The push to develop safer recruitment practices for sectors working with children and vulnerable adults really gathered pace as a result of the recommendations made in the Bichard Enquiry Report (2004). This enquiry took place as a result of the murder of 10-year-old Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman by school caretaker Ian Huntley in Soham (2002).
In this report Bichard highlighted the need to further strengthen recruitment processes, especially within the education sector, whilst making it clear that whilst it does not replace all other safeguards, it should be considered an integral part of a range of strategies to keep children safe.
Sir Michael made these key recommendations as he identified a range of systems and practices within the recruitment process itself, as well as deficiencies in a number of wider systems and sectors. He stated that additional safeguards were necessary as “One cannot be confident that it was Huntley alone who slipped through the net.”
More recently the case of nurse Lucy Letby, who was charged with the murder of 8 babies and the attempted murder of 10 others, highlights the need for all healthcare settings to practice robust safer recruitment whenever appointing staff, in order to effectively safeguard any children in their care.
The key facets within any safer recruitment process are designed to:
- Discourage inappropriate applicants from applying at every step (i.e. from the initial advert through to the type of questions asked at interview and references sought).
- Allow the recruitment panel to identify any potential concerns they have about a candidate and to take steps to explore these concerns thoroughly.
Our training team has over 50 years combined direct experience of recruiting within the public sector, including an ex Headteacher and an ex police Chief Superintendent with a wealth of practical experience in safer recruitment practices.
Our safer recruitment training is recommended for leaders at all levels who will be involved in recruitment for roles working closely with children and vulnerable adults.
Our training covers all the key elements of running your own safer recruitment process, including:
- Background and legal position
- Key features of abusers
- Safer Recruitment panels
- Advert construction
- Personal visits
- Application packs including: application forms / job descriptions / personal specifications / references
- Interview procedure and protocols
- Pre employment checks
The training includes the opportunity for delegates to interact with the trainers and each other through reviewing relevant case studies and practical exercises to reinforce key elements of the process.
For further information please contact us and one of the team will be happy to discuss your needs:
Tel: 01757 616885
Email: info@bls-staycompliant.co.uk
