The NASUWT-The Teachers’ Union is calling on the
Department for Education to provide criteria and clarity over the
use of online searches for shortlisted candidates for teaching
posts to ensure searches are ethical, legal and
non-discriminatory.
The recommendation for schools to consider conducting online
searches of shortlisted candidates has been in place following
its inclusion in the DfE’s Keeping Children Safe in
Education guidance published in 2022. An update to the guidance,
which comes into force on 1 September
2023, advises schools to inform shortlisted candidates
that online searches may be carried out as part of the job
application process.
However, in the absence of any framework or criteria from the DfE
to guide schools in how to undertake such searches in a
reasonable manner, the NASUWT has concerns that candidates may be
unfairly penalised or discriminated against when applying for
teaching jobs.
NASUWT General Secretary Dr Patrick Roach said:
“The use of online searches is not a substitute to effective and
robust systems for safeguarding in schools. Their inappropriate
use leaves individuals vulnerable to risk and places schools at
risk of legal challenge.
“The Government needs to ensure that recruitment practices used
by schools are fair and transparent. There needs to be clear
criteria to ensure that schools do not inadvertently or knowingly
penalise candidates unfairly based on subjective views about what
online presence is and is not acceptable.
“Despite several representations we've made to the DfE and the
Secretary of State, there is still no supporting framework for
the conduct of these searches. This is a glaring omission which
could have potentially serious consequences for both employers
and teachers.
“The DfE should act now to provide the clarity needed.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
The NASUWT has published guidance for members on online searches
of shortlisted candidates which can be found at: https://www.nasuwt.org.uk/advice/in-the-classroom/children-and-young-people/keeping-children-safe-in-education-england/conducting-online-searches-candidates-england.html
