Sorry, but yes it would rather

even without knowing anything about the reasons for it?

You won't want to hear this but sadly yes, I'd want to speak to your previous head.

Obviously I cannot comment on your situation, but in my experience an agreed reference does not give much "reference" to the areas that initiated/resulted in the compromise agreement being actioned.  The school that issued the reference is normally bound by conditions in the agreement that stipulate they cannot comment further on the ex employee's performance etc. They must just refer to the agreed reference. Therefore, I would take the view that there was no smoke without fire and opt for the cautious path and not shortlist. Sorry, I'm sure this is not what you wanted to hear, but it's the way I and, I believe the majority of heads would go.

Thanks for your replies. In my situation I am leaving as a result of workplace bullying and am being advised by HR and the union that this is the best way forwards for me. The reference I am getting is on a standard LEA produced form and so does not look anything like an agreed reference (ie it is not going to say "to whom it may concern") so I am hopeful that it won't stop me from getting my next post.

And I totally understand caution - I understand under safer recruitment procedures that  compromise agreements are flagged as being something you shouldn't accept - hence why I am so worried about this!

thrupp

Obviously I cannot comment on your situation, but in my experience an agreed reference does not give much "reference" to the areas that initiated/resulted in the compromise agreement being actioned.  The school that issued the reference is normally bound by conditions in the agreement that stipulate they cannot comment further on the ex employee's performance etc. They must just refer to the agreed reference. Therefore, I would take the view that there was no smoke without fire and opt for the cautious path and not shortlist. Sorry, I'm sure this is not what you wanted to hear, but it's the way I and, I believe the majority of heads would go.

 The problem with this stance is that it gives the benefit of the doubt to the Head and no voice to the recipient of the compromise agreement.  Psychopathic Heads who bully staff out of their jobs have free reign to wreck careers with no come-back.  Heads like this may be in the minority - but they do exist.

I hope that by quoting me you were not refering to me as a Psychopathic Head who bullies staff out of their jobs!

Because of the stance I take. I think you'll find that the vast majority of comp. agreements are a quick way of ridding the school of a poor/failing staff member. Of course there will always be exceptions, it's just spotting them ! 

thrupp

I hope that by quoting me you were not refering to me as a Psychopathic Head who bullies staff out of their jobs!

Certainly not thrupp! I was just pointing out that unfortunately there are bad pennies among senior leaders. Since becoming involved with and interested in workplace bullying as an issue I have become aware of the havoc they can wreak and the devastation they can cause.  At the moment the odds are stacked very much against the victim.

Like any profession there are good and bad heads. I've also seen senior leaders bullied by tas. It can work both ways. Sadly.

curlygirly

Like any profession there are good and bad heads. I've also seen senior leaders bullied by tas. It can work both ways. Sadly.

Quite so.

Yes, but TAs really have no influence over the future career prospects of senior leaders.  While they can have a bullying attitude they don't have the power that can make it lethal.  Headteacher bullying can ruin careers and livelihoods.

thumbie

Yes, but TAs really have no influence over the future career prospects of senior leaders.  While they can have a bullying attitude they don't have the power that can make it lethal.  Headteacher bullying can ruin careers and livelihoods.

don't you believe it. It only takes the odd rumour spread around school or worse still the town/ village. There's no smoke without fire you know. I have heard tales of leaders leaving and having their health ruined by manipulative support staff. You don't have to be in a position of authority to hold the power in a school. I've witnessed it and dealt with such bullying myself. It is just as unpleasant as slt bullying.

sadandconfused

I am potentially about to sign a compromise agreement. I wondered what a potential new head thought of a reference that was part of a compromise agreement - are they really obviously noticeable and would it put you off employing someone?

thanks for your help

 

Back to the original post . . .

Some reference requests received by referees actually ask you to state whether or not the reference that you are supplying forms part of a compromise agreement.

So it would certainly be clear to the school receiving the reference that it was from such an agreement.

Not the answer that you hoped to receive, I'm sorry.

 

curlygirly

thumbie

Yes, but TAs really have no influence over the future career prospects of senior leaders.  While they can have a bullying attitude they don't have the power that can make it lethal.  Headteacher bullying can ruin careers and livelihoods.

don't you believe it. It only takes the odd rumour spread around school or worse still the town/ village. There's no smoke without fire you know. I have heard tales of leaders leaving and having their health ruined by manipulative support staff. You don't have to be in a position of authority to hold the power in a school. I've witnessed it and dealt with such bullying myself. It is just as unpleasant as slt bullying.

 

Curlygirly is spot on.  A friend of mine was bullied witlessly by a powerful TA in her first headship - it included the spreading of rumours about her private life around the community, in which the TA lived.  It was horribly damaging to my friend's career.

thanks Theo for that answer. You're right, not what I want to hear.

Have spoken with union though and as there is no need for a formal compromise agreement (I've done nothing wrong, there are no outstanding disciplinary procedures or warnings of any type - I just missed the resignation deadline as I was hoping to be able to return to work but the nature of the work related stress means I just can't contemplate it) he believes we can get an agreeed reference without it actually being part of a compromise agreement and so it would not be detrimental to my search for future employment. Well I think that's what he said! Am very confused about it all but my main hope is that, because the LEA use an employer reference form, there is no way to tell if it is part of a compromise agreement or not.

Just hoping to get it all over and done with as soon as possible now so I can move on

I hope that it all works out for you.

When you're feeling better, come over to JobSeekers Forum and see if we can help you get another job where you'll be happy.

Best wishes

thrupp

Because of the stance I take. I think you'll find that the vast majority of comp. agreements are a quick way of ridding the school of a poor/failing staff member. Of course there will always be exceptions, it's just spotting them ! 

There's probably loads but you can't tell from a formal application. You'd only know they were actually a good teacher by employing them (I can see why you wouldn't take the risk) or by having them in on supply.

I'd strongly suggest the OP goes down the supply route.

Couple of points:

An agreed reference is probably better than no reference or a reference left to the HT's own devices....

 The whole point of an agreed reference is that ot needs to be agreed - you can ask for inclusions/omissions and to an extent if approached well and asking only for factual admissions this can result in a good quality reference.

It may mean not getting the exact dream job next time around but certainly good enough to get a job...

As for the HT stating it is an agreed reference - you can get clauses tha state that neither party is allowed to discuss the contents of the compromise agreement nor the reference being agreed.... as such the HT could not state that it was wothout being in breach of contract.

 

There will be life after the compromise agreement!

thanks for your reply Miss Pious. I sincerely hope so!