• What is your ESC process and who conducts the screening?
• Do you use accredited screening providers or internal processes?
• What level of screening do you conduct (100-point ID, police checks, employment verification)?
• How do you handle adverse findings during pre-screening?
• Do you report adverse ESC findings to AGSVA before sponsoring?
• What's your process for reporting security incidents to AGSVA?
• Do you provide annual security awareness training to clearance holders?
• How do you monitor and report changes in clearance holders' circumstances?

Legal Framework

• Do you provide formal contracts or just invoices?
• Do you carry professional indemnity insurance?
• What happens if you lose DISP membership while sponsoring my clearance?
• Can I transfer my clearance to another sponsor if needed?
• What support do you provide if AGSVA requests a review or appeals process?

💰 Pricing & Fee Structure

Total Cost Transparency

• What is the total cost breakdown (application + annual + AGSVA fees)?
• Are there any hidden fees or additional charges?
• When are payments due?
• Do you offer payment plans?
• What fee increases can I expect in future years?

Red Flag Pricing Questions

• How can you justify annual fees under $500? (Compliance costs alone exceed this)
• If your fees are significantly lower than competitors, what services are you cutting?
• Do you cross-subsidise clearance sponsorship from other business activities?

🎯 Service Quality & Support

Application Process

• What's your clearance application success rate?
• How do you prepare applications to maximise approval chances?
• Do you review all documentation before AGSVA submission?
• What support do you provide if AGSVA requests additional information?
• Can you request AGSVA review the decision if clearance is denied?
• Do you provide support during any appeals process?

Ongoing Support

• Who is my designated security officer point of contact?
• Is your security officer always available for urgent compliance questions?
• Do you provide human support or just automated systems?
• What are your response times for urgent clearance matters?
• How do you handle after-hours or emergency clearance issues?
• Do you provide guidance on maintaining clearance compliance throughout the lifecycle?
• What support do you provide for overseas travel reporting requirements?
• How do you help with financial disclosure and circumstance change reporting?

⚠️ Risk Management

Compliance Monitoring

• How do you ensure I remain compliant with clearance obligations throughout the lifecycle?
• What's your process for overseas travel reporting to AGSVA?
• How do I report financial changes, relationship changes, or other circumstances?
• Do you proactively remind me of reporting obligations and deadlines?
• What ongoing governance do you provide throughout my clearance period?
• How do you help with annual declarations and renewals?
• Do you proactively monitor for compliance issues?
• What's your process for handling security incidents during clearance lifecycle?

Business Continuity

• What happens to my clearance if your company ceases operations?
• Do you have succession planning for key personnel?
• How do you handle staff turnover in security roles?
• What backup systems do you have for critical processes?

📊 Track Record & References

Experience & Credentials

• How long have you been sponsoring security clearances?
• How many active clearance holders do you currently sponsor?
• What's your average processing time for different clearance levels?
• Can you provide references from current clearance holders?

Regulatory Standing

• Have you ever had DISP membership suspended or revoked?
• Any regulatory penalties or compliance issues in the past 3 years?
• Do you have current AGSVA recognition and good standing?

🚩 Warning Signs to Avoid

Immediate Red Flags

• No formal contracts - only invoices or basic agreements
• Extremely low annual fees (under $800) that can't cover compliance costs
• Pressure to sign immediately without time to review terms
• Vague answers about compliance processes or legal obligations
• No current DISP membership or inability to provide proof
• Automated-only support with no human contact available

Pricing Red Flags

• Annual fees under $500 (impossible to deliver proper compliance)
• No breakdown of what services are included
• Unclear payment terms or unusual fee structures
• No mention of AGSVA fees in total cost calculations

Service Red Flags

• Cannot provide success rates or performance metrics
• No dedicated security officer or qualified staff
• Unwilling to provide references from current clients
• Evasive about compliance processes or regulatory obligations
• No proper Employment Screening Check process or uses unaccredited providers
• Skips ESC requirements to reduce costs and speed up applications
• No ongoing governance or lifecycle support after clearance granted
• Unclear overseas travel reporting process or requirements
• No proactive compliance monitoring throughout clearance period
• Vague about PSPF compliance or treats it as optional rather than mandatory

✅ Questions for Top-Tier Sponsors

Professional Standards

• How do you exceed minimum AGSVA compliance requirements?
• What additional value do you provide beyond basic sponsorship?
• Do you have qualified security officers with current clearances?
• How do you stay current with regulatory changes?
• What ongoing governance do you provide throughout the clearance lifecycle?
• What's your approach to continuous improvement?

Client Relationship

• How do you communicate regulatory updates to clearance holders?
• What career guidance do you provide to cleared professionals?
• Do you offer networking opportunities with other clearance holders?
• How do you handle client feedback and service improvements?

💡 Pro Tips for Evaluation

Due Diligence Steps

1. Request written responses to key questions - verbal promises aren't binding
2. Ask detailed questions about DISP membership and compliance processes
3. Check business registration and financial standing
4. Speak to current clients if references are provided
5. Compare total 3-year costs not just year-one pricing

Decision Framework

• Compliance First: Choose sponsors who prioritise regulatory compliance
• Sustainable Pricing: Avoid unrealistically low fees that indicate corner-cutting
• Professional Service: Select providers with dedicated security expertise
• Long-term Partnership: Consider ongoing relationship quality, not just initial costs

The Bottom Line

Your security clearance is the foundation of your career in defence and government sectors. Don't risk it with sponsors who cut corners to offer unsustainably low prices. The questions in this guide will help you identify professional sponsors who prioritise compliance and long-term success over quick profits.

Remember: the cheapest option often becomes the most expensive when clearances fail, projects are delayed, and compliance issues arise. Choose a sponsor who protects your investment and your future.

Need help evaluating security clearance sponsors or want to learn more about the application process? Contact AusClear for expert guidance and professional sponsorship services.