SAFER RECRUITMENT CHECKLIST · Free template · The Safeguard Hub (safeguard-hub.org) · KCSIE 2026 Part Three aligned
Safer Recruitment Checklist
Complete for every appointment to a post involving regular contact with children, including volunteers and governors.
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Post applied for:
________________________________
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Candidate name:
________________________________
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Hiring manager:
________________________________
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Date of appointment:
________________________________
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Stage 1: Advertising & Job Description
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Done
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Requirement
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KCSIE 2026 ref
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☐
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Job description includes safeguarding responsibilities and commitment to child protection
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Para 222
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☐
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Person specification includes safeguarding as an essential criterion
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Para 222
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☐
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Advert states that the post is subject to an enhanced DBS check with children's barred list check
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Para 224
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Stage 2: Application & Shortlisting
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Done
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Requirement
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KCSIE 2026 ref
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☐
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Own school application form used (not just a CV). Includes self-declaration questions.
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Para 222
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☐
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Full chronological employment history requested and any gaps identified and queried
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Para 222
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☐
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At least two references requested, including current / most recent employer
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Para 228
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☐
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References obtained before interview where possible
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Para 228
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☐
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Online search conducted on shortlisted candidates (name, social media), documented
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Para 227
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Stage 3: Interview
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Done
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Requirement
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KCSIE 2026 ref
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☐
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At least one panel member has completed Safer Recruitment training (within last 5 years)
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Para 221
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☐
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Interview includes safeguarding-specific questions for all candidates
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Para 222
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☐
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Any gaps in employment or concerning information explored in interview
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Para 222
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☐
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Identity verified at interview (passport or photographic ID)
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Para 230
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☐
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Candidate asked to declare any convictions, cautions, or other relevant matters
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Para 222
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Stage 4: Pre-Appointment Checks (before start date)
September 2026 change, volunteer DBS scope:
The supervision exemption has been removed from the definition of regulated activity. Volunteers who were previously out of scope because a member of staff supervised them are now in scope for an enhanced DBS with children's barred list check. Re-audit every existing volunteer against the new definition, do not apply this only to new recruits. Start early: DBS turnaround is the constraint.
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Done
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Requirement
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N/A
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KCSIE 2026 ref
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☐
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Enhanced DBS with Children's Barred List check applied for (or existing check verified via Update Service)
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☐
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Paras 230 to 235
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☐
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DBS certificate received and reviewed by authorised person
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☐
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Para 235
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☐
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Supply / agency staff only:
written confirmation obtained from the agency that an enhanced DBS with children's barred list check has been carried out and is satisfactory. Obtain written confirmation before the individual starts; do not rely on verbal assurance alone.
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☐
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Part Three
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☐
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Right to work in the UK verified (original documents)
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☐
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Para 230
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☐
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Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) verified via the Teaching Regulation Agency (teachers only)
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☐
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Para 230
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☐
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Prohibition from teaching check completed (teachers only) via TRA Employer Access.
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☐
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Para 230
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☐
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Section 128 check completed (management roles in independent/academy schools)
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☐
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Para 230
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☐
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Overseas check / Certificate of Good Conduct obtained (if lived abroad for 3+ months in last 5 years)
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☐
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Para 240
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☐
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Health declaration / occupational health check completed where applicable
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☐
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Para 230
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☐
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References satisfactory, any concerns followed up before start
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☐
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Para 228
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☐
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All checks recorded on the Single Central Record before the person starts
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☐
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Paras 244 to 248
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Stage 5: Induction
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Done
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Requirement
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KCSIE 2026 ref
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☐
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New starter received Part One of KCSIE 2026 and signed to confirm reading. KCSIE 2026 no longer has a separate Annex A; all staff read Part One.
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Para 6
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☐
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Safeguarding induction completed including DSL introduction and reporting procedures
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Para 6
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☐
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Code of conduct / staff behaviour policy provided and signed
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Para 93
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☐
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Online safety and acceptable use policy provided and signed
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Annex B
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Sign-Off
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Role
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Signature & date
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Hiring manager / HR
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DSL (reviewed for safeguarding completeness)
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Headteacher / Principal (final authorisation)
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Important:
No person should begin work with children until all mandatory checks are complete and satisfactory (or appropriate risk-assessed interim arrangements are in place and documented). Statutory references: KCSIE 2026 Part Three (in force 1 September 2026) · Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 · Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006
Free template from The Safeguard Hub (safeguard-hub.org). Customise for your school's context before adoption. This is general information and not legal advice. Where anything here differs from your local safeguarding children partnership procedures, follow your local procedures. Last reviewed July 2026.