Trust & Safety

How we vet every nanny on Nannvo

Before any nanny can connect with a family, they pass our full vetting process - no shortcuts, no unverified profiles. Here is exactly what we check and why it matters for your children.

Enhanced DBS Identity & right to work 2+ references Suitability interview PL insurance
6 mandatory checks
0 unverified profiles
100% vetted before matching
Last updated: June 2026

Our promise to families

No nanny is introduced on Nannvo until they have passed every step below. If any check fails, they do not join the platform - no exceptions, no workarounds.

The 6-step vetting process

Every applicant - new or returning - goes through the same rigorous checks before they can connect with families.

Application & experience review

We review each application for minimum professional childcare experience (typically 1–2 years as a nanny, nursery worker, or similar role). We assess CV history, qualifications, and availability before document checks.

For your family: only experienced nannies reach the next stage.

Enhanced DBS certificate (PVG in Scotland)

Every nanny must hold a current Enhanced DBS certificate - the highest UK criminal background screening for roles involving children, via the Disclosure and Barring Service. We verify it is genuine, in date, and matches the applicant.

Applicants in Scotland must hold valid PVG Scheme membership instead.

For your family: the same check level used by schools and registered childcare settings.

Identity & right to work verification

We verify government-issued photo ID, proof of address where required, and legal right to work in the UK. It is illegal to employ someone without this - and we do not skip it.

For your family: confidence the person in your home is who they say they are.

Professional reference checks

A minimum of two professional references who can speak to childcare experience. We contact referees personally - not just by automated email - to confirm employment history, reliability, and suitability.

For your family: independent confirmation from people who have seen them care for children.

Suitability interview

Every nanny completes an interview with a Nannvo team member. We assess childcare experience, child safety approach, communication, and safeguarding awareness. Paediatric First Aid is highlighted on profiles where held.

For your family: a human assessment beyond paperwork.

Public liability insurance verification

Valid UK public liability insurance is required before a nanny's first placement. Eligible new nannies may claim up to £59 towards their first annual policy after vetting (programme terms apply).

For your family: financial protection if an accident occurs during care.

Understanding DBS levels

For nanny care, only one level is appropriate. Here is how they compare.

Not accepted

Basic DBS

Unspent convictions only. Not sufficient for in-home childcare on Nannvo.

Not accepted

Standard DBS

Spent and unspent convictions, cautions, and reprimands. Still not enough for nanny placements.

Required

Enhanced DBS

Everything in Standard, plus barred-list checks and local police information. Required for all Nannvo nannies.

Nannies on the DBS Update Service can keep certificates current. We monitor renewal status and require nannies to notify us of any changes.

Our standards - before & after approval

We are transparent about what fails vetting, and what happens once a nanny is on the platform.

What fails vetting

A nanny will not be approved if:

  • They cannot provide a valid Enhanced DBS (or PVG in Scotland)
  • Identity or right to work cannot be verified
  • Professional references do not confirm childcare experience
  • They fail the suitability interview or raise safeguarding concerns
  • They do not hold valid public liability insurance before placement

We would rather have fewer nannies on the platform than lower our standards.

After approval - ongoing checks

Vetting does not stop at onboarding. Nannvo also:

  • Monitors DBS certificate expiry and renewal status
  • Requires nannies to report any change to their DBS or safeguarding status
  • Investigates and acts on concerns raised by families or third parties
  • Cooperates fully with statutory agencies where required by law

Read our full Safeguarding Policy for how to report a concern.

Ready to get started?

Whether you are a family looking for trusted childcare or a nanny who meets our standards - we would love to hear from you.

Frequently asked questions

Common questions from parents and nannies about our vetting standards.

Can I see a nanny's DBS certificate before we meet?
Yes. Every nanny on Nannvo has passed an Enhanced DBS check (or PVG in Scotland) before their profile is activated. We verify certificates during onboarding and confirm status before any introduction.
How long does vetting take?
Most nannies complete vetting within a few days to two weeks, depending on DBS processing times and how quickly references respond. Families are only matched with nannies who have fully completed every step.
What's the difference between Basic, Standard, and Enhanced DBS?
Nannvo requires Enhanced DBS - the highest UK level for roles involving children. It includes spent and unspent convictions, cautions, and checks against the children's and adults' barred lists. Basic and Standard levels are not sufficient for nanny placements on Nannvo.
Do you re-check nannies after they join?
Yes. We monitor DBS renewal status and take immediate action if a safeguarding concern is raised. Nannies must notify Nannvo if their DBS status changes.
How is Nannvo different from an unverified listing site?
Unlike generic job boards, no nanny can connect with families on Nannvo without passing Enhanced DBS screening, identity and right-to-work verification, two professional reference checks, a suitability interview, and public liability insurance verification.
I'm a nanny - how do I apply?
Visit our Become a Nanny page to start your application. There is no fee for nannies to join - complete the form and we'll guide you through each vetting step.

Questions about our vetting standards? Contact us or chat on WhatsApp.