The Keeping Children safe in Education statutory guidance has been updated with information relating to conducting online searches of shortlisted candidates. This is came into force from September 2022.
When processing shortlisted candidates, the new guidance states:
221. 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
It is important to remember this is part of a safeguarding check and the online search is purely about whether the individual is suitable to work with children. You must ensure care must be taken to avoid unconscious bias and any risk of discrimination. Best practise would be to have someone who is not on the recruitment panel to conduct the search and that they only provide the panel with any relevant information and anything of concern.
If you require any further guidance, please contact us.