Recruitment
Head first
Many governing bodies call on the services of headhunters to help with the appointment of headteachers. Russell Speirs reveals the findings from a new survey to find out about candidates’ views of dealing with agencies
It has long been known, and more recently proven, that the single most important factor determining the success of a school is its leader. It falls to a school’s governors to choose the best one; it is the single biggest responsibility that governors bear. No wonder then, in an increasingly competitive market, that independent school governing bodies have been turning more and more to executive search companies to assist with the appointment of heads.
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How safe is your recruitment process?
Stronger guidance for recruitment procedures protect children but put increasing administrative strain on schools to comply. Simon Bevan reports
"Making safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children an integral factor in HR management is an essential part of creating safe environments for children": Safeguarding Children and Safer Recruitment in Education DfES /04217/2006.
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Recruitment printouts
From the The Independent School Governor's Handbook
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The best of the best
As times get tougher, this is crunch time for schools seeking the best teachers, advises Angela Forsyth
Every day as we read about the global downturn, the impact on our national local economies becomes increasingly palpable. All sectors face pressures to tighten the purse strings and reduce outgoings wherever possible. It is inevitable that some independent schools will come under threat from falling rolls as overstretched parents opt for day schools over boarding in an effort to save thousands of pounds on boarding fees. The response of first time buyers to the financial crisis may also have serious implications for the nursery end of independent education, as parents elect to delay the start of formal education by a year or so.
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The right stuff
Replacing a key figure in the school’s hierarchy is a daunting time for any governing body. Chris Tongue and Joanna Grant Peterkin provide a 10-point plan to help find the right successor to a departing head or bursar
The ISC handbook, Guidelines for Governors, states: “The quality of leadership is the single most important factor in the effectiveness of a school”, and adds: “Though today’s schools are usually managed by teams, leadership rests with the head and his/her appointment remains a governing body’s most important task”.
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Online recruitment options
Recruiting a new member of staff can be a daunting: are there benefits of online advertising? By Paul Howells
At the start of a new term, many of you will contend with a mountain of issues, ranging from repairs to the school buildings, the organisation of budgets and the introduction and retention of staff. At some point you will also have to deal with replacing a member of your team who has decided to move on to pastures new. This however, can be easier said than done.
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Keeping everyone happy
The success of an independent school ultimately rests on the shoulders of the headteachers to manage his/her staff. Juliet Price looks at the importance of getting on top of HR issues
HR covers such a wide range of work it can be overwhelming. It starts with the recruitment and selection of staff, job specifications, contracts, induction procedures and personnel systems. Then there’s the tricky issue of employee relations, including one-to-ones and appraisals, but also disciplinary procedures, grievances, dismissals and, worst of all, employment tribunals. All headteachers and governors know just how damaging it can be if a school’s good name and reputation is dragged through the courts and media – all under the watchful gaze of parents.
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