Challenges of recruiting senior members of staff

What was the issue addressed?

Sometimes there are very few applicants for more senior posts e.g. deputy head. It begs the question, why? Are senior positions seen as stressful, underpaid? It makes it quite difficult when there is a very small field to choose from.

What happened?

We had no choice but to interview a very small number of shortlisted candidates. The local advisor was very helpful and supported us through the process. The head was also excellent in visiting the candidates’ schools, seeing them at work and in providing us with full information. In the end, we found an excellent candidate and he was appointed.

What lessons were learnt?

Perhaps, the deadlines, time frames for interviews like this can be relaxed somewhat to allow a school to ensure that it has a wide field of candidates.

Reflections…

Has your school encountered problems recruiting senior members of staff?

What things do you think could help improve the recruitment process for senior members of staff? 

Have your say…

Have you had experiences similar to these? What do you think about the situation described?