Safer Recruitment in Education

Safer recruitment is all about keeping unsuitable people away from children and vulnerable adults – a vital part of the safeguarding process.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

• Understand the laws and policies surrounding recruitment in the education sector and stop dangerous people gaining access to students
• Understand what DBS checks are and how they work
• Learn about the need for follow ups and probationary periods to check the right person has been appointed

SECTION 1

Schools and colleges have a legal responsibility to do whatever they can to stop dangerous people from gaining access to their students. This means thoroughly checking the backgrounds of all staff and making sure that any volunteers, contractors and visitors are also appropriately checked or supervised. In this section, we look at the background to safer recruitment, including the relevant laws and the policies and procedures that are needed in educational settings.

SECTION 2

This section is all about the checks that should be done to make sure a person is who they say they are, have the references and employment history they say they have and are not barred from working with children or prohibited from teaching. It includes Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) criminal records checks and using the Teaching Regulation Agency’s Employer Access service teacher status check.

SECTION 3

When it comes to safeguarding and safer recruitment, it’s not just new staff that need to be considered. It’s anyone new, and you may also have to consider people who are not new, but who’s role is changing. Anyone on your premises who is potentially in contact with children has to be checked or supervised. This section considers anyone who may work in a school or college and the level of DBS check they require. It includes supply teachers, contractors and volunteers.

SECTION 4

The safer recruitment process doesn’t just stop when an applicant takes the job. It’s important to follow up with a rigorous induction and probationary period to check the right person has been appointed. This section also looks at creating and maintaining an entire culture of safety within an organisation and includes what to do if you have any concerns.

SECTION 5

Finally, this section brings everything together and provides a 14 step guide to the safer recruitment process. At each step it reminds you of the relevant safety points at that stage.