Safe recruitment guidance - Introduction and scope

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and   vulnerable adults and expects all employees, volunteers and the Externally Provided Workforce  (EPWs) to share this commitment.   

This is reflected in the way we recruit, contract services, undertake our duties and address any  safeguarding concerns which may arise.  The purpose of this procedure is to ensure that those  engaging in work for Council or Schools (on a paid or unpaid basis) are aware of  their responsibilities and expectations relating to:

• safe and fair recruitment  
• The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
• safer employment
• matters arising due to criminal convictions, cautions, or an individual’s actions that may be  the subject of a police investigation

Where applicable, this procedure must be used in conjunction with the Recruitment, Appointment and Induction procedure (or equivalent schools procedure), the disciplinary  procedure and the DBS Data Handling procedure.

Scope

This procedure will apply to:

• all employees
• volunteers, school governors or people on work experience
• candidates seeking paid work or volunteering opportunities
• the externally provided workforce (EPW) and contractors
• elected members

It is expected that governing bodies of all community and voluntary controlled schools would adopt this procedure. Foundation and voluntary aided schools and academies are encouraged to do the same, but as a minimum they must adhere to the safeguarding procedures established by the Cumbria Safeguarding Children Partnership (CSCP).