Safer Recruitment Training
Essential training for anyone involved in recruiting staff or volunteers who work with children or adults at risk. Covers DBS checks, interview techniques, and safer recruitment culture.
Course at a Glance
Duration
4 hours
Level
Level 2
Certification
CPD Certified
Modules
6 modules
Course Overview
This comprehensive safer recruitment training course equips you with the knowledge and skills to recruit safely and effectively. Designed for anyone involved in the recruitment and selection of staff or volunteers who will work with children or adults at risk, this course covers the full recruitment lifecycle from job description to induction. Fully aligned with KCSIE statutory guidance and the principles of safer recruitment practice.
Who Should Take This Course
- Headteachers and senior school leaders
- HR professionals in education, healthcare, and care sectors
- Recruitment panel members and interviewers
- Safeguarding governors and trustees
- Care home managers and registered providers
- Anyone involved in recruiting staff or volunteers working with vulnerable groups
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the principles of safer recruitment and why it matters
- Plan a safer recruitment process from job description to appointment
- Conduct effective interviews that explore safeguarding attitudes
- Understand DBS checks, barred lists, and the disclosure process
- Manage allegations and concerns about staff appropriately
- Embed a culture of ongoing vigilance and safer working practice
Course Modules
6 modules covering all essential knowledge areas
Safer Recruitment Principles
Why safer recruitment matters, the scale of the issue, the legislative and statutory framework including KCSIE, and your organisation's duty to safeguard through robust recruitment.
Planning the Recruitment Process
Writing safeguarding into job descriptions and person specifications, designing application forms that elicit safeguarding information, and planning the selection process.
Shortlisting and References
How to shortlist with safeguarding in mind, exploring gaps in employment history, and obtaining and scrutinising references for safeguarding information.
The Selection Process
Designing interviews that explore values and attitudes towards safeguarding, using scenario-based questions, and involving children or service users in recruitment where appropriate.
Vetting and Barring Checks
Understanding the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), regulated activity, the barred lists, the DBS update service, overseas checks, the Childcare Disqualification Regulations, and Section 128 checks.
Induction and Ongoing Vigilance
Embedding safeguarding from day one through effective induction, probation, supervision, and creating a culture where concerns about staff behaviour are taken seriously.
Assessment
Multiple-choice assessment with a pass mark of 80%. Includes scenario-based questions on recruitment decisions. Unlimited retakes available.
Certification
On successful completion, you will receive a CPD-certified digital certificate. This certificate provides evidence that you have completed safer recruitment training as required by KCSIE for those involved in recruiting staff.
Renewal Guidance
KCSIE recommends that safer recruitment training is refreshed every 5 years. However, we recommend keeping up to date with changes to DBS processes and safeguarding guidance more frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
KCSIE requires that at least one member of every recruitment panel in schools and colleges has completed safer recruitment training. In practice, we recommend all panel members are trained. This also applies to governors and trustees involved in headteacher recruitment.
Yes, Module 5 covers the DBS update service, how it works, and when it can be used as an alternative to a new DBS check.
Yes, this course is delivered entirely online through our learning platform. It is recognised by schools, local authorities, and regulatory bodies as meeting the safer recruitment training requirements.
Ready to Get Started?
Join 5,670+ learners who have completed this course. Enrol today and receive your CPD-certified certificate upon completion.
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