A teachers’ union is calling on the Department for Education to provide “criteria and clarity” over schools’ use of online searches for candidates for teaching posts to ensure they are carried out in an “ethical, legal and non-discriminatory” way.
The NASUWT’s general secretary Dr Patrick Roach has raised a concern about schools inadvertently or knowingly penalising candidates unfairly because of “subjective” views about what online presence is and is not acceptable.
A government recommendation for schools to consider conducting online searches of shortlisted candidates was included in the DfE’s Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance, published in 2022.
The union has raised the issue following a new update to the guidance that comes into force in September this year, advising schools to inform shortlisted candidates that online searches may be carried out as part of the job application process.
The guidance says that schools and colleges should ensure that at least two people carry out the shortlisting; that they consider any inconsistencies and look for gaps in employment and reasons given for them; and that they explore all potential concerns.
It says: “In addition, as part of the shortlisting process, schools and colleges should consider carrying out an online search as part of their due diligence on the shortlisted candidates.
“This may help identify any incidents or issues that have happened, and are publicly available online, which the school or college might want to explore with the applicant at interview. Schools and colleges should inform shortlisted candidates that online searches may be done as part of due diligence checks.”
However, the NASUWT has raised concern that the absence of a framework or criteria from the DfE to guide schools in how to undertake such searches means teachers could be unfairly penalised or discriminated against when applying for jobs.
Dr Roach said: “The use of online searches is not a substitute for 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 need 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 that could have potentially serious consequences for both employers and teachers. The DfE should act now to provide the clarity needed.”
The DfE expects schools and colleges to discuss any concerns with applicants at interview as part of their due diligence processes.
Tes understands that the department also expects schools and colleges to use their professional judgement in considering any information that comes to light as part of an online check on a candidate for a teaching post.
