Aldershot Open Day
7 March 2026
Step by Step are committed to recruiting people who share our values, professionalism and dedication to safeguarding.
This guide explains our application process, what safer recruitment means, and what you can expect at each stage. Our aim is to ensure every applicant feels informed, respected and treated fairly.
At Step by Step, safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. We support vulnerable young people across Hampshire, Surrey, Dorset, Wiltshire, West Berkshire and West Sussex, and we take our responsibility seriously.
Our recruitment process is designed to:
We follow safer recruitment principles in line with statutory guidance and sector best practice. This ensures we appoint people who are not only skilled, but also suitable to work with children and young people.
Visit our current vacancies page to explore available roles across our services.
Applications are submitted through the instructions listed on the vacancy page. Please provide full and accurate information, including a complete employment history with explanations for any gaps.
As part of our safer recruitment approach, we may ask specific safeguarding-related questions within the application form.
If you are shortlisted, you will be invited to interview.
At least one of your interviews will be a competency-based interview in which a scoring system is used.
This approach helps ensure:
We are committed to equality of opportunity. If you have a disability or additional needs, please let us know. We are happy to make reasonable adjustments to support you throughout the recruitment process.
If you are successful at interview, we will carry out pre-employment checks before confirming an unconditional offer.
These typically include:
These checks form an essential part of our safer recruitment framework.
Once all checks are satisfactorily completed, we will confirm your appointment and agree a start date.
Our onboarding process is designed to help you feel confident and supported in your new role. You will receive safeguarding training, role-specific guidance, and access to ongoing professional development.
Safer recruitment is a structured approach to hiring that prioritises safeguarding.
At Step by Step, we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are expected to share this commitment. As part of our safer recruitment process, we will complete reference checks, a DBS check and confirm your full employment history for the past five years or your entire work history depending on the role that is applied for.
Many roles at Step by Step require an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check because of the nature of our work with children and young people.
A DBS check allows us to confirm whether there is any criminal record information that may affect suitability for the role.
Having a criminal record does not automatically prevent someone from working with us. Each situation is considered individually and fairly, in line with safeguarding guidance and our internal policies.
If a DBS check is required for your role, we will guide you through the process.
Timeframes vary depending on the role and the number of applicants. We aim to complete shortlisting and interviews as efficiently as possible while maintaining thorough safeguarding checks.
We aim to provide feedback where possible, particularly following interviews. Due to the volume of applications, feedback may not always be available.
Yes. If you meet the criteria for multiple roles, you are welcome to apply for each position separately.
Please inform us at the earliest opportunity. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to ensure the process is accessible and inclusive.
If you are motivated to support young people facing homelessness and want to work in an organisation that values integrity, safeguarding and professional excellence, we would love to hear from you.
Explore our current vacancies and find the role that matches your skills and passion.
We are proud to announce the opening of our new move-on property in Bedhampton. This home will support up to four young people aged 18 and over, many of whom might otherwise be left waiting on housing lists, homeless, or relying on a friend’s sofa.
The Bedhampton property is the third Step by Step move-on home – a unique accommodation model for young people ready to move on with their lives but with no viable housing options available to them.
