Employing staff
As a matter of good practice any organisation or agency recruiting or employing people (including voluntary organisations) to work with adults or children should, as a minimum require:
- Proof of the person's identity, including a recent photograph and for example, a birth certificate or current passport.
- Criminal Record Bureau check.
Criminal Records Bureau checks are required by law in most cases where care is to be provided to a vulnerable person. If you are unsure if you or your organisation is required to undertake CRB checks you can contact the Criminal Records Bureau information line on: 08709 090 811, or go to their website www.crb.gov.uk.
- Two written references including one from the last employer
- Reasons for leaving last employment
- Documents/certificates of any relevant qualifications and training
- A written history of previous employment and explanations of any gaps in employment
In addition they should:
- Contact references to ensure you are satisfied that they are genuine
- Check all gaps in the persons employment history
- pay particular attention where the previous employer’s reference indicates there has been a gap between the persons last employment and their current application
- pay particular attention where the previous employer’s reference indicates there has been a gap between the persons last employment and their current application
- Check originals of all documents provided to ensure that they are genuine (do not accept copies).
- Interview all prospective new staff
- Ensure all staff receive information and training in safeguarding adults/adult protection
In addition registered care providers i.e. care and nursing homes, domiciliary care agencies (i.e. organisations providing personal care to people in their own home) and adult placement schemes, are required to meet additional standards outlined in the National Minimum Standards and Regulations under the Care Standards Act 2000.
For full details in each case you can go to the Department of Health Vulnerable Adults website.
These currently require that a Protection of Vulnerable Adults (POVA) check is made.
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