Teacher recruitment: trade body and school leaders’ union collaborate on new Code of Conduct

The National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) and the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo) have unveiled new guidance for their respective members around teacher recruitment.

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.”

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Notes to editors:

NAHT represents more than 29,000 school leaders in early years, primary, secondary and special schools, making us the largest association for school leaders in the UK. We represent, advise and train school leaders in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We use our voice at the highest levels of government to influence policy for the benefit of leaders and learners everywhere. NAHT Edge supports, develops and represents middle leaders in schools.

For further information please contact:

David Boot, Press & Parliamentary Officer
Direct line: 01444 472483 / Mobile: 07595 067060
Email: pressoffice@naht.org.uk

APSCo is the membership body that is dedicated to representing professional recruitment in the UK. It was formed to give all firms involved in the recruitment of professional talent who have a commitment to excellence, the specialist support and distinctive voice they need to be successful. It gives candidates and employers a trusted badge of quality whilst providing member firms with an innovative range of services designed for them by recruitment experts. These services, combined with its growing international profile, commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility and opportunities for professional networking give APSCo members a unique opportunity to develop their businesses and gain competitive advantage (http://www.apsco.org).

For more information please contact:

Carly Smith
BlueSky PR
T: +44 (0)1582 790 708
M: 07951 634 792
E: carly@bluesky-pr.com
W: www.bluesky-pr.com