Vetting is an integral part of a police force’s framework of ethics and professional standards. It assists with identifying individuals who are unsuitable to work within the police service, or to have access to police assets. This includes people who are unsuitable through criminal activity or association, those who have a demonstrable lack of honesty or whose previous behaviour has been inconsistent with the Code of Ethics, and those who are financially vulnerable. The vetting process requires checks to be carried out on the applicant and close family members.
The Vetting form asks questions about you and your family, and it is important that the information that you provide is complete, accurate and current to the best of your knowledge and belief. The Vetting Code states that applicants who deliberately fail to declare a relevant matter should be refused clearance at this stage on the grounds of integrity.
The West Yorkshire Mayor is responsible for the totality of Policing across the West Yorkshire Region and has been duly elected to hold the Chief Constable and the Police Force to account for the provision of an effective and efficient police service. In order for the Mayor to carry out all their duties, some of their policing responsibilities, which will require access to Police sensitive information, may be delegated to other individuals working within West Yorkshire Combined Authority, and to a Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime.
Members of the public expect the police and those that govern them to demonstrate the highest standards of professional conduct, honesty, and integrity and this is extended to those people who work alongside them. It is a requirement of the police rules that their service providers be appropriately vetted before they are granted access to Police restricted information or data.
Vetting provides a degree of assurance as to the integrity, reliability, and trustworthiness of those who provide support to the Mayor and the Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime. Individuals working in the identified roles will be subject to non-police personal vetting (NPPV) checks at the appropriate level for the role.
NPPV Level 1 – Personnel who do not require access to classified materials, for example Volunteers
NPPV Level 2 (abbreviated) – Access to police material (OFFICIAL – SENSITIVE) but no systems Access
NPPV Level 2 (full) – Access to police material (OFFICIAL – SENSITIVE WITH OCCASIONAL ACCESS TO SECRET) and police systems/premises
NPPV Level 3 – Access to classified police material or information up to SECRET with occasional access to TOP SECRET
National Security Levels SC and DV – Security Clearance and Developed Vetting will allow access to TOP SECRET
A vital part of the vetting process is that the identity of the person undergoing vetting is verified. If you are successful in being invited for interview, you will be required to bring the original versions of the following ID:
A full 10-year current British (or EEA) Passport and a British Driving licence must be produced, if held. The paper copy of the Driving licence, showing the ‘endorsements section’ must also be produced.
Where a passport is not held, at least two of the following must be produced:
British driving licence
Full birth certificate (issued within 6 weeks of birth)
P45
Cheque book and bank card with three statements and proof of signature
Credit card with three statements and proof of signature
Proof of residence will be by way of two current utility bills
Should the original ID not be produced at interview this will lead to delays in the appointment process.
Applicants should be aware that it is not possible to make meaningful vetting enquiries in many jurisdictions outside the UK. Vetting clearance cannot therefore be granted if the applicant has not been resident in the UK for the relevant minimum period and comparable vetting enquiries cannot be made in jurisdictions where the individual has been residing.
The relevant periods are three years for NPPV 1&2 and five years for NPPV3.
Candidate brings original versions of required ID to interview (as stated in the invite to interview)
The recruiting manager (or nominated colleague) will check and verify the original ID before taking a copy and signing it when the candidate arrives for interview
The recruiting manager will send the signed copies of the successful candidates’ ID to HR
HR will complete the relevant form and submit this to the Force Vetting Unit along with the copies of the ID
Force Vetting Unit will contact the successful candidate directly and send them a link to commence the Vetting process online. Guidance will be provided to ensure that they only complete the information required at the appropriate level
Force Vetting Unit will undertake the check and the high-level outcome (clearance given or not and the expiry date) will be sent to the HR team who will then communicate this with the candidate and the recruiting manager to then continue the onboarding process
Levels and Checking Criteria
Checks Required (On applicant only):
Police National Computer (PNC)
Local intelligence and other non-conviction databases including counter terrorism
Police National Database (PND) and other Force checks
Ministry of Defence (MOD) checks where relevant
A Criminal Records Office (ACRO) where appropriate
Access Level: NPPV Level 1 does not allow access to classified material
Non-police personnel with no systems access
Checks Required (On applicant, partner and co-residents aged 10 years and over):
Police National Computer (PNC)
Local intelligence
Police National Database (PND) and other Force checks including Counter Terrorism Unit
Plus applicant only:
Ministry of Defence (MOD) checks where relevant
Professional Standards checks (as required)
Counter Terrorists Checks (CTC) may be applied where appropriate
A Criminal Records Office (ACRO) where appropriate
Access Level: Allows access to police material up to OFFICIAL – SENSITIVE either on police premises or by remote access. No systems access
Non police personnel with unsupervised access to police systems and premises.
Checks Required (On applicant, partner, all family members, and co-residents aged 10 years and over):
Police National Computer (PNC)
Local intelligence Checks
Police National Database (PND) and other Force checks
Counter Terrorism Unit
Plus applicant only:
Voters’ Records
Ministry of Defence (MOD) checks where relevant
Professional Standards checks (as required)
Credit Reference check
Counter Terrorists Checks (CTC) may be applied where appropriate
A Criminal Records Office (ACRO) where appropriate
Access Level: Access to classified police material and information up to OFFICIAL – SENSITIVE and occasional access to SECRET
Non police personnel with unsupervised access to police systems and premises including those working in areas where the police roles have been identified as Management Vetted posts.
Checks Required (On applicant, partner, all family members, and co-residents aged 10 years and over):
Police National Computer (PNC)
Local intelligence
Police National Database (PND) and other Force checks including Counter Terrorism Unit
Voters’ Records
Ministry of Defence (MOD) checks where relevant
Professional Standards checks (as required)
Full financial checks on applicant
Counter Terrorists Checks (CTC) may be applied where appropriate
A Criminal Records Office (ACRO) where appropriate
Security Check (SC) and Developed Vetting (DV) may be applied where appropriate
Access Level: NPPV Level 3 allows access to classified police material and information up to OFFICIAL – SENSITIVE and occasional access to SECRET
