FAQ's Working Towards the Quality Mark

What is Working Towards the Quality Mark (WTQM)?

The Quality Mark application criteria states that an agency/LA must be operating as a teacher supply agency for at least 12 months before they may apply for the Quality Mark. The WTQM programme is available to agencies/LAs who have been supplying temporary teachers in England for less than 12 months and meet the application criteria that are detailed below.

The term ‘working towards the Quality Mark’ is a formal acknowledgment that an agency/LA are committed to achieving the standards of the Quality Mark, that they are working towards them and are being monitored and receiving guidance from the Quality Mark Team.

Why introduce it?

For full Quality Mark status there is a condition of 12 months trading to enable businesses to demonstrate financial viability and ongoing adherence to best practice. By preventing early access to the scheme, new agencies have, in some instances, been restricted in the development of their business and may not have access to the full range of guidance on how to operate within a best practice framework – a knowledge that the application process brings through guidance and regular communication with the Quality Mark Team. We want agencies/LAs to get it right from the start and also be given an opportunity to compete fairly with established businesses. So, by introducing an additional optional stage to the QM process, it will allow agencies/LA to

work formally towards the QM standards, with guidance and support from the Quality Mark team
be recognised for their commitment to the delivery of a quality service
promote the fact that they have signed up to the scheme and that their efforts are being regularly monitored by the Quality Mark Team.

What are the application criteria and how can I apply?

The application form can be downloaded from: http://www.rec.uk.com/about-recruitment/standards/safe-recruitment.

You will need to meet certain criteria before acceptance on the programme and need to;-

supply teachers with QTS, Overseas Qualified teachers or NQTs to schools in England
have been supplying temporary teachers for less than 12 months
demonstrate financial viability, by way of an accountants letter, interim accounts or a guarantors statement
provide details of any convictions or other action taken under the EAA 1973 and EAA Regulations 1976, details of any breaches of the relevant regulations and details of adverse findings in Employment Tribunals in relation to supplied workers in the last three years. If you have nothing to declare you are required to submit a signed declaration to this effect. A declaration will not necessarily debar an application and this will be assessed by REC’s Head of Legal Policy. NB If you fail to declare any adverse findings or breaches, Quality Mark Team reserve the right to withdraw access to WTQM or the Quality Mark
offer assurance that Directors are not subject to a disqualification order or undertaking, and are not bankrupt or subject to any bankruptcy restrictions, orders or undertakings.
sign a pledge affirming your commitment to working towards the Quality Mark Standards and best practice
already be undertaking key vetting procedures i.e. CRB, List 99 and Identity checks

Once you have applied and been accepted on the programme the Quality Mark Team will contact you to discuss the programme and make an appointment to visit you.

How much does the programme cost?

The process begins with a one day consultancy and the full WTQM cost will be £1150 + VAT and expenses for the consultancy visit. The WTQM consultant will:-

Provide a detailed analysis of each standard that will be supported by explanatory guidance notes
Observe the agencies existing processes and offer guidance on best practice and areas that will require review in order to meet with Quality Mark standard
Provide model policies and supporting documents in paper format and on CD

Whilst we have an agenda for the day, it is essentially ‘your day’ and therefore can be designed to meet any specific requirements you may have. It will be a combination of a formal presentation on the Quality Mark, followed by detailed explanatory guidance on what is expected for each standard. We will review your processes and suggest ways in which you can build and develop these to fall in line with Quality Mark requirements and best practice. Please note this is not a business start up service and further information on ‘starting a business can be found at : http://www.rec.uk.com/academy-for-business/start-up

What happens afterwards?

As a follow-up to this service you will be sent an action plan and timescales detailing the level of compliance that you are expected to reach within a certain time-frame; along with the evidence that you are required to produce in support of this. While all standards are important, priority will be given to those that pertain to the protection of children as well as those that protect your business interests. The action plan will be divided in to four phases – each supported by detailed guidance.

Phase 1

Recruitment, Selection and Vetting
CRB
GTC
List 99
Interviews
Medical
Referencing
Qualifications
Permission to work
Contract compliance
Compliance with regulations in relation to the engagement of overseas trained teachers.

Phase 2

Relationships with Teachers and schools
Providing the correct information about the placement at the right time
Reporting Misconduct
Complaints Policy

Phase 3

Monitoring a teachers performanceActing on Feedback
NQTs and OTTs

Phase 4

CPD

When can I achieve full QM status?

Once you have been trading for 12 months Quality Mark Team will be able to accept your QM application. By following the programme you will be gradually building up your application and are likely to be in a position to submit it for review almost immediately. Once we receive your application it will follow the same rigorous assessment process as all other applications. You will be advantaged by knowing the type of information and level of detail that we require, and by adopting or adapting our model policies (if you opt for the full Consultancy Service) you will know that these meet with our requirements.

The success of the application will hinge on the file sampling that takes place during the assessment visit at the end of the application process. So while you may have all the correct documentation in place and produce the appropriate written evidence, if you are failing to follow procedures we will be unable to award you with the Quality Mark until you are able to assure us that your application is a demonstrable reflection of your day to day working practices.

How long can I use WTQM Status?

We would expect you to achieve Quality Mark status within 3-6 months after your first year of trading, during which time you will be permitted to use the WTQM status as a continued indication of your commitment to standards; this may be extended if necessary. If you do not achieve the Quality Mark within the agreed timeframe it may result in the WTQM status being withdrawn.

If you would like to discuss this further please contact Angie Nicholls or Andrea Papaconstantinou on 020 7009 2129 or email: qualitymark@rec.uk.com