We are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Safer recruitment is a vital part of this commitment and underpins everything we do when recruiting staff, volunteers, and contractors. We aim to ensure that all individuals who work with us share our values, understand their responsibilities, and are suitable to work in an educational environment.
Our recruitment practices are designed to deter unsuitable applicants and to identify and reject candidates who may pose a risk to children or young people. All recruitment is carried out in line with current legislation and statutory guidance, including Keeping Children Safe in Education.
Safer recruitment checks we complete
Appointment to any role is subject to the successful completion of a range of pre‑employment checks. These include:
- Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, including a check against the children’s barred list where appropriate
- Verification of identity, including photographic identification
- Verification of right to work in the UK
- Verification of qualifications relevant to the role
- Employment history checks, including scrutiny of any gaps in employment
- References, obtained prior to appointment, including a reference from the most recent employer and, where applicable, an education‑based reference confirming suitability to work with young people
- Overseas checks where applicable
- Prohibition from teaching, management checks and online searches, where applicable
- Section 128 checks for relevant leadership roles
All checks are recorded and monitored centrally in line with statutory requirements.
Ongoing safeguarding responsibilities
Safeguarding does not end at recruitment. Once appointed, all staff are expected to actively contribute to a safe and supportive environment for children and young people.
All staff will:
- Receive safeguarding and child protection training as part of induction and at regular intervals thereafter
- Be familiar with, and follow, our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy and related procedures
- Understand how to recognise and report concerns, including concerns about a young person or about the conduct of a colleague
- Maintain appropriate professional boundaries at all times
- Act in accordance with our Staff Code of Conduct Policy
- Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and we expect all staff to remain vigilant and proactive in protecting young people from harm.
Our Culture of Safeguarding
We are committed to creating a culture where safeguarding is embedded in everyday practice and where staff feel confident to speak up. We value openness, transparency, and a shared responsibility for keeping children safe.
By joining our organisation, you are committing to uphold the highest standards of safeguarding and to placing the welfare of young people at the centre of your role.
