Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the efficiency of the Foreign Office's vetting process for new employees; and what is the average time a successful applicant has to wait before they can start their duties.

Most new employees are cleared within 60 working days if they require Developed Vetting clearance, or 18 days if they require Security Checked clearance. Occasionally additional checks are required which may take longer. All Foreign and Commonwealth Office vetting is conducted in accordance with the requirements and standards set by the Cabinet Office.