A simple step-by-step guide for busy school staff
Keeping your Single Central Record (SCR) compliant is one of the most critical parts of safeguarding but it doesn’t have to consume your whole afternoon. Whether you’re preparing for inspection or just want peace of mind, this guide will help you complete a high-impact SCR audit in under 30 minutes.
You’ll find practical steps, a downloadable SCR audit checklist, and the easiest way to get your existing record reviewed for free.
Why a Quick SCR Audit Matters
An incomplete or inconsistent SCR remains the most common safeguarding failure that Ofsted report. But auditing your SCR doesn’t have to be a mammoth task. You can spot red flags fast, prioritise fixes, and build confidence across your safeguarding team in as little as 30 minutes.
Even if you’re still using spreadsheets, regular 30-minute audits can reveal:
- Missing or outdated checks
- Gaps in training or vetting
- Role-specific risks (like Section 128 for leaders or Right to Work for overseas staff)
- Inconsistent ownership or oversight
The 6 Point SCR Audit Checklist
Set a timer. Open your SCR. Run through these six sections, noting where you’re fully compliant, partially complete, or unsure. You’ll finish with a clear action list and greater confidence.
1. Access & Oversight
- Only authorised staff can edit the SCR
- A senior leader or DSL has visibility across the whole record
- Changes are tracked, timestamped and auditable
- Full legal names are used for every staff member
2. Safer Recruitment & Vetting
- Barred list checks recorded for all regulated roles
- Section 128 checks are complete for school leaders
- Overseas checks and references logged (if applicable)
- DBS numbers and issue dates are recorded and current
3. Right to Work & Identity
- Passport or ID checks are recorded and dated
- Right to Work in the UK is documented
- Work permits and expiry dates tracked for relevant staff
4. References & Employment Gaps
- Two references recorded for each appointment
- Employment gaps are explained and documented
- Notes or PDFs of checks are linked to each staff member
5. Ongoing Checks & Reminders
- Training, policy, and safeguarding updates are tracked
- Expiring checks (e.g. DBS, training) are flagged in advance
- Governors receive SCR updates termly
6. Culture & Leadership
- DSL and SLT review SCR data once per term
- SCR feeds into your safeguarding strategy
- Multiple staff members are trained and able to manage the SCR.
Go Beyond Compliance. Discover the Power of the School SCR Platform
This basic checklist can help you stay on track. But a dedicated SCR platform takes you further, not only giving you complete confidence and peace of mind, but also massively reducing workload.
Built by a former school leader, with School SCR you can:
- Spot issues instantly with daily automated audits
- Stay on top of checks with smart reminders and alerts
- Share oversight across your team with role-based access
- Reduce admin workload by up to 75%
Try the platform for free. Create an account and upload your current spreadsheet. We’ll run a full audit using our specialist platform highlighting gaps, overdue checks, and opportunities to improve your safeguarding.
It's fast, simple and built by experts who understand the pressures schools face.
No pressure. No sales pitch. Just clarity, confidence and time saved.
Sign Up for a Free SCR Audit
Let us take the pressure off. Upload your current SCR spreadsheet and we’ll run a full audit on it.
You’ll receive:
- A personalised audit report
- RAG-rated risk summary
- Instant insights you can share with your DSL or SLT
To get started, create your free account and upload your SCR for audit
You'll see exactly where you stand and how you can strengthen your safeguarding.
Want to take it further? Book a short demo and see how School SCR can save your team hours each week while making compliance safer, faster, and easier.
