Vetting

The amended Police (Vetting) Regulations 2025 came into force on 13 July 2026. This authorised professional practice (APP) will be updated to reflect these amendments in due course. For any vetting matter relating to police candidates, police officers or special constables, these regulations must be consulted and applied. To the extent that there is any inconsistency between the Police (Vetting) Regulations 2025 and the Vetting APP, the regulations prevail and the regulations take precedence.

The College of Policing has worked with the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC), Home Office and other key stakeholders to revise authorised professional practice (APP).

The APP is designed to support the Vetting Code of Practice (2023).

The supporting materials, linked to from the appendices in the APP, provide comprehensive detail to support forces deliver an efficient and effective vetting process.

Note following the UK Supreme Court judgment in For Women Scotland v The Scottish Ministers. The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) provides the guidance for policing in this area. The NPCC is currently reviewing the guidance following the Supreme Court ruling, and will produce updates as soon as possible. In line with all other public sector organisations, the College of Policing will undertake a comprehensive review of all of our products, policies and practices, including this APP, to identify any required amendments.  

Supporting materials

• Annual integrity and vetting review (Appendix B)
• PND flagstone intelligence marker text template for adverse recruitment information (Appendix C)
• Supervisor appraisal (Appendix D)
• Transferee recruitment checklist (Appendix E)
• NPPV level 3 annual vetting notice template (Appendix G)
• Vetting decision record form (Appendix K)

You can find a full list of supporting materials in the Vetting APP appendices section.