National Hiring Committee

The Better Hiring Institute are soon to launch the National Hiring Committee with the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) to represent employers across England and Wales.
The Committee will be comprised of one member from each BHI Industry subcommittee meaning representation across the main sectors of the UK.
The purpose of the National Steering Committee is to provide feedback, support, and assistance to the DBS, as well as to help amplify messages to industry, raise issues, and represent their sectors on key, relevant issues.

National Hiring Committee

Helen Chandler

Helen Chandler is acting Associate Director of Business Development at the Disclosure and Barring Service. Helen has worked for the DBS (and its predecessor - CRB) since 2005 in roles including Head of Partnerships, Head of Policy and Head of the Chair and Chief Executive’s Office. Helen is proud to lead a Unit of six talented teams, which are responsible for Policy, Communications, Partnerships and Outreach, Commercial Development, Marketing, and Strategy, Planning and Inclusion.

Cathy Taylor

Cathy is Acting Head of Partnerships at DBS. She has worked at DBS since November 2020 taking on the roles of National Outreach Adviser and Regional Outreach Manager. She is passionate in supporting organisations to understand the role of DBS, how DBS supports their safer recruitment practices and when to appropriate barring referrals. Prior to working at DBS Cathy has worked in the voluntary sector and in local authorities supporting families with children under 5, children impacted by domestic abuse and children’s workforce development.

Shaun Cox

Shaun is a dedicated compliance professional with a with a wealth of experience across various industries and can strongly navigate the complexities of regulatory frameworks like the Disclosure and Barring Service. Shaun aims to promote fair practices related to the employment of individuals, whilst safeguarding vulnerable groups and organisations.

Keeley Robinson

As the HR Manager for Lemon Reinforcement, a leading UK reinforcement steel stockholder, my role is incredibly varied. While I’m relatively new to the Construction and Manufacturing Industry, I have 19 years HR experience in the public sector and this is where my involvement in DBS and security vetting started.

Karen Littleford

Karen is the Safeguarding Adults Lead for Partners in Care a not-for-profit membership organisation representing adult social care providers across Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Cheshire. Karen delivers a wide range of training courses, forums and events and has an interest in preventing abuse through the development of robust safeguarding practice.

Catriona Dry

HR Adviser with 35 years’ experience in National Newspapers, Schools and Universities, Police, and Local Government. Currently leading a recruitment team working with Children’s Services in Gloucestershire.

Lorraine Burge

Lorraine is a Personnel Security specialist within the regulated Energy Industry. With more than 12 years experience of successfully developing new and innovative pre-employment check processes, promoting the digital agenda and facilitating cohesion among diverse stakeholders. She is passionate about working efficiently and providing a 'good' candidate experience.

Keith Rosser

Keith was appointed Advisory Panel on UK Government's response to the Good Work Plan advised the Name Blind committee chaired by then Prime Minister, David Cameron, and received a Commendation Award from Home Office for services to the Labour Market in 2018. In 2023, Keith was awarded the Big Impact Award by the Recruiter for services to industry and was made an Honorary Fellow of Lancaster University.

Beth Alberga

Beth Alberga, Safer Recruitment Manager at EPM, brings over 10 years of experience in safeguarding and safer recruitment. As a Safer Recruitment Consortium-qualified trainer and member of the South-East England Safeguarding Network, she contributes to national forums, including the DfE and BHI, improving hiring practices and influencing policy in education.

Jeni Howard

An experienced risk, compliance and operations director, Jen is able to give advice and insights including the UK, Nordic, European, Asian, American and Australian markets. Starting a career in the civil service and progressing through audit and project management she brings a range of experience including as current chair of the Apsco legal forum.

Tom Bowen

Tom Bowen, Deputy Recruitment Manager (Operations) Devon County Council. In my role for Devon County Council, I am responsible for overseeing the recruitment and onboarding of all staff across the council. I have a passion for innovate and data driven recruitment marketing approaches, and improving candidate experiences.