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It is essential that all persons working in the public sector are checked sufficiently before appointment to ensure that they are trustworthy, reliable and appropriately qualified for the jobs they are to do. Since April 2010 all NHS providers (including private providers) have been required to be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The CQC in turn requires that registered providers adhere to the NHS Employers Employment Checks Standards.

The Employment Checks Standards are also embedded in the Government Procurement Service (GPC) National Agency Framework Agreement and annual audit checks of agencies, to assure compliance with the standards is met in relation to contracted and subcontracted staff. They also form part of the information governance and assurance standards links to the use of the NHS Summary Care Records Service (NHS SCRS).

In the autumn of 2022, in recognition of the increasingly competitive labour market, NHS employers has brought to readers’ attention resources and guidance to help minimise any unnecessary delays in the hiring process. New guidance includes the following.

  • Updated NHS Employment Check Standards FAQs.

  • The Inspire, Attract and Retain Toolkit — including examples of the use of automation and different approaches to interviews in order to speed up the recruitment process.

  • Recruit and Retain Young People toolkit — ways to streamline processes and improve the candidate experience.

  • Information on the use of social media to attract a younger candidate pool.

  • A new resource which supports line managers to communicate rewards to employees.

This topic covers all current guidance for good recruitment and selection practice and procedures.

In April 2023, NHS Employers launched a new e-learning package based on the requirements of the NHS Employment Check Standards.

There are six modules to complete, plus a survey module to provide feedback. The e-learning package is accessible on the Learning Hub platform (hosted by NHS England) and is currently only available to individuals with NHS email accounts.

In August 2023, NHS England published the Fit and Proper Person Test Framework and supporting resources in order to strengthen board governance, boost leadership and improve patient safety. This will also help prevent directors who have been involved in or enabled serious misconduct or mismanagement from joining an NHS organisation.

Safeguarding and VIP Visits Policy

Background

There are occasions when a VIP might visit a service or premises run by this organisation. Such VIPs might include members of the Royal Family, dignitaries, politicians, representatives from national bodies, celebrities, sportspeople or others with some degree of fame. Such VIPs often play an important role in supporting the activities of organisations, or in promoting good health and local services. Many will be accompanied by news or media teams involved in reporting the visit or event.

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