Safer working practices
It is a requirement for all schools to have:
- Clear priorities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children explicitly stated in strategic policy documents
- Recruitment and human resources management procedures that take account of the need to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people including arrangements for appropriate checks on new staff and volunteers.
- Sound record keeping procedures
- Procedures for managing allegations against staff
- Safeguarding Policy – DES have produced a policy template which schools can adapt if they wish
- DBS Disclosure Policy (DCC Corporate Employees)
- DBS Disclosure Policy (Model Policy for Schools and Academies)
Useful links
- Keeping Children Safe in Education
- Use of reasonable force in schools – DfE guidance
- Bullying and cyber bullying guidance from the DfE
- Devon Education Services – Governor Support
Safer recruitment
Forms and process
All schools maintained by Devon should now use the online Disclosure and Barring Service Checks to ensure compliance with the safer recruitment forms and process.
Policy, Guidance and supporting documentation in relation to the DBS checking process can be accessed by schools in the HR ONE Policy Library. Please speak to HR Direct on 01392 385555 for further information if you do not have access.
DBS support is also available from our Safer Recruitment Service
Forms and guidance
DBS checks – DCC forms and guidance
- DBS2 Risk Assessment Form
- Guidance notes for completion of DBS2 Risk Assessment Form
- DBS2 process flowchart
- How to check a DBS Disclosure certificate
DBS checks – GOV.UK guidance
- DBS ID checking guidelines
- DBS referrals: referral and decision making process
- DBS Update Service: employer guide
Other DCC recruitment forms
- Request to advertise a school-based vacancy
- Application form – teaching
- Application form – support staff
- Work experience reference form
Single central record of DBS compliance for school and Ofsted compliance
To support the need for schools to have a single central record of DBS compliance, please download the following letters regarding visitors to schools.
These letters can be shown to Ofsted inspectors to confirm that Devon County Council staff and those in our linked organisations have had thorough and robust recruitment checks including a DBS check.