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Safer Recruitment in Education
Safer Recruitment in Education, online in about 30 to 45 minutes on any device. The course covers why it matters, planning and shortlisting, references, interviews, and pre-appointment checks and the single central record.
Who it is for
Who this course is for
Headteachers, governors, trustees, school business managers, HR and office staff, and anyone involved in recruiting staff or volunteers in schools and colleges in England. No previous training is assumed.
- School and college leaders
- Governors and trustees
- HR and recruitment staff in education
- Hiring panels and interviewers
- Anyone recruiting to work with children
Course content
What the course covers
Five short lessons covering why safer recruitment matters, planning, advertising and shortlisting, references and verification, interviews, and pre-appointment checks and the single central record, then a 12-question assessment.
Why safer recruitment matters
Why people who pose a risk seek work with children, the legal framework, and KCSIE.
Planning, advertising and shortlisting
Planning the role, job descriptions and person specifications, adverts, application forms, scrutiny and online searches.
References and verification
Seeking, scrutinising and following up references, and verifying information.
Interviews
The panel, values-based questions, exploring gaps and concerns, and decisions.
Pre-appointment checks and the single central record
DBS and barred list checks, regulated activity, the 2026 volunteer change, other checks, the SCR and induction.
Outcomes
What you will be able to do
- Explain why safer recruitment matters and the legal framework
- Plan, advertise and shortlist in a way that deters unsuitable applicants
- Obtain and scrutinise references and check gaps in employment
- Run a safer recruitment interview that explores attitudes to safeguarding
- Complete pre-appointment checks and maintain the single central record
Your legal duty
The law behind this training
This course is awareness training on safer recruitment in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2026, Part three. It covers schools and colleges in England. It does not replace accredited safer recruitment training required for interview panels, your local safeguarding arrangements, or HR and legal advice.
One thing to be clear about: safer recruitment is about deterring, identifying and rejecting people who might abuse children. Every step matters, and no check should ever be skipped because a post is urgent.
- School Staffing (England) Regulations 2009
- Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
- Crime and Policing Act 2026 (removal of the supervision exemption)
Practicalities
How the course works
For employers
Buying for a team
Buying for more than a couple of people is easier on an account: one invoice, licences you allocate as staff join, and a report of who has done what and when it expires.
- One invoice instead of one card payment per person
- Allocate licences as people join
- Completion and expiry reporting for your records
- Bespoke versions written around your own procedures
Safer Recruitment in Education: common questions
About 30 to 45 minutes, with no time limit: start it, pause it, and come back whenever suits. The certificate is issued as soon as you pass the end assessment.
Yes. Each lesson ends with short knowledge checks, then there is a 12-question assessment with a pass mark of 70% (9 of 12). You can retake it as often as you need.
The certificate is valid for 2 years, and we recommend a refresher every 2 years.
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