Regulation 15 Vetting severity assessmentI1

England and Wales

F1(A1)

Before proceeding in accordance with paragraph (1), the vetting authority must carry out a criminal history check in respect of the officer concerned, unless it has already done so in connection with the matter.

(1)

The vetting authority must assess whether the matter could reasonably lead to vetting clearance being withdrawn (“the vetting severity assessment”).

(2)

Where the vetting authority assesses that the matter could not reasonably lead to vetting clearance being withdrawn, it must assess whether—

(a)

the matter should be referred to be dealt with under—

(i)

the Conduct Regulations,

(ii)

the Performance Regulations, or

(iii)

Part 2 of the 2002 Act, or

(b)

it should take no further action.

(3)

Where the vetting authority is a chief officer of police, the vetting authority must consult—

(a)

any person to whom functions under regulation 14 (severity assessment) of the Conduct Regulations have been delegated before making an assessment in terms of paragraph (2)(a)(i) or (iii), and

(b)

the line manager of the officer concerned before making an assessment in terms of paragraph (2)(a)(ii).

(4)

Subject to regulation 12, where the vetting authority assesses that the matter could reasonably lead to vetting clearance being withdrawn, there must be a withdrawal assessment.

(5)

At any time prior to receiving a written report under regulation 23(1), the vetting authority may revise its vetting severity assessment under this regulation if it considers it appropriate to do so.

(6)

Where the vetting authority decides under this regulation to take no further action or to refer the matter to be dealt with under the Conduct Regulations, the Performance Regulations or Part 2 of the 2002 Act, it must so notify the officer concerned in writing as soon as practicable.

Annotations

Textual amendments

F1: Reg. 15(A1) inserted (13.7.2026) by The Police (Conduct and Vetting etc.) (Amendment) Regulations 2026 (S.I. 2026/653), regs. 1(1), 21 (with reg. 28)

Commencement

I1: Reg. 15 in force at 14.5.2025, see reg. 1(1)