Recruitment and training of staff and volunteers
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Signed: October 2026
To be reviewed: October 2027
Introduction
BDEF pays full regard to safer recruitment practices including scrutinising applicants, verifying identity and academic or vocational qualifications, obtaining professional and character references, checking previous employment history, and ensuring that a candidate has the health and physical capacity for the job.
BDEF also undertakes appropriate checks through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), dependent on the role and duties performed, including regulated and non-regulated activity. All recruitment materials will include reference to the BDEF ’s commitment to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of children and young people and adults at risk
BDEF will undertake a risk assessment and use their professional judgement and experience when deciding whether to obtain an enhanced DBS certificate for any volunteer not engaging in regulated activity.
Training of staff and volunteers should be regularly reviewed and should include familiarisation with all policies and procedures during induction and further training, dependent on the nature of role. For example:
- Risk assessment and management
- Types of abuse and recognising signs of abuse
- Keeping appropriate records
- Listening skills
Management skills
It is the line manager’s responsibility to clarify with the employee or volunteer their roles and responsibilities regarding their relationships with adults at risk with whom they may be in contact.
Regular supervision for staff and volunteers will monitor the work and offer the opportunity to raise any issues.