What should safter recruitment look like in your setting?
Anyone undertaking a role that involves contact with, or responsibility for, children, or other vulnerable groups such as adults at risk, should be taken through a safer recruitment process. This applies equally to paid staff and volunteers, and is a fundamental part of creating safe environments in sport and physical activity.
Across the UK, statutory guidance places a clear responsibility on organisations in the education, community and care sectors to have robust policies and procedures in place. These ensure they only appoint people who are suitable to work or volunteer with children. Sport and physical activity providers share this same duty of care.
This Community of Learning page brings together key guidance, templates and learning opportunities to help organisations across Sussex strengthen their safer recruitment practice.
Safer recruitment helps organisations:
The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) helps organisations make safer decisions about who is suitable to work or volunteer with children. For clubs and organisations in sport, DBS checks are an essential part of safer recruitment and should be used alongside references, interviews and induction processes.
What level of DBS check do you need in your sport?
This video covers whether people working with children or vulnerable adults in sport are eligible for a DBS check.
If your club or organisation is affiliated to a National Governing Body (NGB), they will usually provide guidance and support around DBS checks.
CPSU Safer recruitment pages
The Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU) provides comprehensive guidance to help sports organisations put effective safer recruitment processes in place. Their safer recruitment pages bring together clear, practical information designed specifically for the sport and physical activity sector.
New starter induction checklist
An induction checklist to help a new employee or volunteer settle in as soon as possible. Induction should commence on the first day of joining and be completed as soon as is practical.
Reference form for positions working with children
A reference form can be used by sports clubs and organisations when contacting the references provided by an applicant for a role working with young people.