Safe Recruitment Policy

The Code Zone Ltd is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This safe recruitment policy outlines our approach to recruiting individuals for positions, both online and in-person, that involve working with children.

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that The Code Zone Ltd employs individuals who are suitable to work with children and to prevent unsuitable candidates from gaining access to children. We aim to deter, reject, or identify people who might pose a risk to children.

Scope

This policy applies to all recruitment activities, including but not limited to, advertising, interviewing, and appointing staff for both online and in-person positions.

Recruitment process

1. Job advertisements

All job advertisements will include a statement about The Code Zone Ltd’s commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The advert will also state that the successful applicant will be required to undergo an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check or equivalent.

2. Application forms

All candidates will be required to complete an application form. CVs alone will not be accepted. The application form will include sections on:

• Personal details
• Education and qualifications
• Full employment history
• Declaration of any criminal convictions or cautions
• Details of referees

3. Information pack

Candidates will receive an information pack that includes:

• Job description
• Person specification
• Information about The Code Zone Ltd
• Details of the recruitment process
• Safeguarding and child protection policy

4. Shortlisting

Shortlisting will be carried out by at least two members of staff, one of whom will have received safer recruitment training. All applications will be scrutinised to ensure they are fully and properly completed, that the information is consistent, and that any gaps in employment history are identified and followed up.

The head of recruitment at The Code Zone Ltd has undergone a safer-recruitment training course provided by High Speed Training.

5. Interviews

Interview panels will consist of at least two members, including the head of recruitment. The interview process will include:

• Assessment of the candidate’s suitability for the specific role
• Questions designed to test the candidate’s understanding of safeguarding issues
• Discussion of any discrepancies or gaps in the application form

6. Pre-employment checks

The following checks will be completed before any appointment is confirmed:

• An enhanced DBS check or equivalent for all candidates, including those applying for online positions
• Verification of the candidate’s identity and right to work in the United Kingdom
• Verification of qualifications and professional registration, as appropriate
• Obtaining references from the candidate’s last two employers, including the most recent employer. If the candidate has worked with children previously, at least one reference must be from this employer.
• A declaration signed by the candidate confirming that they are not disqualified from working with children and that they have no convictions, cautions, or bind-overs that would make them unsuitable.

7. Online safety and safeguarding

For positions that involve working with children online, additional measures will be implemented to ensure the safety and safeguarding of all participants:

• Candidates will be required to undergo training on online safeguarding practices and safe communication protocols.
• Virtual interview processes will include assessments of the candidate’s understanding of maintaining professional boundaries in an online environment.
• A code of conduct for online interactions will be provided and must be adhered to by the successful candidate.
• Online sessions will be monitored periodically to ensure compliance with safeguarding policies and protocols.

8. Induction

All new staff will receive a comprehensive induction, which will include:

• Introduction to The Code Zone Ltd’s safeguarding policies and procedures, including the safeguarding and child protection policy.
• Training on recognising and responding to signs of abuse and neglect.
• Information on the role of the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and how to report concerns.
• An overview of The Code Zone Ltd’s whistleblowing policy.

9. Ongoing training and monitoring

All staff will receive ongoing safeguarding training and regular updates to ensure they remain aware of current safeguarding issues and best practices. This includes:

• Annual safeguarding refresher training.
• Regular safeguarding discussions during staff meetings.
• Access to additional safeguarding resources and support.

Performance reviews will include a review of the employee’s adherence to safeguarding policies and their ability to promote a safe environment for children.

Conclusion

By following this safe recruitment policy, The Code Zone Ltd aims to ensure that all staff are suitable to work with children and are committed to maintaining the highest standards of safeguarding. Our rigorous recruitment process helps to protect children and uphold the trust placed in us by parents and carers.

Contact

For any questions or further information regarding this policy, please contact the Designated Safeguarding Lead at The Code Zone Ltd.

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Name: Mary Duhig
Email: dsl@thecodezone.co.uk
Phone: 0333 090 5697

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
Name: Alice Ifill
Email: dsl@thecodezone.co.uk
Phone: 0333 090 5697