New code of practice for nanny recruitment

In partnership with online nanny finder Nannyjob, BAPN has developed ‘The Code’, a framework for best practice in the online recruitment and sourcing of nannies, with the aim of promoting and ensuring the safety of nannies, their employers and their families.

Nanny agencies and online specialist nanny websites featuring jobs from either parents or agencies can download a copy of the code online, and signatories can display a free downloadable banner on their website and social media platforms to demonstrate they are working within it.

BAPN and Nannyjob created the code in response to research published by SAFERjobs, a Government-backed non-profit organisation policing criminal activities in the recruitment industry, which found job adverts posted on social media platforms were the least trusted by job seekers.

SAFERjobs said it receives between five and ten reports of recruitment-related fraud and misconduct every day.

The code includes eight principles which signatories must follow:

• Display a clear description of your trade, how you operate, and your terms of business
• Be open and transparent
• Show regard for fair play
• Show regard for equality and diversity
• Apply the requirements of a lone working policy
• Apply best employment practices
• Have robust policies in place for dealing with overseas employers or vacancies
• Uphold privacy and confidentiality

Tricia Pritchard, managing director of BAPN, said, ‘We’ve been keen to look at this issue for some time and when Nannyjob expressed their shared concerns, the time seemed right to set about producing a code we could all value and work to. 

‘We’re confident the code will be welcomed and hopeful that nanny agencies and online specialist nanny websites featuring jobs from both parents and nanny agencies will sign up to it.’

Paul Booth, director of Nannyjob, added, ‘Adherence to the code demonstrates commitment to professional, accountable recruitment/sourcing and will offer peace of mind to all users. Nannyjob is proud to be the first signatory to the code and hopes many will soon follow.’

• A copy of the code is available here https://bapn.org.uk/free-downloads