Safer Recruitment

Keeping people safe is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to protecting the wellbeing of children, young people, and adults, and we expect everyone who works or volunteers with us to share that commitment.

To help us do this, we make sure that anyone joining our organisation goes through a careful and thorough recruitment process. This helps us ensure that the people we employ are suitable for their role and safe to work with others.

We’re also working towards the Fire national safeguarding standard, including making sure that at least one person on every interview panel has completed recognised NFCC safer recruitment training.

When someone applies to work with us, we look at their right to work, qualifications, experience, and work history. We also carry out DBS checks to make sure they are safe to work with children and adults who may be at risk.

Here’s what you can expect when applying:

• Our job adverts always highlight our commitment to safeguarding
• You’ll be given clear information about the role and what we’re looking for
• We’ll ask you to tell us about any criminal history, including anything that may show up on a DBS check

If you’re successful, we’ll carry out a number of checks before you start. You’ll need to provide:

• Proof of who you are (such as a passport or driving licence)
• Evidence of your qualifications
• Proof that you have the right to work in the UK

We’ll also:

• Review your work history and ask about any gaps
• Contact at least two referees, including your current or most recent employer, covering the last five years
• Carry out a DBS check at the right level for the role
• Request an overseas police check if you’ve lived outside the UK for more than three months

Your job offer will depend on successfully completing these checks.

If anything is highlighted in a DBS check, we’ll look at it carefully and carry out a risk assessment in line with NFCC guidance.

Once you join us:

• You’ll complete safeguarding training as part of your induction, based on your role
• You’ll have a probation period to help you settle in and make sure everything is working well
• You’ll need to let your manager know if anything changes that could affect your suitability to work with children or adults
• Your DBS check will be reviewed regularly, depending on your role
• If you’re involved in recruitment, you’ll complete the NFCC safer recruitment training on a regular basis