Safer Recruitment Policy (last reviewed April 2025)
1. Introduction
British Teachers is committed to promoting safe learning environments by ensuring that all teachers using our platform are suitable to work with children and vulnerable adults. As teachers are self-employed, British Teachers operates a vetting and verification process prior to profile activation.
2. Objectives
- To prevent individuals unsuitable to work with children from registering.
- To verify the identity, qualifications, and safeguarding awareness of teachers.
- To support parents, schools, and businesses in selecting trustworthy educators.
3. Recruitment Requirements
Before approval on the platform, all teachers must:
- Provide proof of identity.
- Submit verified teaching qualifications (e.g., QTS, PGCE).
- Hold a valid enhanced DBS check (or international equivalent), dated within the last three years.
- Supply two professional references, one from a recent educational role.
- Complete a declaration of suitability to work with children and confirmation of no disqualifying offences.
4. Vetting Process
- Teachers undergo a professional interview or screening call to verify information and assess suitability.
- Teachers must demonstrate awareness of safeguarding responsibilities, particularly in online or remote settings.
5. Ongoing Requirements
- Teachers are expected to renew DBS checks every three years, or register for the DBS update service.
- They must notify British Teachers of any change to their safeguarding status or criminal record.
- Teachers are expected to stay current with safeguarding training and guidance.
6. Limitations of Platform Role
British Teachers:
- British Teachers facilitates introductions only and is not the employer of teachers.
- Responsibility for compliance with safeguarding and safer recruitment requirements during the delivery of lessons lies with the teacher and, where applicable, with the employing school or client.
- British Teachers does not assume DSL responsibilities or ongoing supervision of teachers.
7. Policy Review
This policy is reviewed annually and updated in line with safeguarding legislation and guidance.
