1. Inspectors must adhere to the code of conduct. Inspectors are required to uphold the highest professional standards in relation to all who are involved in the process of inspection, before during and after the inspection. If any member of an inspection team wishes to raise a concern about an aspect of inspection, they should speak to the reporting inspector in the first instance. If this is not possible or if the inspector would prefer to speak to a senior member of staff at ISI, they should telephone ISI on 020 7600 0100.
  2. Inspectors will:
    • act in the best interests of the pupils at the inspected school and prioritise the safeguarding and welfare of children at all times
    • uphold ISI’s values at all times and evaluate objectively in line with ISI’s frameworks and regulatory requirements
    • refrain at all times from any behaviour which might bring ISI into disrepute
    • use their ISI inspector designation only in relation to their inspection work for ISI, unless previously agreed with ISI senior staff
    • maintain up-to-date knowledge of ISI’s inspection frameworks, handbook, policies and practice and associated regulatory requirements and guidance
    • maintain strict confidentiality about the identity of the school to be inspected, the timing and scheduling of inspections and not divulge any information about the inspection (including but not limited to the region, the type of school or any identifying features) other than the fact you are going to be deployed at that time.
    • declare all actual and perceived conflicts of interest and have no real or perceived connection with the inspected school prior to or following inspection, which could undermine the integrity of the inspection
    • act promptly and in line with ISI guidance on any safeguarding or health and safety issues that may arise on inspection
    • work with professionalism, sensitivity and integrity, treating all with respect and courtesy
    • liaise immediately with senior staff at ISI if inspectors become aware that school staff are experiencing exceptional stress
    • follow requirements and good practice in relation to the secure management of information
    • be mindful of the additional workload that inspection can create, be sensitive to the needs of school staff and take reasonable steps to prevent undue anxiety and stress
    • avoid any requests or suggestions that may cause undue disruption to business as usual for the school
    • communicate regularly and productively with school leaders, keep them informed of emerging findings and judgements clearly and honestly
    • evaluate the work of the school objectively and impartially supported by clear and secure evidence
    • report fairly and without favour ensuring that judgements are reliable
    • respect the confidentiality of inspection evidence and judgements 
    • wear their ISI inspector identification badge at all times when on school premises.
  3. ISI sets out guidance for schools in order to facilitate a professional working relationship. Inspectors must be familiar with the guidance. Inspectors should refer school leaders to the guidance during the first telephone call following notification.
  4. ISI expects that school leaders and staff will:
    • treat inspectors with professionalism, respect, courtesy and candour
    • engage in an open and honest way with inspectors and work with them to facilitate the inspection process.
    • ensure any inspection surveys, or other communications with parents, staff and pupils requested by the reporting inspector, are sent out promptly
    • provide access to evidence that will enable inspectors to evaluate the work of the school fairly and reliably
    • facilitate necessary meetings with the proprietors, leaders, staff and pupils
    • work with inspectors to minimise disruption to the normal working school day
    • work with inspectors to minimise anxiety, stress or additional workload for staff
    • ensure the health and safety of inspectors while on school premises
    • maintain regular and productive communication with inspectors
    • raise any concerns promptly with the reporting inspector
    • respect the confidentiality of information about the inspection and inspectors.