New code of conduct for teacher recruitment

New guidance for teacher recruitment has been unveiled this week by The National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) and the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo) for their respective members.

NAHT’s members will be offered guidance on working with teacher supply and recruitment companies, and will be introduced to APSCo’s new Code of Conduct for its Education recruitment members. APSCo has worked closely with the NAHT to produce this Code, which sets out how professional recruitment consultancies will conduct themselves and what schools and academies can expect from APSCo’s members.

Commenting on the new standards, Samantha Hurley, Director of Operations at APSCo, said: “Working in conjunction with the NAHT on our new Education Code of Conduct will enable us to help improve the perception and understanding of professional recruitment firms and how they operate. It also offers the opportunity to give head teachers reassurance around working practices and fees, helping to bust myths and manage the expectations of all involved.

“APSCo’s education recruitment members are professional organisations committed to helping ensure improved educational outcomes for pupils through the provision of excellent teaching staff. For this reason, APSCo is keen to continue to work with the NAHT to ensure that school leaders have a clear route to accessing quality educators on an ongoing basis.”

Russell Hobby, General Secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, said:

“We know that there is a crisis in teacher recruitment. Schools across the country are finding it harder and harder to find the teachers they need, with nearly half of schools using recruitment agencies to fill permanent roles, as highlighted in NAHT’s latest recruitment survey.”

“Schools need to be able to rely on recruitment agencies that act in a professional, open and cost effective way. The new landscape in teaching relies on such agencies, so it is crucial that they adhere to the highest codes of conduct. This is why we have worked with APSCo on their code of practice, something we are backing up with guidance to members today. Schools are mindful of the fact that they are spending public money, and must do this responsibly. This code of practice is something all agencies should look to.”