Recruitment & Onboarding Policy
1. Purpose
Falcon Greencare is committed to recruiting and onboarding safe, competent, and suitable staff to deliver high-quality care. This policy ensures robust recruitment processes in line with Care Quality Commission (CQC) requirements and safer recruitment principles.
2. Scope
This policy applies to:
- All employees, agency workers, and contractors
- Healthcare assistants, support workers, and nurses
- All recruitment and onboarding activities
3. Legal and Regulatory Framework
Falcon Greencare operates in accordance with:
- The Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulation 19 – Fit and Proper Persons)
- The Care Quality Commission Fundamental Standards
- The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
- The Disclosure and Barring Service requirements
- The Equality Act 2010
4. Policy Statement
Falcon Greencare will:
- Recruit staff safely and fairly
- Ensure all staff are suitable, skilled, and competent
- Follow safer recruitment practices
- Complete all pre-employment checks before placement
- Provide structured onboarding and induction
5. Recruitment Process
5.1 Job Advertising
- Vacancies are advertised fairly and without discrimination
- Job descriptions and person specifications are clear and accurate
5.2 Application and Shortlisting
- Applications are reviewed against objective criteria
- Equal opportunities principles are applied
5.3 Interview Process
- Candidates undergo a structured interview
- Identity is verified at interview stage
- Employment history is explored, including gaps
6. Pre-Employment Checks
No candidate will be placed until all checks are completed:
6.1 Mandatory Checks
- Proof of identity (e.g. passport, driving licence)
- Right to work in the UK
- Enhanced DBS check via the Disclosure and Barring Service
- Employment history and references (minimum of two)
- Verification of qualifications and training
- Professional registration (e.g. NMC for nurses)
- Health declaration / fitness to work
6.2 Risk Assessment
Any concerns (e.g. DBS disclosures or gaps in employment) will be risk assessed before placement
7. Onboarding Process
7.1 Induction
All staff must complete induction before placement, including:
- Company policies and procedures
- Safeguarding and whistleblowing
- Health and safety
- Infection control
- Role expectations
7.2 Compliance File
A complete staff file must include:
- All recruitment checks
- Training records
- Signed policies
- ID and right-to-work documentation
8. Training Before Placement
Staff must:
- Complete mandatory training
- Demonstrate basic competency
- Be cleared for work before being offered shifts
9. Placement and Deployment
Falcon Greencare ensures:
Staff are matched appropriately to roles and client needs
- Client-specific requirements are met
- Staff are only placed within their level of competence
10. Responsibilities
10.1 Management
Management is responsible for:
- Ensuring safe recruitment practices
- Verifying compliance before placement
- Maintaining accurate staff records
10.2 Staff
All staff must:
- Provide accurate information during recruitment
- Maintain valid documentation
- Participate fully in onboarding and training
11. Record Keeping
Falcon Greencare maintains secure and accurate records of:
- Recruitment checks
- DBS status
- Training and competency
- Employment history
Records are available for audit and inspection.
12. Non-Compliance
Failure to meet recruitment or onboarding requirements may result in:
Withdrawal of job offer
- Suspension from placement
- Termination of contract
13. Monitoring and Review
- Recruitment processes are regularly audited
- This policy is reviewed annually or in line with CQC updates
- Feedback from clients and staff is used to improve processes
14. Commitment to Safe Recruitment
Falcon Greencare is committed to ensuring all staff:
- Are safe to work with vulnerable people
- Meet required standards of competence
- Deliver high-quality, person-centred care
Date written: 27/2/2026
To be reviewed: 27/02/2027
