Conference Description
Key Takeaways
- Specialist careers fair exclusively for professionals holding UK security clearances (DV, SC, CTC, NATO, NPPV)
- Focus on intelligence, defence, and cyber security sector recruitment
- Access to roles not typically advertised through public channels
- Direct networking with hiring managers and recruitment specialists from the Cheltenham and South West region
- Dedicated support for veterans and police personnel transitioning to civilian careers
- Co-located with Cyber Security Expo, Police Resettlement Expo, and Veteran UK
Introduction
The Security Cleared Expo Cheltenham brings together security-cleared professionals and employers operating within the UK’s intelligence, defence, and cyber security sectors. Held at Cheltenham Racecourse—a venue with strong associations to the UK intelligence community—the event serves as a dedicated recruitment platform for individuals holding active government security clearances. With persistent skills shortages across national security functions and increasing demand for cleared personnel in both public and private sectors, the expo addresses a critical gap in how sensitive roles are filled.
About This Event
The Security Cleared Expo Cheltenham functions as a specialist careers fair connecting job seekers who hold UK security clearances with organisations actively recruiting for cleared positions. The event accommodates holders of Developed Vetting (DV), Security Check (SC), Counter Terrorist Check (CTC), NATO clearance, and Non-Police Personnel Vetting (NPPV) credentials.
Unlike conventional job fairs, this expo provides access to vacancies that are frequently not advertised through standard recruitment channels. Many positions within intelligence and defence require pre-existing clearance, making traditional job boards impractical for both employers and candidates. The event circumvents this limitation by creating a secure environment where cleared professionals can engage directly with hiring managers and recruitment agencies.
Intelligence and Defence Recruitment Challenges
Recruiting for security-cleared positions presents distinct challenges that differ substantially from mainstream employment markets. The vetting process for UK government clearances can take months, creating a limited pool of immediately deployable candidates. Organisations supporting national security operations—whether government agencies, defence contractors, or private sector firms—compete intensively for this constrained talent pool.
The inability to advertise many cleared roles publicly compounds these difficulties. Sensitive positions often cannot be posted on conventional job platforms due to operational security considerations, leaving both employers and candidates with limited visibility into available opportunities. Events such as the Security Cleared Expo provide a practical solution by facilitating face-to-face introductions within a controlled setting.
Career Pathways for Veterans and Police Personnel
The expo places particular emphasis on supporting career transitions for military veterans and police personnel. Individuals leaving the armed forces or police service frequently hold active security clearances and possess skills directly transferable to intelligence and cyber security roles. However, navigating the civilian job market can prove challenging without established networks in the private sector.
The co-location of the Security Cleared Expo with the Police Resettlement Expo and Veteran UK reflects this focus on transition support. These parallel events create a comprehensive environment where service leavers can explore opportunities across multiple sectors while leveraging their existing clearances and operational experience.
Exhibitors and Sponsors
The event attracts employers from across the intelligence and defence landscape. Gold sponsors include Amentum and Counter Terrorism Policing, while AWE serves as Theatre Sponsor. The presence of these organisations indicates the calibre of employers actively seeking cleared talent through the expo.
The co-location with the Cyber Security Expo further extends the range of opportunities available, reflecting the increasing convergence between traditional intelligence work and cyber security operations. As threat landscapes evolve, organisations increasingly require personnel who can operate across both domains.
Who Should Attend
The Security Cleared Expo Cheltenham is designed for professionals holding active UK security clearances who are seeking new opportunities or considering career changes within the intelligence, defence, and cyber security sectors. Typical attendees include intelligence analysts, cyber security specialists, engineers, project managers, and IT professionals. The event also serves those currently employed by government departments, defence contractors, or intelligence agencies who wish to explore alternative positions within the cleared employment market.
Beyond individual job seekers, the expo provides value for hiring managers and recruitment professionals seeking to connect with pre-vetted candidates in a competitive talent market.