CQC registration document guidance

Recruitment Policy and Procedures

A Recruitment Policy and Procedure is one of the core supporting documents CQC expects from provider applicants. It should show how your organisation will recruit suitable staff safely, fairly and consistently.

Why this matters for your registration

  • •CQC wants evidence of robust safer-recruitment systems for people working in regulated services.
  • •Your policy should show how you will meet Regulation 19: Fit and Proper Persons Employed.
  • •It should explain the checks you will complete before anyone starts work.

What you should prepare

  • •A clear recruitment process from advertising through to induction.
  • •How applications, shortlisting, interviews and role assessment will be handled.
  • •Identity, DBS, reference and employment-history checks.
  • •How employment gaps, concerns and previous role endings will be reviewed.
  • •Qualification, registration, overseas recruitment and sponsorship checks where relevant.
  • •How recruitment records, complaints and data protection will be managed.

Before you submit

  • •Make sure your recruitment process is explained step by step.
  • •Show clearly how DBS, references and employment history will be checked.
  • •Include overseas recruitment only if it is relevant to your service.
  • •Keep the policy aligned with safeguarding, staff training and equality documents.

Build a consistent application

Related CQC registration guidance

Use these connected resources to keep your policies, business evidence and application details aligned.

CQC DBS checks for registration

Plan the DBS route, timing and evidence required for relevant provider and manager applicants.

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Home care staff training plan

Connect safer recruitment with induction, mandatory training and role-specific competence.

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CQC policies and procedures support

See how we help new providers prepare service-specific policies instead of generic templates.

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