Safer Recruitment Policy & Procedure

Safer Recruitment Policy & Procedure

Word-based, Holy Spirit led; where people matter, and grow together.

31st March 2026

Safer Reruitment Policy and Procedure

New Testament Church of God Luton

Purpose

The New Testament Church of God (Luton) is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and adults at risk. This Safer Recruitment Policy sets out our commitment to ensuring that all staff, volunteers, and leaders are safely recruited and suitable to work within the church environment. This policy forms part of our wider safeguarding framework and reflects our duty of care in creating a safe and supportive place of worship and community engagement.

Scope

This policy applies to:

All church leaders and ministers

Staff (paid and unpaid)

Volunteers working with children, youth, and adults at risk

Trustees and board members

Anyone acting on behalf of the church

Principles

We are committed to:

Providing a safe and nurturing church environment

Preventing harm through robust recruitment practices

Ensuring safeguarding is embedded in all roles

Following national safeguarding legislation and guidance

Aligning with best practice from Thirtyone: eight and New

Testament Church of God safeguarding frameworks

4. Roles and Responsibilities

Trustees and Church Leadership

Approve, endorse, and annually review this policy

Ensure safeguarding remains a priority in all church activities

Promote a culture of vigilance and accountability

Safeguarding Lead (Designated Safeguarding Officer)

Oversee safeguarding in recruitment processes

Ensure safer recruitment procedures are followed

Provide advice and respond to safeguarding concerns

Liaise with statutory agencies where necessary

Recruitment Panel / Ministry Leaders

Follow safer recruitment procedures

Conduct interviews and checks appropriately Maintain accurate and confidential records

S5. Safer Recruitment Procedures

5.1 Planning Roles

All roles will include safeguarding responsibilities where relevant Role descriptions will clearly outline expectations for behaviour and conduct

5.2 Advertising

All recruitment materials will include a safeguarding statement

Commitment to safeguarding will be clearly communicated

5.3 Application Process

All applicants must complete an application form (CVs alone are not accepted)

Full employment and volunteering history must be provided Any gaps must be explained

5.4 References

At least two references will be obtained

One reference must be from the most recent role

References will be verified before appointment

P A G E 4

5.5 Interviews

Interviews will include safeguarding-focused questions

At least one panel member will be trained in safer recruitment Identity documents will be checked

5.6 Pre-Appointment Checks

The following checks will be completed:

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (where eligible)

Identity verification

Right to work in the UK

Qualification checks where required

Risk assessment for any disclosures

No individual will begin regulated activity until all required checks are completed.

5.7 Induction and Training

All new staff and volunteers will complete safeguarding training

Safeguarding policies and reporting procedures will be explained

Ongoing training and supervision will be provided

6. Managing Concerns and Allegations

Any concerns arising during recruitment will be reported to the

Safeguarding Lead

Allegations will be handled in line with church safeguarding procedures

The safety of children and vulnerable adults will always be the priority

7. Record Keeping

A secure record of recruitment checks will be maintained

Confidentiality will be respected in line with data protection laws

Records will be stored securely and only accessed when necessary

8. Policy Review and Governance

This policy is a live working document

It will be reviewed annually by church leadership and trustees

Updates will reflect changes in legislation, Thirtyone: eight guidance, and New Testament Church of God safeguarding policies

9. Accessibility

This policy will be available to all members of the church upon request

It will be communicated clearly to staff, volunteers, and leaders

10. Commitment to Safeguarding Standards

The New Testament Church of God (Luton) is committed to maintaining high safeguarding standards and ensuring that all recruitment practices reflect the values and guidance of Thirtyone: eight and the New Testament Church of God.