Safer Recruitment
Experience over many years shows the importance of organisations which provide services to children & young people incorporating measures which help deter, reject, or identify people who might abuse children or are otherwise unsuited to work with them. Ensuring safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is an integral part of HR management, is an essential part of creating a safer environment.
The need for this was illustrated by the Soham case and the findings and recommendations contained in Sir Michael Bichards’s report (The Bichard Inquiry Report, Home Office 2004). The report highlights flaws and shortcomings in the recruitment process which allowed Ian Huntley to be employed as a caretaker at Soham Community School.
Working Together to Safeguard Children (HM Government, April 2006) states ‘all agencies and individuals should aim to proactively safeguard and promote the welfare of children so that the need for action to protect children from harm is reduced’. The guidance identifies that all organisations should:
- Have senior managers that are committed to children and young people’s well being and safety
- Be clear about people’s responsibilities to safeguard and promote children and young people’s welfare
- Have effective recruitment and human resources procedures, including checking all new staff and volunteers to make sure they are safe to work with children and young people
- Make sure staff get training that helps them do their job well
- Have procedures about how to safeguard and promote the welfare of young people
- Have agreements about working with other organisations
Useful Links
ww.isa-gov.org
Guidance for Safer Working Practice for Adults who work with Children and Young People
The Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) has been created to help prevent unsuitable people from working with children and vulnerable adults. The website contains practical information for individuals and organisations who need or wish to register with the Vetting and Barring Scheme, whether as potential employees/volunteers or as employers/service providers.