Crafting a safer recruitment compliant job advert: What you need to know

When potential employees are searching for alternative employment, your job advert is the first impression of your School or Trust – it’s your chance to showcase the culture, values, and commitment to safeguarding that define your education setting. But how do you attract suitable applicants while deterring those who aren’t a good fit?

Here's a rundown of what all great adverts should include:

• Commitment to safeguarding: clearly state your organisation’s dedication to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Mention that the successful applicant will need to provide an enhanced DBS check.
• Safeguarding responsibilities: highlight the specific safeguarding duties associated with the role in the job description. Tailor this information to reflect the unique demands of the position.
• School’s safeguarding policies: provide details on your School’s policies and practices related to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children in the application information pack.
• DBS disclosure requirements: include a statutory explanation that the post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (as amended in 2013 & 2020). Clarify that applicants do not need to disclose any youth cautions or ‘protected’ criminal convictions, adult cautions or bind-overs.
• Online search notification: inform applicants that an online search will be conducted on shortlisted candidates.
• Application process: specify that only fully completed application forms will be considered and that CVs will not be accepted.

Including these elements not only attracts suitable candidates but also serves as a deterrent to those with inappropriate intentions. By establishing a robust recruitment process, you send a clear message that your School’s culture is committed to safeguarding - making it difficult for those with harmful intentions to infiltrate.

As Sir Michael Bichard once said, “for those agencies whose job it is to protect children and vulnerable people, the harsh reality is that if a sufficiently devious person is determined to seek out opportunities to work their evil, no one can guarantee that they will be stopped. Our task is to make it as difficult as possible for them to succeed”.

Your job advert is the first step in creating a safe environment. How you recruit, induct, and support staff will help ensure that only the right people are part of your team, safeguarding the children in your care.

If you’re looking for support with your recruitment process, or would like to learn more about our model policies, templates and training, please talk to us.