Recruitment is one of the most important decisions any organisation makes — and when your work involves children, young people, or vulnerable adults, it’s also one of the most sensitive. This course provides clear, practical guidance on how to recruit safely, lawfully, and confidently.

You’ll learn how to plan and carry out recruitment in line with UK safeguarding legislation and best practice, from writing job descriptions and shortlisting to conducting interviews and completing pre-employment checks. The session also explains what “safer recruitment” really means in the context of protecting those at risk of harm.

Drawing on the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006, Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions Order 1975), and the Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) framework, this course helps you understand how to apply legislation proportionately and fairly in your own organisation.

Delivered in an interactive format, this half-day session is suitable for anyone involved in recruitment within education, care, health, or community organisations.

By the end of the course, you’ll have the knowledge and confidence to design recruitment processes that are compliant, inclusive, and focused on safeguarding from the very first step.

Key Learnings

• Understand what safer recruitment means and why it matters
• Identify risks and apply safe practice at each recruitment stage
• Learn how to conduct and record pre-appointment checks
• Recognise key UK safeguarding and employment legislation
• Develop compliant adverts, application reviews, and interviews
• Build an action plan to implement safer recruitment practices

Safer recruitment goes beyond finding the right person for the role, it’s about creating a culture of vigilance and responsibility that keeps people safe. This course supports organisations in developing and embedding recruitment processes that protect children and vulnerable adults while remaining fair, inclusive, and legally compliant.

Participants will explore every stage of the recruitment process, from preparing job descriptions and advertising to shortlisting and conducting interviews. You’ll learn how to spot potential concerns, use appropriate questioning techniques, and record decisions clearly and securely.

The session also explains how to carry out and document pre-appointment checks, including identity verification, right to work, DBS checks, and reference validation. Guidance is based on key UK legislation and statutory frameworks, including:

Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006

Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions Order 1975)

Equality Act 2010

Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) and associated safeguarding guidance

Learners will examine how to balance safeguarding with fair recruitment, ensuring compliance with data protection and equality principles. The course also covers managing probation periods, addressing disclosures appropriately, and developing safer recruitment policies and action plans.

Delivered in a supportive and practical environment, this half-day session includes real-life examples, templates, and discussion points to help participants apply the learning directly to their own settings.

By the end of the session, you’ll understand the legal framework, your responsibilities, and the practical steps to implement safer recruitment confidently, ensuring your organisation protects the people it serves and recruits the right team members safely.

Open course per person           £131
In-house for up to 6 people     £705
In-house for up to 12 people   £916