Safer Recruitment Policy

Purpose

This policy sets out the safer recruitment practices that Towerblock Radio CIC follows to protect children and adults at risk from people who may seek to harm them through access to the organisation.

Scope

This policy applies to the recruitment of all directors, staff, volunteers, contractors, DJs, presenters, workshop facilitators and anyone who may have contact with children or adults at risk through Towerblock Radio CIC activity.

Definitions

• Safer recruitment means a set of practices designed to deter, reject or identify people who might harm children or adults at risk.
• Regulated activity means work that involves close contact with children or adults at risk, as defined by the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006.
• DBS check means a Disclosure and Barring Service criminal record check.

Responsibilities

The board ensures safer recruitment practices are followed. The Safeguarding Lead oversees DBS checks. Hiring managers follow the safer recruitment process.

Policy Statement

Towerblock Radio CIC is committed to safer recruitment. We take all reasonable steps to ensure that people who pose a risk to children or adults at risk are not appointed to roles that give them access to vulnerable groups.

Detailed Procedures

Role assessment

Every role is assessed to determine whether it involves regulated activity with children or adults at risk. Roles that involve regulated activity require an enhanced DBS check.

Application process

• Candidates complete an application form that includes a declaration of criminal convictions and any cautions.
• Gaps in employment history must be explained.
• References are obtained directly from previous employers.

Interview

Interview questions include assessment of the candidate's understanding of safeguarding and their suitability to work with children or adults at risk.

DBS checks

• Enhanced DBS checks are conducted for all roles involving regulated activity.
• Barred list checks are conducted where the role involves regulated activity with children or adults.
• DBS certificates are reviewed by the Safeguarding Lead.
• DBS checks are renewed at least every three years.

References

Two references are obtained before appointment, including from the most recent employer. References are verified by phone or in writing.

Barred list

Towerblock Radio CIC must not engage anyone on the DBS barred list in regulated activity. If a person becomes barred during their engagement, they must be removed from regulated activity immediately.

Record of checks

A record is kept of all safeguarding checks conducted, including DBS check dates, reference details and identity verification. See the DBS Policy for retention of DBS certificates.

Allegations

If an allegation is made against a person recruited through this process, the Safeguarding Policy and the Local Authority Designated Officer process apply.

Reporting Process

The Safeguarding Lead reports on safer recruitment activity to the board annually.

Compliance Requirements

• Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006.
• Protection of Freedoms Act 2012.
• Children Act 1989 and 2004.
• Care Act 2014.
• Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

Monitoring

The Safeguarding Lead monitors compliance with safer recruitment practices.

Review Cycle

This policy shall be reviewed annually.

Version Number

Version 1.0

Approval Section

Approved by: Towerblock Radio CIC Board Date: July 2026 Next review: July 2027

Related Policies

• Recruitment Policy
• DBS Policy
• Safeguarding Policy
• Adult Safeguarding Policy

Website URL slug

/policies/safer-recruitment-policy

Meta Title

Safer Recruitment Policy | Towerblock Radio

Meta Description

Towerblock Radio CIC's safer recruitment policy covering DBS checks, barred list checks, references and interview practices to protect children and adults at risk.

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People

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safer recruitment, DBS check, barred list, safeguarding, regulated activity, Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act