Picking the right recruitment agency can be a daunting experience. Considering the following factors when choosing an education recruitment agency will help ensure you are working with a reputable agency who will have your best interests at heart.
Does the agency have local knowledge?
Local agencies tend to have more local expertise and have the time to build long term relationships with both schools and candidates. They understand that each school has their own unique culture and challenges and are able to match the right candidate to the right school.
Will you be given your own dedicated consultant?
It’s important you build strong relationships with your agency so they can truly understand your needs and therefore place you in schools that you will thrive in. By having one point of contact, they can get to know you and you can get to know them which will mean they only offer you work in schools where they know you will flourish.
Can you choose between PAYE and Umbrella?
Depending on your circumstances, you may prefer to be paid through an umbrella company or through PAYE. It’s important that if you are given the option to choose between the two, that you understand the pros and cons of each before you decide.
Does the recruitment process seem in-depth and has it been explained clearly to you, so you know what to expect?
The agency should be able to clearly explain the recruitment process to you, so you know what is expected from you and it should be evident that that they are taking safeguarding seriously.
Is the agency part of the Crown Commercial Service’s (CCS) Supply Teachers and Temporary Staff in Educational Establishments framework and a member of a recruitment trade body?
You should look for an agency that is part of the Crown Commercial Service’s (CCS) Supply Teachers and Temporary Staff in Educational Establishments framework and a member of a recruitment trade body – whether that be APSCo or the REC as this shows they are regularly audited and can prove that they have best practice in education recruitment and that all candidates are screened to Department For Education (DfE) Keeping Children Safe in Education standards.
Has how you accrue holiday pay been fully explained to you?
You start to accrue holiday pay from the first day that you start working for an agency and you should be able to take this term and non term time.
Some less scrupulous agencies don’t mention that you are entitled to holiday pay at a rate of 12.07% of your pay and although they charge the schools for this, they don’t pass on the pay to you and keep it for themselves.
What are other people saying about the agency?
Look at their online reviews – whether they be on Facebook, Google or even Glassdoor. Reading what others say about an agency can give you a really good insight to how the agency treats their candidates and their team.
We are passionate about education and recruitment and with our consultants living in the areas they recruit in; we are able to use our local knowledge to find you work in schools that we know you will thrive in.
If you don’t believe us, check out our Google reviews to find out what others are saying about being part of Team Flourish.