1. Introduction and Scope
These Terms of Engagement set out the agreement between Think Teachers Ltd (“we”, “us”, “the Employment Business”) and you (“the Candidate”) for the supply of temporary work assignments to schools and educational institutions.
By registering with Think Teachers, you agree to these terms and to conduct yourself in line with the Think Teachers Professional Conduct Guide and Safeguarding Policy.
We act as an Employment Business as defined under the Employment Agencies Act 1973 and the Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations 2003 (the Conduct Regulations).
No registration or administration fees are charged to candidates.
2. Candidate Responsibilities
You agree to:
Provide accurate and complete information during registration, including your full employment history and referees.
Inform Think Teachers immediately of any changes to your contact details, employment status, DBS, or right-to-work documentation.
Cooperate fully during vetting and provide original documents when requested.
Follow all school policies on safeguarding, behaviour, confidentiality, and health and safety.
Maintain high standards of professionalism, punctuality, and appearance in every placement.
You acknowledge that Think Teachers may share your relevant professional details with schools for the purpose of securing and managing work placements.
3. Communication and Professional Responsibility
Professional communication with Think Teachers is an essential part of your engagement.
You must:
- Call Think Teachers immediately if you are running late or unable to attend a booking (no later than 7:00am).
- Remain on site and in the staff room during non-timetabled or free periods unless authorised to leave by the school.
- Respond promptly to messages, calls, or emails from Think Teachers.
Notify Think Teachers of any changes to your availability or schedule.
- Never contact a school directly about bookings or arrangements without prior approval from your consultant.
Professionalism starts with communication.
4. Vetting and Compliance
Before being offered work, you must satisfy all legal and safeguarding requirements. This includes:
- Providing a valid Enhanced DBS certificate registered on the Update Service, or completing a new DBS check through Think Teachers.
- Supplying two verified professional references.
- Providing original proof of right to work in the UK.
- Submitting evidence of qualifications and training where relevant.
- Reporting any new criminal convictions, cautions, or safeguarding issues immediately.
We reserve the right to withdraw or withhold assignments if compliance requirements are not met or updated documentation is not provided when requested.
5. Safeguarding and Child Protection
Think Teachers is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
You must:
- Read and follow each school’s safeguarding policy and procedures.
- Identify the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or Deputy DSL upon arrival at every placement.
- Report any concern, allegation, or disclosure immediately to the DSL and Think Teachers.
- Never promise confidentiality to a pupil who discloses something serious.
- Maintain professional boundaries at all times — both in person and online.
- Avoid all physical contact with pupils except where necessary to prevent harm, and report such incidents immediately.
Safeguarding starts the moment you enter a school.
6. Assignments and Conduct
Each placement offered to you will include key details such as location, duties, pay rate, and duration. You are not obliged to accept an assignment, and Think Teachers is not obliged to offer work.
During any placement, you must:
- Follow the set work and school behaviour policy.
- Maintain a calm, positive learning environment.
- Leave a brief handover or feedback note at the end of each day.
- Treat pupils, staff, and parents with courtesy and respect.
You agree not to approach or accept direct employment from any school or client introduced by Think Teachers without written consent. This restriction applies for 12 months after the end of your last assignment with that school.
7. Pay and Employment Status
You will be engaged by Think Teachers on a temporary assignment basis ONLY via an approved umbrella provider.
- Rates of pay and holiday entitlement are confirmed in your individual Assignment Schedule.
- Payment will be made weekly in arrears, subject to receipt of authorised timesheets.
- Statutory deductions (Tax, NI, Student Loans, etc.) will be applied by the umbrella provider as required by law.
- Holiday pay is calculated in line with the Working Time Regulations.
- Think Teachers complies fully with the Agency Workers Regulations (AWR).
Full pay, compliance, and transparency — guaranteed.
8. Data Protection and Privacy
All personal data is processed in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Data Protection Act 2018.
We collect and store only information necessary for recruitment, safeguarding, payroll, and ongoing compliance.
Your information may be shared with schools, payroll providers, or relevant authorities when legally required.
You may request access to, correction of, or deletion of your personal data at any time by contacting:
📧 greg@thinkteachers.co.uk
9. Termination and Withdrawal
Think Teachers may terminate or withdraw an assignment immediately if:
- You breach any of these terms or the Professional Conduct Guide.
- You fail to meet required safeguarding or compliance standards.
- A school requests removal due to conduct or performance concerns.
- You may withdraw from an assignment by giving reasonable notice, but repeated short-notice cancellations may affect future work offers.
Reliability protects our relationships with schools and your professional reputation.
10. Support, Queries, and Complaints
We are committed to fairness, transparency, and continuous improvement.
If you have a concern, query, or complaint, please contact your consultant in the first instance.
If unresolved, you may escalate it to the Managing Director via:
📧 info@thinkteachers.co.uk or call 01992 660 300.
Formal complaints will be acknowledged within 5 working days and handled in line with our internal policy.
11. Governing Law
These Terms of Engagement are governed by the laws of England and Wales, and both parties agree to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.
12. Agreement
By registering with Think Teachers, you confirm that you have:
- Read and understood these Terms of Engagement.
- Agreed to follow the Think Teachers Professional Conduct Guide and Safeguarding Policy.
- Supplied accurate and truthful information throughout registration.