Safer recruitment

Safer recruitment is the way that an organisation makes sure that those who work with vulnerable groups either as paid staff or volunteers are suitable to do so.

Following a safer recruitment process for paid and volunteer roles minimises the risk of those seeking to harm or abuse others of getting access to vulnerable groups. It includes steps such as creating a role profile and person specifications, the completion of standard applications or expressions of interest, screening or shortlisting applicants, interviews, taking-up references, and criminal record checks (where appropriate).

Knowing whether someone has relevant criminal convictions is an important part of the process, but safer recruitment needs to consider a range of issues for example:

• Does the individual have relevant skills?
• Do they understand the boundaries of the role?
• Would they need support for their own health and well-being to be able to do the role safely?

Government guidance requires that in terms of safer recruitment, organisations (including Churches, places of worship, charities and faith-based organisations) must have:

• A robust safeguarding policy and code of conduct for workers in place.
• Robust recruitment and selection procedures.
• Training for staff and volunteers, including safeguarding training as part of their induction.