02 May 2002

A Quality Mark for supply teacher agencies introduced by the Government today will boost the quality of supply teacher agencies, School Standards Minister, Stephen Timms, said today.

The Quality Mark sets minimum standards for agencies to reach in the way they recruit and interview staff, how they check and manage their staff and the way they stay at the forefront of changes in the teaching sector. The agencies will also be assessed on how well they relate to schools and teachers.

Announcing the Quality Mark, Mr Timms said:

"The Quality Mark will help drive up standards for everyone in the sector. Schools and teachers deserve high quality agencies and this scheme will help both schools and teachers be more confident about the agencies they use.

"This system will encourage agencies to work hard at improving the way they recruit, develop and supply their teachers and give schools and students a higher quality service as a result. Head teachers will be able to be discriminating consumers in a competitive market place and choose agencies which offer the highest standards."

The Quality Mark is voluntary, free, and will be operated by the industry body, the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, in partnership with the Department.

Mr Timms added: "I also welcome the collaboration between the Department and the industry body, the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC). Together, we can bring complementary strengths to raising standards in the industry."

Tim Nicholson, Chief Executive of the REC said:

"The REC has been working with its members to raise standards for some considerable time. We believe this initiative will enhance the work we have already undertaken and are delighted to be working in partnership with the DfES. We believe the Quality Mark will give increased confidence to schools, parents and pupils that staff supplied through agencies are recruited properly and have the appropriate support to do a first class job."

Editor's Notes

1. Applications for the Quality Mark by agencies and LEAs who also provide supply teacher services to schools will be assessed and awarded by the REC.

2. Agencies may submit applications from 1 June. Materials are available from 2 May from the REC and the Department. Initial applications will be assessed together and applicants will be notified when they can expect decisions. The Mark will be in place for initial applicants in time for the autumn term, and will last for two years. The Mark will be reviewed in a year.

3. A list of agencies awarded the Mark will be available, in due course, on the REC's website for schools to consult. Schools and LEAs will be notified of the Mark by the Department.

4. The Recruitment and Employment Confederation is the trade association for the private recruitment sector and has some 6,000 corporate and 8,000 individual members. For further details contact the REC Press Centre at 020 7618 9106 or visit their website at http://www.rec.uk.com

Contact Details

Public Enquiries 0870 000 2288, info@dcsf.gsi.gov.uk

Press Notice 2002/0091