Worksop: Recruitment agency awarded gold standard for vetting teachers

Barry Simmons, Managing Director of Provide Education on Morston Claycliffe Business Park in Barnsley. Picture: Enterprising Barnsley

Provide Education has gained REC Audited Education Gold Status for the second time, following an audit to re-assess its safeguarding practices.

The award is the highest national accreditation for safeguarding children by the professional body which regulates the UK’s recruitment industry.

Provide Education, based in Shireoaks, was one of the first recruitment agencies in the UK to gain the award in 2014. To retain it, the company underwent a thorough inspection of its policies and procedures, spot-checks and interviews with its agency staff.

The company was set up in 2006 by former teacher Barry Simmons and his co-director, experienced recruitment consultant Katie Buckle.

Barry said: “We’re thrilled to have passed the audit with flying colours to retain the gold award, in the same year that we turn ten.”