The National Association of Head Teachers and the Association of Professional Staffing Companies have collaborated to publish 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.

The code sets out how professional recruitment consultancies will conduct themselves and what schools and academies can expect from APSCo’s members.

“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,” Samantha Hurley, Director of operations at APSCo, said. “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.”

Russell Hobby, general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, also commented,

“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.”