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Safeguarding interview scenario - Frequent job changes
When interviewing applicants, it is important to ensure that questions about safeguarding are high on the agenda.
The video on this screen is split into six parts. The first three parts show an example scenario of an applicant being interviewed by a panel. The second three parts show the same interview, but with improvements illustrated.
While watching, think about how effective the interview technique is. After each part there will be a question for you to consider.
Select the Play button to start the video.
After you have watched the video read the question, then type your answer into the text box. Select the Save button when you have finished.
What are the issues here? What else would you have asked? What explanations might there be for frequent job changes?
The main issue is that the applicant was not sufficiently probed about their reasons for the frequent job changes. There may well be perfectly innocent reasons for having three separate jobs in 18 months, but this should be investigated stringently to help ensure that there are no hidden problems.
An effective interview process would have asked more questions to find out the exact reasons behind the frequency of job changes. This would have filled in the gaps and allowed the interview panel to form a clear picture of the applicant, as well as identifying any potential issues.
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Safeguarding interview scenario - Managing students effectively
After you have watched the video read the question, then type your answer into the text box. Select the Save button when you have finished.
What are the issues here? What else would you have asked?
The main issue here is that the learner on the panel was not given the chance to follow up their question with supplementary questions that would have further probed the applicant's attitude to student discipline.
Instead of just accepting the applicant's response, the interview panel should have asked further questions allowing the applicant to expand on their answer, and helping to ensure that any potential issues could be identified.
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Safeguarding interview scenario - The applicant's stance on safeguarding
After you have watched the video read the question, then type your answer into the text box. Select the Save button when you have finished.
What are the issues here? What else could you have asked? What are the implications of his answer?
Again, the interview panel have failed to follow up on the applicant's response. They should have asked for clarification of their stance on safeguarding being an HR responsibility.
His answer suggests that he may be someone who does not take safeguarding issues seriously. This further suggests that he is likely to undervalue and possible even undermine a safeguarding culture.
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Safeguarding interview scenario - Further questions
After you have watched the video read the question, then type your answer into the text box. Select the Save button when you have finished.
What other questions could you ask? What further follow up would you do?
The interview panel should ask about the other two jobs and probe for more detail.
If the panel decide to offer the applicant a job, they should obtain references from one or more of these employers as well as the most recent.
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Safeguarding interview scenario - Specific examples of dealing with difficult students
After you have watched the video read the question, then type your answer into the text box. Select the Save button when you have finished.
What other questions could you ask? Do the answers give any cause for concern?
The interview panel should ask for details of what it was about this learner's behaviour that made them difficult to deal with. They should also ask how the applicant dealt with the student.
Another good question to ask would be whether the applicant had ever had a student they were unable to relate to, with further questions being what it was about their behaviour that made them so difficult to deal with, and what the applicant did to work around this.
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Safeguarding interview scenario - Responsibilities
After you have watched the video read the question, then type your answer into the text box. Select the Save button when you have finished.
Would you have any concerns about this answer? What other questions might you ask?
Some concerns that the interview panel may have could include the applicant not placing sufficient importance on safeguarding, or seeing it as his own responsibility.
It would be appropriate to ask the applicant how they would work within the policy of the organisation, for an example of when they have had to use the safeguarding policy, and for some examples of how they have promoted the safety of learners.
Jot down your thoughts on this section in your Notepad.