Recruitment in schools and academies during COVID-19
The current emergency means that we need to do things differently and this includes how we recruit new staff to our schools and academies.
12 May 2020
Please note: the information contained in this legal update is correct as of the original date of publication
The current emergency means that we need to do things differently and this includes how we recruit new staff to our schools and academies. April and May are one of the busiest times for school recruitment and we need to continue if we are to fill essential posts for September 2020.
In this guide we set out some resources that we hope you will find helpful in supporting you through the process at a time when there is so much uncertainty.
We cover the following information which will be updated as required and in response to what is happening in terms of Covid-19:
- Guidance on selection processes via video and telephone
- Guidance for candidates on the same (you can email this to your candidates in advance of the interview)
- Guidance on safer recruitment and selection methods, including DBS currently
- Making an offer of employment
- Introducing temporary measures for probation
Please refer to our Employers Toolkit for further information on the use of probation clauses.
Contact
Emma Hughes
Partner
emma.hughes@brownejacobson.com
+44 (0)330 045 2338
Contact Emma
Related expertise
You may be interested in...
10 July 2025
Legal Update - Be Connected (schools)
Be Connected: Schools and academy trusts July 2025
09 July 2025
Legal Update
Consultation on the new School Support Staff Negotiating Body
08 July 2025
Guide
KCSiE 2025 guidance: What schools need to know
07 July 2025
Legal Update
Unveiling the hidden pitfalls in IT contracts
04 July 2025
Press Release
Browne Jacobson’s School Leaders Survey shows exclusions and suspensions at an all-time high
04 July 2025
Legal Update - Employment Rights Bill
The Employment Rights Bill: Is it here yet?
02 July 2025
Legal Update - School leaders survey
Survey shows growing dissatisfaction with government policy amidst financial uncertainty
22 July 2025
Online Event
AI at the coalface: Navigating the practicalities in education
30 June 2025
Legal Update
Academy Trust Handbook 2025: Managing public money
30 June 2025
Opinion
Updates to academy trust governance: A missed opportunity?
30 June 2025
Legal Update
Executive pay and the Academy Trust Handbook: Clarity, challenge and good governance
26 June 2025
Legal Update
New DfE AI guidance: A welcome start, but needs further development
26 June 2025
On-Demand
School exclusions: A review of the latest developments and looking to the year ahead
25 June 2025
Opinion
Pride Month: A time to review DEI
24 June 2025
Guide
Legal project management: A cornerstone in operational delivery of inquiries
19 June 2025
Opinion
Employer redundancy guide: Sourcing alternative employment
18 June 2025
Press Release - Firm news
Browne Jacobson delivers record-breaking growth as strategic vision drives exceptional performance
17 June 2025
Legal Update
What might the public inquiry on child sexual exploitation look like
16 June 2025
Legal Update
DEI in school governance: Key themes and insights
13 June 2025
Opinion
Spending Review: Setting the stage for UK investment
12 June 2025
Guide
The socio-economic duty: Shifting mindsets for true social mobility
11 June 2025
Press Release
Spending Review 2025: Browne Jacobson lawyers respond to Chancellor’s announcement
10 June 2025
Press Release
Browne Jacobson’s School Leaders Survey illustrates concerns over financial resilience ahead of spending review
10 June 2025
Legal Update
ESG and sustainability report: Rethinking communication and credibility
10 June 2025
Press Release
Majority of UK organisations remain committed to sustainability and ESG, says new research
09 June 2025
Opinion
Addressing the gender pay gap in school trusts
09 June 2025
Podcast - #EdInfluence
#EdInfluence podcast (series 4): In conversation with inspiring leaders
30 May 2025
Legal Update
The OfS agrees a settlement with Leeds Trinity University
23 May 2025
Press Release
Browne Jacobson’s latest School Leaders Survey to focus on schools exclusions and early years funding
21 May 2025
Press Release
UK-EU reset deal: Comments from Browne Jacobson experts
21 May 2025
Opinion
Disciplinary procedures and mental health: Employer considerations
15 May 2025
Legal Update
Supporting mental wellbeing in the workplace: Practical steps for businesses
15 May 2025
Legal Update - Be Connected (higher education)
Be Connected, higher education: Spring 2025
14 May 2025
Published Article
Learning from Europe: Funding models for UK schools infrastructure
13 May 2025
Legal Update - Be Connected (schools)
Be Connected: Schools and academy trusts, May 2025
13 May 2025
Legal Update
New novel, contentious and repercussive transactions guidance
13 May 2025
Legal Update
Unpacking the new guidelines for alternative provision: Practical steps for education institutions and providers
06 May 2025
Opinion
EHRC releases guidance for employers after Supreme Court ruling on definition of woman
02 May 2025
Legal Update
Unfunded pay rise for teachers risks strikes, tension, restructures and budget crisis
02 May 2025