Acceptable Signatories

Dear Identity & Passport Service,

BACKGROUND:

It appears that the EXAMPLES given of the types of people who are
suitably qualified for countersigning passport applications is
wide.

The guidance now given to applicants suggests that- IN ADDITION TO
those EXAMPLES of professions/occupations given specifically- other
persons "in good standing in the community" may also countersign an
application and verify photographs as a true likeness.

Please see the government advice on its website:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTra...

The link above to guidance given by the government on its website
states that for clarification as to whom may be suitable an
applicant should contact the IPS via telephone.

REQUESTS:

1. In light of the above, does the IPS therefore have a definitive,
extensive and conclusive list of those professions/qualifications
which enable a person to act as a counter signatory to an
application?

2. Is their any law which sets out the suitable qualifying counter
signatory credentials? If their is not- how has the IPS been able
to determine its list of EXAMPLES? Please provide evidence of how.

3. Please provide the definitive conclusive and exaustative list
and any guidance accompanying the list accompany such a list.

4. Please clarify exactly what criteria the IPS uses to determine
the suitability of those persons who fall outside of the EXAMPLES
given in order to determine what constitutes a person otherwise in
'good standing' in the community. Please provide copies of this
criteria and any guidance on application.

5. What exact and specific criteria do IPS use to define who would
be unsuitable to provide the function of a counter signatory and
copies of any guidance.

6. How does IPS ensure that applications are not rejected on the
grounds of unsuitable counter signatory if no such list exists?

Yours faithfully,

j thakrar