‘Safer Recruitment’ is a specific term used, in regulated sectors, to describe the practices and procedures designed to help employers recruit staff who are suitable to work with vulnerable individuals.

It is a common misconception that safer recruitment simply involves carrying out DBS Checks on top of normal recruitment procedures. While DBS Checks are an important part of recruiting safely, they are by no means the only element involved.

Elements of Safer Recruitment

Below are some of the key elements of safer recruitment, that need to be considered:

Attraction and selection process

Advertising roles with a clear job description ensures applications from only the most relevant candidates. A thorough interview process helps employers identify the most suitable applicants.

Reference Checks

Employers are encouraged to gain at least two references from previous employers. These should be the applicant’s most recent employers.

Qualification Checks

In many sectors, having the right qualifications in place is vital to ensure the correct care is provided to vulnerable individuals. This is particularly true when recruiting for health or social care roles. Employers need to ensure staff are qualified and accredited where needed.

Comprehensive training and induction

Safer recruitment doesn’t stop once a job offer has been made. All new employees should receive a comprehensive induction covering safeguarding, company policies, best practices, and any relevant legislation they need to be aware of.

DBS Checks

Depending on the role being recruited for, you may need Basic, Standard or Enhanced DBS Checks to be carried out. Each type of DBS Check reveals a different level of an applicant's criminal record history. Enhanced DBS Checks will also reveal whether an individual has been barred from working with certain groups.

New Resource For Social Care Providers

If you find the recruitment process stressful, there’s a new resource that should make your life a lot easier!

The Better Hiring Toolkit is a first-of-its-kind resource launched to guide care sector employers in making informed, safer recruitment decisions. It aims to raise standards in the care sector by providing easy-to-follow best practice guidance for safer recruitment.

The toolkit was created by the DBS in conjunction with several organizations, including the Better Hiring Institute, the DBS, Reed Screening, Skills for Care, Dominic Headley & Associates, and VBA Consulting.

It was created to help employers tackle some of the issues they face when trying to obtain references. The toolkit outlines a robust and safer approach to sharing effective references and conduct information.

This guidance gives you everything you need to be confident you’re preventing unsuitable candidates from securing roles in your service.

Commenting on its publication Dr Suzanne Smith, Barring and Safeguarding Director for the Disclosure and Barring Service, said:

“This is the culmination of a partnership that has brought together shared expertise and experience from those operating around the highest levels of safeguarding.
We are proud to provide a simplified and supportive toolkit, free of charge, supporting those in care sector recruitment make safer, informed decisions that will protect vulnerable people at risk.”

You can download the toolkit by clicking here.

Navigating Safer Recruitment in Social Care - Beyond DBS Checks