Why Ageism is the "Secret Traitor" of School Recruitment
When recruiting for school site team vacancies, it is easy to lean on traditional assumptions about what a caretaker or site manager should look like. Unconscious age biases can exclude those who could be a valuable asset to site staffing teams.
Take the recent buzz surrounding The Traitors UK. A major talking point this season was the reveal of Fiona, age 62, as a "Secret Traitor." The shock felt by other contestants, and the audience, stemmed from a common stereotype: the "sweet, older lady" who couldn't possibly be a cunning strategist.
In the recruitment world, this is known as benevolent ageism. It’s the tendency to label older professionals as "gentle" or "kind" while inadvertently overlooking their technical sharpness, ambition, and problem-solving grit.
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The "hidden" bias in school recruitment
Ageism is often described as the bias "hiding in plain sight." While the education sector focuses on various forms of inclusion, age is frequently the missing piece of the puzzle.
In the context of school estates, this bias often manifests in how roles are advertised or how candidates are perceived. There is a common misconception that site management is a "young person’s game" due to the physical demands. However, with 10+ million over 50’s in the UK workforce, this demographic is one of the fastest growing workforces. By overlooking the over-50s, schools aren't just narrowing their talent pool, they are filtering out the very people who possess the highest level of technical skills.
The strategic advantage of the over-50 demographic
At TIB Services, we’ve found that the over-50 demographic is often the secret weapon for a well-run school. These individuals aren't just looking for a job, they are often transitioning from high-pressure careers where they have spent decades honing specific, relevant skills.
We find that candidates coming from the following backgrounds are exceptionally well-suited to the complexities of school site management:
Like the "surprising" players in The Traitors, these professionals are often underestimated. They are seen as "overqualified" or "near retirement," when in reality, they bring a level of stability and expertise that younger, less experienced candidates simply haven't had the time to develop.
Why transferable skills are the key to resilient estates
With school buildings ageing and maintenance budgets stretched thin, the value of a site manager who can prevent a breakdown rather than just react to one cannot be overstated.
A professional with a plethora of practical skill often brings:
Focusing on age inclusion is a strategic necessity that delivers higher levels of technical skill and more reliable maintenance outcomes for schools.
TIB Services can help you reach skilled caretakers and site managers
We specialise in identifying professionals who have the right skillset and values to thrive in a school environment who are frequently overlooked by traditional recruitment methods.
Schools and trusts work with us because:
Final thoughts
Ageism shouldn't be the "traitor" that undermines your recruitment strategy. In an era where caretakers and site managers are in short supply, looking toward the over-50 demographic isn't just the kind thing to do, it's the smartest move a school leader can make.
TIB Services is dedicated to connecting schools with the professionals they need to keep their estates safe and compliant.