Guidance

Annex B: mandatory declaration

Updated 27 November 2025

The applicant is to read Sections 1-3 then sign the declaration in Section 4.

Section 1: Membership of Prohibited Organisations

The Home Office is committed to promoting and sustaining racial equality to avoid discrimination, ensuring those committed into its custody are treated with humanity and dignity.

Detention Services prohibit anyone working on Home Office contracts from being members of organisations or hold views in which it considers having racist or anarchic philosophies, has aims or policies which overtly campaign against Home Office’s policies including immigration controls.

In making an application for certification, you are required to declare in Section 4 that you are or have ever been a member of any such organisation (even where such organisation is defunct).

Organisations which are prohibited include but are not limited to English Defence League, English Democrats, British Patriots, Extinction Rebellion, Just Stop Oil, Republic, Palestine Action.

You are also required to declare whether you are affiliated with any such organisation. This includes attendance of any meetings, close relationship or friendship with anyone who is a member, donations provided, references on social media akin to support.

Affiliation with such an organisation does not automatically prohibit a person from being issued with certification. This information will be taken into consideration when assessing whether someone is a ‘fit and proper’ person.

Section 2: Official Secrets Act

The disclosure of information, documents or other articles relating to security or intelligence, defence or international relations is governed by the provisions of the Official Secrets Act 1989. If such articles come into my possession as a result of my employment as a government contractor or employee, I acknowledge the terms requiring it to be held in confidence. 

I understand that, knowing such information, documents or other articles are so protected against disclosure, I may be prosecuted for an offence under the Official Secrets Act should I disclose without lawful authority any or any part of such information, documents or other articles. I understand that on termination of my employment the declaration in Section 4 continues to apply.

Section 3: Professional Standards

Those working on Home Office contracts are expected to adhere to Professional Standards at all times whilst representing the Home Office. This is in addition to any standards and values expected from you by your employer.

I will:

• act in a professional manner, demonstrating respect and sensitivity in all dealings with others regardless of the circumstances you find yourself in, recognising that detained individuals will find the detention and returns process stressful. This will typically include interactions with detained individuals and their visitors, colleagues, Home Office staff and other corporate partners/members of the public.
• only use language and behaviour appropriate to a professional environment.
• protect the resilience of the immigration removal estate by reporting against any incident of wrongdoing or corruption, using published reporting methods.
• maintain professional boundaries as you develop dynamic and supportive relationships with detained individuals.
• use social media and private messaging applications appropriately, in accordance with your employer’s social media policy. This includes any views in contrast to or against Home Office policies and values.
• value diversity and act reasonably and proportionately always, considering individual needs, preferences and circumstances.
• dress according to company rules and standards and always wear your issued ID badge as issued by your employer and/or the Home Office.
• ensure that your behaviour does not bring your employer or the Home Office into disrepute. This includes your time off work as much as in work and includes the use of social media or other media platforms.
• direct any media or press related enquiries to the appropriate team within your company.
• adhere to your company and Home Office policies in their entirety, including around data confidentiality.
• adhere to all safety and security policies and procedures.
• follow all training and guidance provided by your company and the Home Office.
• co-operate fully with any reviews and investigations to establish facts, provide redress where things have gone wrong and to learn lessons for the future.

Section 4: Mandatory Declaration

I confirm that I have read and understood section 1 of this declaration, Membership of Prohibited Organisations:

Do you have membership, affiliation or strong views in contrast to Home Office policy to declare: Yes / No (delete as appropriate)

If yes, please state here:

I confirm that I have read and understood section 2 of this declaration, Official Secrets Act, and agree to the provisions of the Official Secrets Act:

I confirm that I have read and understood section 3 of this declaration, Professional Standards, and agree to uphold these standards as stated:

I confirm that the information I have submitted on the Vetting and Certification Request Form (VCRF) is true:

By signing below, I confirm the above has been completed by me and I understand that it is an offence to knowingly provide false information or make a dishonest declaration:

Signature:

Name (block capitals):

Date: