Safeguarding Information

Safeguarding and Pre-employment Vetting Information

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expects all staff, volunteers and on-site visitors to share this commitment. We are an equal opportunities employer and want our staff profile to reflect the community we serve.

Everyone who works within the Trust and comes into contact with children and their families has a role to play in safeguarding children. We are committed to working with other agencies to ensure robust arrangements are in place across the Trust to identify, assess and support children who are suffering, or likely to suffer, harm. Our safer recruitment practice follows the latest statutory safeguarding guidance issued by the Department for Education, including the current version of ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’.

All posts within the Trust carry a responsibility for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Working with children and young people is a position of trust. It brings responsibilities that extend to the standards we expect of staff outside the workplace. As an employee, you will be expected to role model positive behaviours and maintain a high level of professionalism, both inside and outside work. We believe working with children and young people is a privilege, and we are dedicated to ensuring that our pupils feel safe and secure in their learning environment.

For the benefit of all those considering applying for a role within our Trust, please note:

• We only accept fully completed application forms. CVs will not be accepted on their own;
• If you are shortlisted, you will be asked to complete a self-declaration about any criminal record, and any other information that may affect your suitability to work with children. Guidance on what must be declared is available from GOV.UK: Guidance on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Exceptions Order 1975;
• As part of our due diligence, we may carry out an online search on shortlisted candidates. Anything relevant may be discussed with you at interview;
• At interview, we will ask you to verify the information on your application form, including your employment history and any gaps in it;
• Wherever possible, we will request references before interview, including one from your current or most recent employer. We will ask referees about any disciplinary or capability issues, any substantiated safeguarding concerns or allegations, and your suitability to work with children. We will ask this even if your current role does not involve working with children.

Any offer of employment will be conditional on satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks, which will include:

• Verification of identity and right to work in the UK;
• An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, including a check of the children’s barred list;
• At least two satisfactory references;
• Verification of qualifications required for the role;
• Verification of mental and physical fitness to carry out the role;
• A prohibition from teaching check, where relevant to the role;
• Further checks for candidates who have lived or worked outside the UK.

Depending on the role, additional checks may be required. Any additional checks will be set out in your offer letter.

Further information can be found in our Recruitment and Selection Policy. You can get a copy from our central recruitment team at recruitment@trinitymat.org.