When recruiting Personal Assistants, it is important to ensure that appropriate measures have been put in place to deter ill-intentioned people from applying for the post and to minimise any threat to the safety of disabled children or vulnerable adults.

A number of safeguarding measures can be applied in the following stages of the recruitment process:

• Wording of Job Advertisements
• Application Pack
• Enquiries
• Short-listing of candidates
• The Interview
• Job References
• Appointment
• Criminal Records Checks (Disclosure)

The Rowan Organisation's local Independent Living Adviser will be able to discuss the safeguarding principles and reasoning behind them with you in more detail and will offer advice throughout each stage of recruitment.

We have a number of sample documents available that can be customised according to individual needs, including; example job adverts, Application Form, covering letter, Employer Reference letter and Job Offer letter.

The Rowan Organisation offers a confidential Recruitment Line and can act as a mailing address and point of contact for any enquiries, thereby helping to protect the anonymity of the service user.

New legislation comes into force in 2010 which will require people who wish to work with children and vulnerable adults to register with the Independent Safeguarding Authority. This new safeguarding system will also maintain a list of individuals who are barred from working with children and vulnerable adults.

Further information can be obtained from your local Independent Living Adviser or by contacting the Information Service.

Version 4.0

Version Date: November 2009

The Rowan Organisation - Supporting Independence Through Choice