Policy Statement

YSBD Workshops Ltd is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff, volunteers, visiting professionals, and contractors to share this commitment.

YSBD Workshops Ltd recognises that robust recruitment and selection practices play a vital role in preventing unsuitable individuals from working with children. This Safer Recruitment Policy outlines the procedures YSBD Workshops Ltd follows to ensure that all individuals working with our students are suitable, safe, and appropriately qualified.

Our recruitment procedures follow statutory safeguarding guidance including Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006, and the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

Scope

This policy applies to:

• All employees (full-time, part-time, temporary)
• Freelance tutors and visiting artists
• Volunteers and assistants
• Workshop leaders and choreographers
• Guest directors or musical directors
• Contractors who may have contact with students
• Anyone engaged in regulated activity with children on behalf of YSBD Workshops Ltd

Key Principles

YSBD Workshops Ltd will ensure that:

• Safeguarding is embedded throughout the recruitment process.
• Recruitment processes deter unsuitable applicants.
• All candidates are treated fairly and consistently.
• Thorough vetting checks are carried out before employment begins.
• Any concerns regarding suitability are properly investigated.
• The welfare of children remains the central consideration.

Roles and Responsibilities

YSBD Workshops Ltd Company Director is responsible for ensuring:

• Safe recruitment practices are implemented.
• Staff involved in recruitment understand safeguarding responsibilities.
• Appropriate checks are completed and recorded.

Recruitment Panel

At least one member of the recruitment panel should have completed Safer Recruitment training.

The panel is responsible for:

• Shortlisting candidates
• Conducting interviews
• Assessing safeguarding awareness
• Ensuring recruitment checks are completed

Designated Safeguarding Lead: Hannah Curran (YSBD Company Director and Principal)

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead: Amy Corre (YSBD Vice Principal)

 

The DSL is responsible for:

• Advising recruitment panels on safeguarding matters
• Reviewing any safeguarding concerns during recruitment
• Supporting risk assessments if required

Advertising Vacancies

All job advertisements will clearly state:

• The Academy’s commitment to safeguarding
• That safeguarding checks will be required
• That the role involves working with children
• That an Enhanced DBS check will be required

Example safeguarding statement:

“YSBD Theatre Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are expected to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to undergo an Enhanced DBS check and appropriate safeguarding screening.”

Job Descriptions and Person Specifications

Every role will include:

 

Job Description

• Responsibilities
• Safeguarding duties
• Reporting procedures
• Expected conduct with students

Person Specification

This will outline:

• Essential qualifications
• Relevant experience working with young people
• Safeguarding awareness
• Professional behaviour and values

 

Application Process

YSBD Workshops Ltd requires formal applications for all roles.

 

Applicants must:

• Complete an application form
• Provide a full employment history
• Explain any gaps in employment
• Provide at leasttwo professional references
• Declare any criminal convictions (where appropriate)

CVs alone will not be accepted without an application form.

Shortlisting

The recruitment panel will:

• Compare applications against the person specification
• Identify any gaps or anomalies in employment
• Note any safeguarding concerns
• Prepare questions for interview clarification

Interview Process

All shortlisted candidates will attend a formal interview.

 

Interviews will include:

• Safeguarding-related questions
• Discussion of previous work with children
• Professional conduct expectations
• Exploration of attitudes toward child welfare

Candidates may also be required to:

• Deliver a short teaching demonstration
• Participate in practical activities relevant to performing arts

The panel will assess:

• Professional suitability
• Safeguarding awareness
• Behaviour and communication with young people

 

Pre-Employment Checks

Employment will only be confirmed once the following checks have been completed:

 

–       Identity Verification

• Valid photographic ID and proof of address.
• DBS Check
• AnEnhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check including a Children’s Barred List check where applicable via the Disclosure and Barring Service.

–       References

 

At least two references, including:

• The most recent employer
• Confirmation of suitability to work with children

References will be verified directly with the referee.

Right to Work

Verification of the individual’s right to work in the UK.

 

Qualification Checks

Verification of relevant teaching, performing arts, or safeguarding qualifications.

 

Employment History

Clarification of any unexplained employment gaps.

 

Conditional Offers

All job offers are conditional upon:

• Satisfactory DBS clearance
• Acceptable references
• Identity verification
• Right-to-work documentation
• Qualification verification

YSBD Workshops Ltd reserves the right to withdraw offers if safeguarding concerns arise.

Induction

All new staff and volunteers will receive safeguarding induction which includes:

• Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy
• Code of Conduct
• Reporting procedures
• Health and safety procedures
• Behaviour expectations with children

Staff will also be introduced to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Probation Period

All new staff will complete a probation period (typically 3–6 months).

 

During this period:

• Performance will be monitored
• Safeguarding practice will be observed
• Conduct with students will be reviewed

Failure to meet safeguarding standards may result in termination.

Record Keeping

YSBD Workshops Ltd will maintain secure records of recruitment checks including:

• DBS certificates
• References
• Identity verification
• Qualification checks
• Interview notes

These records will be stored in line with data protection regulations and the UK General Data Protection Regulation.

Ongoing Safeguarding Culture

Safer recruitment is only one part of safeguarding.

 

YSBD Workshops Ltd will ensure:

• Regular safeguarding training
• Clear reporting procedures
• Professional boundaries with students
• Continuous monitoring of staff conduct

 

Contractors and Visiting Professionals

External professionals working with students must:

• Provide DBS confirmation where applicable
• Be supervised if appropriate
• Follow Academy safeguarding procedures

Volunteers

Volunteers are subject to appropriate safeguarding checks depending on their role and level of contact with students. They will also receive safeguarding induction and supervision.

 

Concerns During Recruitment

If safeguarding concerns arise during the recruitment process, YSBD Workshops Ltd may:

• Seek further clarification
• Conduct additional checks
• Reject the application

In serious cases, concerns may be referred to appropriate safeguarding authorities.

Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or earlier if required due to:

• Changes in legislation
• Updated safeguarding guidance
• Operational changes within the Academy

Policy Approval

Approved by: Hannah Curran (YSBD Company Director/Principal)

Effective From: January 2026

Review Date: January 2027