Step 2. Applications

The second step in the safer recruitment process is to invite people to apply for, or to express their interest in, the role.

For a formal process you may advertise the role on your website, an online job site or other platform. For an informal process, you may put out a call for volunteering during a community gathering or meeting, or via an email or newsletter.

However formal or informal your process, you need to ensure you have things in place so those expressing their interest are fully informed.

Inviting Expressions of Interest

For each role you should give:

• Information about how long people have to express their interest. For a formal process, this would be the closing date for applications (and interview date where possible). For an informal process, a date when you need to hear by.
• Role Profile and Person Specification.
• Application/Expression of Interest form.
• Self-declaration form (if using).
• Information about whether the role requires a criminal record check or membership of a PVG scheme.
• Information about any other checks you will be undertaking e.g. Right to Work, references, social media checks.
• Information about any training required, including safeguarding training.

Inviting applications or expressions of interest for a role is an opportunity to show your organisation’s commitment to safeguarding. Making reference to safeguarding, your safer recruitment policy and giving access to your safeguarding policy within your advert or invitation sends a strong message about your values and will also discourage unsuitable people from applying.