30. Staff selection and the creation of an aware culture: an in-depth examination of selection and management systems

This course provides an in-depth examination of child sexual abuse within employment situations and the practical lessons that can be learned in relation to staff selection and day-to-day management systems. The training is informed by research, the findings of national inquiry reports and by our own treatment programme for sex offenders.

Course overview

This course is for smaller groups of senior and middle managers who are responsible for devising and implementing staff selection and management systems, within the following staff groups: those working in fostering and adoption placement, residential care, fieldwork, nursery and day care, health, education, youth work, leisure services and voluntary work. Where required, it can be used as the beginning of an ongoing 'working group' within agencies, to address issues raised. We recommend that participants include representation from human resources teams.

Course aims

• To raise awareness about:

  The nature of sex offending

  Normal versus inappropriate attitudes, beliefs and behaviours

  The modus operandi of sex offenders in the work place

  To consider how knowledge of sex offenders may be applied:

  To all stages of the staff selection process, within a framework of equal opportunity, from the initial advertisement, to job and person specifications, references, interview schedules and probationary appointments to a final confirmation of employment

  To minimise the risk of appointing a sexual abuser and to convey to would-be applicants that yours is an 'aware culture'
  

• To apply offender knowledge to create day-to-day management systems that enhance an 'aware culture' in terms of:

  The recognition of possible abuse scenarios

  Staff supervision

  Open structure for sharing information within an anti-oppressive value system

  Monitoring procedures and whistle-blowing

  To apply knowledge of offenders to de-brief and support staff groups who have experienced a child sexual abuser within their working context
  

For further information and to discuss your individual needs please contact the Training Co-ordinator on 01527 591922 or email: training@lucyfaithfull.org.uk