Vetting guidance – have your say

We're asking for feedback on an updated vetting Code of Practice that all forces must follow when recruiting police officers and staff. The updates are to improve the standards and consistency of police vetting, and to support forces to spot unacceptable behaviour before people enter policing and during their service.

What's changed

The purpose of vetting is to uncover possible risks to public safety or national security. It is used during the recruitment process for all police officers and staff, and usually involves a series of background checks. These checks are carried out by teams in police forces and can look at things such as previous convictions, employment history, relationships, social media use and financial history.

The updated Code of Practice:

• sets and defines the standards expected in police vetting practices
• guides and supports the decision-making of those working in vetting

How the Code of Practice is used

The Code of Practice will serve as a statutory piece of guidance. This means those who use the guidance in their day-to-day roles need to be aware of and comply with it. This includes chief constables who hold overall responsibility within their force, as well as vetting and professional standards teams. It will be admissible in a court of law and in disciplinary proceedings. 

The Code should provide chief officers with clear expectations and guidance on how to improve the standards and consistency of police vetting.

Have your say 

The consultation closes on Tuesday 21 March at 11:59pm.

We would like to hear from all ranks, grades and roles across policing, and from members of the public.