EG-EK-02
Education & Growth
Education & Knowledge
CORE
Excellence
v2.9.7
Educator competence & safer recruitment (qualifications, vetting, SCR)
This criterion assesses educator competence (Kafāʾah) and trustworthiness (Amānah) through rigorous safer recruitment, qualification verification, and ongoing suitability checks. It applies to all individuals who teach, instruct, or lead learning activities, whether paid, volunteer, or third-party. Ensuring teachers are skilled, verified, and legally cleared is fundamental to safeguarding learners (Riʿāyah) and preserving the integrity of knowledge transmission.
Assessment Questions
- How does the organization determine and document the specific DBS eligibility level (Enhanced/Barred List vs. Basic/Standard) for each role?
- What is the protocol if a teacher needs to start before all checks (e.g., DBS certificate) are physically received, and where is the risk assessment recorded?
- How does the organization verify the authenticity and scope of traditional qualifications (ijāzah) and map them to the role's requirements?
- Who on the recruitment panel has completed Safer Recruitment training, and when was it last refreshed?
- How are 'positive disclosures' (criminal records) or online search findings risk-assessed, and who signs off on the suitability decision?
- Does the Single Central Record (SCR) include a 'checked by' column and is it audited by trustees/management?
- How does the organization ensure third-party/agency staff are vetted to the same standard?
- What are the consequences defined in the policy for falsification of credentials (Ghish)?
- How are safeguarding boundaries (e.g., no private messaging) enforced and monitored?
Evidence Requirements
- Safer Recruitment Policy: Including pre-start check rules and DBS eligibility criteria.
- Single Central Record (SCR): Anonymized export showing all required fields including 'checked by' and dates.
- Qualification & Ijāzah Verification SOP: Document detailing verification methodology.
- DBS Eligibility Risk Assessments: Samples of decisions made regarding regulated activity status.
- Risk Assessments for Pending Checks: Written supervision plans for any staff starting before full clearance.
- Teacher Files (Sample): Showing ID, RTW, References, Online Search record, and Interview notes.
- Recruitment Data Protection Pack: Appropriate Policy Document and retention schedule.
- Training Certificates: Safer Recruitment training evidence for panel members.
- Third-Party Assurance Agreements: Contracts/letters confirming vetting of external staff.
- Observation Reports: Anonymized samples of teaching observations.
Scoring Guidelines
| Level | Rating | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5/5 | 100% vetting at legally correct level (incl. barred list for regulated activity), 100% RTW/References/Online searches, SCR accuracy ≥99% (verified via random sample), ≥95% observations completed, Safer Recruitment trained panel members. |
| 4 | 4/5 | 100% vetting at legally correct level, ≥90% qualifications verified, ≥90% observations, SCR accuracy ≥97%, risk assessments in place for any pending checks. |
| 3 | 3/5 | ≥95% vetting, ≥80% qualifications, basic observations in place, SCR maintained with minor gaps, no unchecked staff in unsupervised roles. |
| 2 | 2/5 | <95% vetting or major SCR gaps; significant qualification shortfalls; some staff working without full clearance/risk assessment. |
| 1 | 1/5 | No systematic vetting; mostly unqualified; no SCR. |
Discussion (1)
Administrator
2026-03-07 11:08:10.170595
📋 **Version updated: 1.0.0 → 2.9.7** **Changes:** Updated islamic_references from mizan-297.json
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