WorkplaceHero

Safer Recruitment

A practical 45 to 60 minute CPD course on recruiting safely - planning the vacancy, shortlisting, references, interviewing, pre-employment checks and safer culture after appointment. Includes an interactive case study and a downloadable toolkit.

1 hours Awareness WorkplaceHero Self-paced online

About this course

A practical course for anyone who advertises a role, shortlists, sits on an interview panel or completes pre-employment checks. It walks through the whole process - from writing the advert to recording the checks - and explains the checks statutory guidance expects you to carry out, and why.

What learners cover

  • Explain what safer recruitment is and why a clear criminal record check is not proof that someone is safe
  • Plan a vacancy so the role, criteria and checks are agreed before the advert goes out
  • Shortlist fairly, explore employment history and gaps, and take up references that actually tell you something
  • Ask neutral, proportionate interview questions and explore answers without jumping to conclusions
  • Describe the main pre-employment checks, the four DBS levels and who decides eligibility
  • Apply the September 2026 change to regulated activity with children, including removal of the supervision exemption
  • Record decisions defensibly and handle recruitment information lawfully
  • Keep suitability under review through induction, probation and an open safeguarding culture

Who it is for

Anyone involved in recruitment: managers and team leaders, HR and recruitment staff, safeguarding leads, education and training staff, voluntary and community organisations, and employers working with children or adults at risk. Written for all sectors, not only schools and colleges.

How it is delivered

Fully online and self-paced

Learners work through the course at their own pace and can pause and resume where they left off.

Any device

Works on desktop, laptop, tablet and mobile, with audio, video and written transcripts throughout.

Interactive throughout

Scenarios, exercises and images keep learners engaged rather than clicking through slides.

Knowledge checks

Short checks at the end of each section so learners can see what has landed before moving on.

Average completion time is around 1 hours, though learners can take as long as they need and return as often as they like.

Certification

WorkplaceHero certificate on passing the end of course test (80% pass mark, unlimited retakes), with the hours added to your CPD log automatically. Content last reviewed: September 2026.

How it works for teams

  1. 1. Choose how many licences you need and pay by card, or request an invoice.
  2. 2. Add your learners' names and email addresses.
  3. 3. They sign in to their WorkplaceHero account and start the course straight away.
  4. 4. Track who has been set up from your account.