A school leader’s guide to the International Child Protection Certificate (ICPC)
If your school hires UK nationals or those who have lived in the UK, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man, understanding the ICPC process is essential. Here’s how it works and why it matters for your international school or group.
What Is the ICPC?
The International Child Protection Certificate (ICPC) is a safeguard designed to protect children and vulnerable adults. Developed by the National Crime Agency (NCA) and ACRO (Criminal Records Office), it helps ensure that individuals working abroad with children or vulnerable adults have been thoroughly vetted.
This certificate provides a comprehensive criminal history check, including:
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Convictions, cautions, reprimands, and warnings (in line with the ACRO step-down model)
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Relevant police intelligence
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Foreign conviction information shared by overseas authorities (if applicable)
For school leaders, this certificate is a critical layer of protection, ensuring that international recruitment to ensure the appropriate checks are complete based on the highest standards of accountability and safety.
How Is the ICPC Different from a DBS Check?
While both the ICPC and a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, serve to safeguard children and vulnerable adults, they are designed for different contexts:
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DBS Check: Used within the UK, a DBS check ensures that individuals working with children or vulnerable adults domestically have no disqualifying criminal record. It includes details of cautions, convictions, and, in some cases, relevant police intelligence
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ICPC: Specifically for individuals working overseas, the ICPC extends the vetting process beyond the UK to include foreign conviction information and is tailored for those who have lived or worked in the UK and are seeking roles abroad. It provides additional safeguarding by addressing the unique challenges of international work
For school leaders, it’s important to require the appropriate check based on the role and location of the applicant’s work. An ICPC may be necessary for international positions, while a DBS check is standard for domestic roles
Key Information on the ICPC
The ICPC includes the following details:
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The name of the organisation
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Personal details and a photograph of the applicant
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Information about convictions, cautions, reprimands, and warnings
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Relevant police intelligence and foreign conviction data (if available)
Important for schools: It’s vital to confirm whether an ICPC is required for specific roles before hiring, as refunds are not available if the certificate is rejected by your organisation
When should schools require an ICPC?
Your school should consider requiring an ICPC when:
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Recruiting teachers or staff who have lived or worked in the UK and are applying for roles overseas
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Onboarding volunteers or staff for programs involving vulnerable groups abroad
Additionally, if you’re hiring staff for domestic roles but they have previously worked overseas, an ICPC might provide valuable insight into their history
Application process for schools
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Encourage applicants to create an account
Applicants are advised to register for an account on the ACRO website. This allows them to:
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Save progress on the multi-page application form
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Complete the application over multiple sessions
Without an account, applicants must finish the entire 10-page form in one session
2. Guide applicants through submission
Once registered, applicants can log in and:
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Navigate to the “My Account” page
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Click the button to apply for an ICPC
Alternatively, they can start the application directly by clicking the “Apply Now” button on the ICPC page. Schools should ensure applicants review the “What You Need” section to avoid delays.
3. Support applicants with guidance
The application form includes step-by-step instructions, and additional help is available via the Help Page or the support link at the top of each page.
Accessibility Tip: If applicants use assistive technologies, direct them to the accessibility section of the Help Page for tailored guidance.
Why the ICPC matters for schools
As a school leader, safeguarding children is at the core of your responsibilities. Acquiring an ICPC for international hires demonstrates your commitment to maintaining the highest standards of child protection. It’s a proactive measure that not only protects your students but also reinforces your school’s reputation as a safe and trustworthy institution.
Take action
If you’re hiring staff for international roles or onboarding individuals with prior UK residency, consider making the ICPC a standard part of your vetting process. For more information or to guide applicants through their ICPC application, visit the official ICPC page today.
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