Screenings
Security Screenings
VDSM is charged with executing security screenings on individuals who will hold positions of confidentiality. A Declaration of no Objection by VDSM is required to qualify for such a position. Depending on the type of position of confidentiality the security screening is classified as level A, B or C. Level A screening can be regarded as the most comprehensive. Access to confidential information and susceptibility to bribery and/or blackmail are important considerations in security screening. Therefore, the screening also extends into the private lives of individuals and is a very in-depth process. More information on security screenings can be found in our brochures under the Publications menu.
Positions of Confidentiality
Positions of Confidentiality are positions in the public and private sectors that are deemed vulnerable and require security screening by VDSM, to ensure individuals placed in these positions do not pose a threat to national security. These may be, for example, positions where access is given to confidential information, or access is given to a secure area.
These positions are regulated by law and anchored in the National Decree on Designating Positions of Confidentiality and the Execution of Security Screenings. One must realize that security screening should be the culmination of a coherent package of measures. This means that a position can only be designated as such after reasonable efforts have been undertaken by the employer to minimize security risks. If there are residual risks after such efforts have been made, the position can be considered one of confidentiality. Individuals who hold or desire to hold such a position are or will be tasked with special responsibilities and must therefore meet strict requirements regarding reliability, trustworthiness and integrity. The purpose of security screening is to help guarantee that these requirements are met.
The Process
1. Position of Confidentiality![]() |
2. Provide information![]() |
3. Gather needed information![]() |
4. Check, sign & send in documents![]() |
5. Start of security screening![]() |
6. Plan for interviews![]() |
7. Aim of the screening![]() |
8. Outcome of the screening![]() |
9. Intent of denial![]() |
10. Objecting to the Intent![]() |
11. Appealing the decision![]() |
12. Final decision![]() |
Digital Forms
The digital forms below are in PDF format. You must first save/download the form before you can open it. Right click on the desired link and select "save link/target as". Save the form and then you can open it.
Employer Application Form | Download |
A Level Questionnaire | Download |
B Level Questionnaire | Download |
C Level Questionnaire | Download |
Suggestions for filling in the forms with Adobe
To fill in the forms, it is required to use Adobe Reader. If you do not have Adobe installed on your computer, first download the software from www.adobe.com.
If you already have Adobe installed, follow the next steps:
- Select the relevant form to download it.
- Open Adobe Reader
- Choose ‘File’ and then ‘Open’.
- Browse to where your file was downloaded (usually the downloads folder)
- Click with your downloaded file and select open.
Apple users, follow these instructions
If you are using apple hardware, like for instance a Macbook and you’re in use of more information/ support. Follow these steps.
- Make sure Adobe Reader is installed on your machine ( if needed you can download the app from the appstore).
- Start Adobe Reader and open a .pdf file
- If the following message is displayed “Adobe Reader is not your default application to open .pdf files” Answer the questions stated with ‘YES’ to make Adobe Reader your default .pdf file reader.
If you follow these steps, all .pdf files should be opened with Adobe Reader instead of the Safari browser.
Screening of Candidate Ministers
After a parliamentary election, VDSM together with the Attorney General is responsible for providing information to the 'formateur' (individual authorized with the formation of the new government) in preparation of his/her advice to the Governor regarding the appointment of candidate ministers. This is regulated in the Appointment Decree of May 22, 2013, no LB-13/0442. This procedure is also applied if a minister is prematurely replaced. The information will in that case be provided to the Prime Minister.
During the screening process VDSM verifies the provided information of candidate ministers with information within its databases. This is in order to ascertain that there are no issues regarding the integrity or reliability of the prospective ministers that may consequently jeopardize the government. Based on the results received from VDSM and the Attorney General, the relevant authorities decide whether or not the candidate is eligible for the position of minister.