Introduction
The Vetted Professionals Register exists to make professional trust visible, verifiable, and transparent.
Professionals listed on the Register are not approved through self-declaration or marketing claims. They are admitted through a structured vetting framework designed to distinguish between trustworthiness, legitimate professional standing, and demonstrated professional capability.
This page explains how vetting on the Register works and what each level of verification means.
Verification Areas
Verification on the Register is structured around three independent areas.
Each area serves a distinct purpose and is assessed separately to ensure clarity, fairness, and credibility.
Character and Conduct
This assessment relates to trust, integrity, and safe behaviour.
It confirms, based on direct personal knowledge, that the individual is known to be:
- honest and reliable
- respectful and safe in conduct
- consistent in keeping agreements
- free from known safeguarding concerns
Character and conduct approval focuses on who the person is, not on their technical skills.
Character and conduct approval is mandatory for any listing on the Register.
Professional Standing
This assessment confirms that the individual operates legitimately within their profession.
Depending on the professional category, this may include verification of:
- appropriate professional insurance
- correct registration or licensing where required
- self-employed status or employment through a recognised organisation
- lawful operation within the stated jurisdiction
Professional standing verification confirms that the professional is operating properly and responsibly from a legal and organisational perspective.
Professional standing verification is mandatory for any listing on the Register.
Professional Capability
This assessment relates to skill, quality of work, and practical competence within the stated professional category.
Professional capability is assessed through independent professional endorsement, based on:
- direct knowledge of the individual’s work
- observed outcomes and performance
- relevant professional experience
In some cases, sufficient independent professional insight may not yet be available. This may occur, for example, when a person is well known and trusted personally, but there is not yet adequate professional feedback within the Register.
In such situations, professional capability endorsement may remain pending without preventing a transparent and limited listing.
The Register does not assume capability where it has not been independently assessed.
Mandatory vs Endorsed Elements
To be listed on the Vetted Professionals Register, a professional must have:
- Character and conduct approved
- Professional standing verified
These two elements are non-negotiable and apply to every listing.
Professional Capability Endorsement
Professional capability endorsement:
- strengthens a listing
- increases public confidence
- provides additional assurance regarding skill and competence
However, it is granted only once sufficient independent professional insight is available.
The Register deliberately separates trust and legitimacy from capability, so that no claim is made where evidence is incomplete.
Important Clarification
Inclusion on the Register does not replace statutory licensing, regulatory oversight, or legal obligations.
Where a profession requires registration with a statutory or regulatory body, professionals are expected to comply with those requirements independently of the Register.