REC welcomes the simplification of checks on teachers

The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC), the representative body for supply teacher agencies, has welcomed today’s statement from Ruth Kelly on the simplification of the checking regime. However, there are real concerns that there could be substantial backlogs unless the new system is effectively resourced. In addition, it will be crucial to ensure that employers and agencies are effectively carrying out the necessary checks in order to restore confidence in the system.

John Dunn, Chair of the REC Education Sector Group, said, the simplification of the checking regime was badly needed. I am delighted to see that the new list of banned teachers will include all those on the sex offenders’ register. The introduction of an independent panel to take decisions about individual cases should restore confidence in the system.

He went on to comment supply teacher agencies have done all they can in the past to vet teachers. However their judgement was only as good as the information they were provided with. Hopefully the new system will be clearer and easier to use. I call on the Department for Education and Skills to consult with us on the implementation of the new vetting and barring scheme. It is vital that any new system of checks is well resourced and does not result in backlogs.

As well as tightening the regulations it will be crucial to ensure that the mechanisms are in place for checking that Local Education Authorities, schools and agencies are effectively carrying out the necessary CRB checks. Education agencies in REC membership already carry out CRB checks as a matter of course and it is important for employers to be discerning in terms of which agency they work with. In addition, external audits and initiatives such as the Quality Mark for supply teacher agencies will become increasingly important.