The Single Central Record has always been a fundamental part of safeguarding compliance. It provides a single, centralised record of the pre-employment checks carried out for all staff, supply staff, governors, and volunteers.
While most independent schools already have established SCR processes, the ISI’s 2025 and 2026 updates raise expectations on accuracy, accessibility, and early inspection review. The message is clear: the SCR is now a central focus for inspectors, not just a background compliance document.
The Single Central Record, sometimes called the Single Central Register, is the school’s evidence base that safer recruitment processes are being applied correctly. It documents a series of statutory checks required under the Independent School Standards (ISSR) and Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE). Each record typically includes details such as:
The ISI has published two important updates that directly affect SCR management:
Independent Schools Inspection Handbook (EIF) – January 2025
Operating Guide for Standard Inspections – Effective January 2026
Together, these documents reinforce the SCR as a priority area of scrutiny.
Inspectors will cross-reference SCR entries with individual recruitment files, confirming that evidence (for example, copies of DBS certificates or identity documents) supports what’s recorded. Schools must ensure their SCR can be accessed immediately and accurately reflects their current staff and volunteer population.
Format and Accessibility The 2025 handbook confirms that schools may maintain their SCR in paper or electronic form, but it must be “complete, accurate and readily available.” Many schools now choose digital SCR systems for auditability and version control, but whichever format you use, inspectors will expect instant access and evidence of regular review.
Sampling of Recent Appointments Inspectors will sample checks for all adults recruited since the last inspection, including supply staff, governors, and proprietors. This sampling process tests whether safer recruitment procedures have been followed consistently since your previous visit.
Reinforcement of Independent School Standards Paragraphs 340 and 343 of the updated handbook emphasise that maintaining a compliant SCR is a statutory requirement under Part 4 – Suitability of Staff and Proprietors of the Independent School Standards. This includes ensuring the SCR is regularly reviewed, all checks are dated, and the person completing the checks is clearly identified.
These updates signify a shift towards real-time accountability. The SCR is not only a record of past checks but also evidence that a school continuously manages safer recruitment effectively.
If your SCR is incomplete, outdated, or difficult to access, you risk:
A compliant, well-maintained SCR demonstrates that safeguarding is deeply embedded in your school’s culture and leadership.
To meet ISI’s revised expectations, schools should act now to review and strengthen SCR processes.
1. Conduct an SCR Audit Undertake a full review of your SCR entries, ensuring each record includes all required checks, dates, and initials. Use a checklist based on the latest Independent School Standards.
2. Review Recruitment Files Cross-check that recruitment documentation (such as references, DBS certificates, and identity checks) aligns with SCR entries. Inspectors may sample these files to verify data accuracy.
3. Ensure Accessibility and Version Control If your SCR is electronic, confirm it can be accessed immediately during inspection and includes audit trails showing who made updates and when.
4. Train HR and Safeguarding Leads All staff involved in recruitment or record-keeping should understand the ISI’s emphasis on early inspection review and accuracy. Consider refresher training or policy updates.
5. Implement Regular Reviews Build in termly or half-termly reviews of your SCR to ensure it remains current. This proactive approach reduces errors and ensures inspection readiness at any time.
The ISI’s renewed focus on the Single Central Record aligns with a broader move towards proactive safeguarding assurance. Rather than reacting to compliance gaps, schools are encouraged to view SCR maintenance as an ongoing, dynamic process. An accurate SCR also supports wider governance and leadership accountability, helping governing bodies demonstrate due diligence over recruitment and safeguarding.
The ISI’s 2025 and 2026 updates bring the Single Central Record firmly to the front of the inspection process. Schools should now expect inspectors to begin their safeguarding review with the SCR, sampling recent appointments and verifying compliance in detail. By auditing and maintaining a clear, up-to-date SCR, schools not only meet inspection requirements but also demonstrate a genuine commitment to child safety and staff suitability. If your SCR hasn’t been reviewed recently, now is the time to act.
If you’d like help auditing your Single Central Record, implementing a digital SCR solution, or training your safeguarding and HR teams in safer recruitment documentation, our compliance specialists can help. Contact us today to find out how we can support your school in staying inspection-ready and compliant with ISI and DfE standards.
