Safer Recruitment

SAFER RECRUITMENT POLICY

We undertake to exercise proper care in the selection, appointment, training and support of those working in a paid or voluntary position with children or vulnerable adults, including the use of Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) disclosures and making appropriate referrals to the Independent Safeguarding Authority.

We recognise that safeguarding is the responsibility of the whole church community.

Those in leadership roles within the church are responsible for the selection, training, supervising and supporting of those working with children, young people and vulnerable adults.

Procedures are in place and approved by PCC to provide for safer recruitment.  PCC takes very seriously the need to ensure that those entrusted with the care of our children, young people and vulnerable adults have the skills, knowledge and integrity for the work.

PCC will ensure that Safeguarding arrangements and requirements are regularly communicated to the whole church community.

Application and Interview

Those seeking to work in this capacity will have been regular members of the congregation and be on the church electoral roll. Role Descriptions and Person Specifications will be available and all those new to working in this capacity will be required to complete an Application Form and attend an interview with a Safeguarding Officer and two PCC Members.  Candidates will also be required to complete a Confidential Declaration and provide evidence of identity.  References will be requested to ascertain suitability for the role and taken up after interview.

Interviews will follow a consistent procedure of assessment and interviewers will seek to satisfy themselves that the person has the skills, knowledge, experience and integrity for the work.

DBS Check

Subsequent to interview, a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, will be organised by Jennifer Thompson (St Barnabas DBS Evidence Checker), prior to anyone working directly with children, young people or vulnerable adults.  Following a successful DBS check those working with children, young people and vulnerable adults will have their DBS check reviewed every three years.  A Log will be retained of all those holding current DBS checks and training undertaken.

Any adult wishing to work with children, young people and vulnerable adults will not be invited to do so if:

·        they have at any time been placed on the Sex Offenders Register or have been convicted of any sexual offences,

·        they have committed an act of violence or sexual offence against anyone at anytime.

Those invited to work with children, young people and vulnerable adults will:

·        Be given Role Descriptions of the tasks they are to perform (Appendix 1)

·        Be expected to sign a Work Agreement outlining that they have read and accept these arrangements (Appendix 1)

·        Be expected to undertake training and participate in development opportunities

·        Have read, understood and agreed to abide by our Code of Conduct

Training & Support

All those assigned Role Descriptions will receive regular training/updates on Safeguarding.  This may be provided by the Diocese, arranged locally by St Barnabas or completed on line.  It is an important part of these roles that volunteers continue to participate in any training provided.

Arrangements in place for Sunday School/Youth Church lessons and activities will be supplemented by regular updates, continuing training and development and the opportunity to discuss any concerns.  Safeguarding Officers will attend such meetings offering support and advice on Safeguarding matters.