The Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo) has confirmed that it will launch its standard for education recruitment firms, “Compliance +”, in early 2014.
This new, best practice standard has been developed following extensive consultations with APSCo’s Education Sector Group members and external stakeholders including the National Association of Head teachers, the Association of School & College Leaders and the National Association of School Business Managers. APSCo’s fundamental aim is to produce an industry-wide, best practice standard for education recruitment businesses, which sets a benchmark for providing the top quality, and most appropriate staff and the safeguarding of children.
Speaking at the Education Sector Group’s most recent meeting, APSCo’s Head of Education Sector Nick Bowles said; “Professional education recruiters have this unique opportunity to take control of their sector and shape future practices by creating a new and more effective benchmark that manages the expectations of all the stakeholders involved. It is a chance to go beyond the statutory requirements and consider more closely the competency and suitability of every teacher placed. This is why our standard is designed with Ofsted criteria in mind and will provide continuity in the classroom. It’s fantastic to have so many of the key associations and unions involved in its development and we would like to thank them publically. ”
Lee Brammer, Managing Director at Celsian Education Says; “I am excited to be involved in the creation of a new, meaningful accreditation which tackles safeguarding and focuses on improving outcomes for children. It will also raise the profile of the education recruitment industry with key stakeholders.”
With the Government’s recent announcement that it plans to remove the requirement for teaching qualifications in further education APSCo believes that it has never been more important for schools, academies, and colleges to have the reassurance of a more substantial standard, and this is why the scope of Compliance +will include professionals working from pre-school to post-year 11 students.
Lorna Harvey, Operations Director at The Education Network agrees that; “It’s great that all stakeholders are committed to designing a standard that will not only ensure child safety but will also improve standards in education.”
Bowles commented; “Compliance + has really taken shape. With the safeguarding element of the accreditation complete, we have been focusing on the key differentiators within the standard, developing practical solutions, which will highlight the service our members provide. We are delighted to have helped to create a new, bold and strong solution for this sector. A solution truly fit for purpose for 2014 and beyond. It is the desire of all parties to make a difference to the real end client of this service – the students and pupils – that is driving this project.”
