Vetting Charter

• We will treat our vetting subjects, referees and stakeholders fairly, openly and with respect. Vetting subjects and referees may change their mind about taking part in the vetting process at any time
• Any information that is given to us will be treated in confidence**
• Vetting interviews will be carried out in private at a mutually agreed time and location
• If vetting subjects or referees prefer to be interviewed by a Vetting Officer of their own sex, age profile or ethnic group, we will try to accommodate their request
• Vetting subjects and referees may ask us to justify any questions that they feel are irrelevant or invade their privacy unduly without good reason
• We will offer vetting subjects the option of receiving a copy of the vetting interview, unless the organisation that requires the clearance has a different policy
• We will give customers, stakeholders and interviewees the chance to provide feedback about our service and the vetting process and advise them how to complain should they wish to do so
• If we refuse a vetting clearance we will tell the vetting subject what actions are available to them

** All personal information gathered during the vetting process is handled in the strictest confidence by DBS NSV. In a very small number of cases, where serious risks have been identified, we may discuss the case with the relevant security and personnel authorities. In a few cases, and with the permission of the person being vetted, line management may be given some relevant information and be asked to help manage the risk. There is an extremely remote possibility of disclosure of vetting information in connection with criminal or civil proceedings. If you have any concerns about confidentiality, please contact us for advice.