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Framework to provide Supply Agency Staff Services

HEART ACADEMIES TRUST

This public procurement record has 4 releases in its history.

Tender

30 Oct 2026 at 11:42

UK4 - Tender Notice
Planning

28 Aug 2026 at 16:44

UK3 - Planned Procurement Notice
PlanningUpdate

28 Aug 2026 at 16:22

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Planning

28 Aug 2026 at 16:20

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

HEART Academies Trust is seeking suppliers for a framework covering recruitment and supply of temporary, fixed-term and permanent teaching and non-teaching staff across UK education settings, including schools, colleges, nurseries, pupil referral units and children’s centres. The main focus is temporary supply teachers, education support staff and other temporary staffing; permanent recruitment is included but expected to be limited. The framework has three service models: direct provision, where the supplier recruits and supplies staff; master vendor, managing recruitment and the full supply chain; and neutral vendor, managing recruitment through an accredited supply chain rather than directly supplying workers. The framework is open to all public sector contracting authorities, with services delivered across the UK.

The buyer invited offers through an open procedure to reopen an existing framework. The tender submission deadline was 27 November 2026 at 12 noon; enquiries were due by 13 November 2026 at 12 noon. The framework period is scheduled to run from 23 January 2027 to 22 January 2031, with a maximum scheme end date of 31 January 2034 and annual reopening intended. Estimated lot values, including VAT, are £510 million for direct provision, £357 million for master vendor and £153 million for neutral vendor. Evaluation for each lot weights quality questions at 50%, social value at 10% and price at 40%. Economic and technical selection criteria apply, as set out in the tender pack. A 0.9% volume-based rebate on net invoiced costs applies to awards under the framework.

The opportunity suits recruitment agencies and workforce providers able to place supply teachers, education support staff and other personnel in a range of education settings. Direct-provision bidders need to recruit and manage temporary, fixed-term and permanent placements, maintain a recognised accreditation and keep their practices compliant with Agency Workers Regulations, IR35 and National Minimum Wage requirements. Master vendors need the capability to manage end-to-end recruitment, technology-enabled processes and the full supply chain, while retaining responsibility for its performance and compliance. Neutral vendors must operate an accredited supply chain, may source no more than 20% of workers from affiliated businesses, and must oversee compliance across participating agencies. Suppliers in every model need to monitor regulatory and market changes and promptly communicate them, updating procedures as needed. SMEs and voluntary, community and social enterprises are considered suitable.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Framework to provide Supply Agency Staff Services

Notice Description

This is the reopening of Framework to Provide Supply Agency Staff Services - ocds-h6vhtk-05abb2 HEART Academies Trust is establishing a multi lotted Framework Agreement to support the recruitment of temporary, permanent, and fixed-term teaching and non-teaching staff across educational settings in the UK. This includes but is not limited to schools, colleges, nurseries, pupil referral units, and children's centres. The Framework is designed to provide participating Contracting Authorities with a fair, transparent, and cost-effective solution for engaging supply staff. The Contracting Authority intends to operate the Framework for a maximum duration of seven (7) years, with the intention to re-open the Framework on an annual basis to allow for the inclusion of new suppliers and ensure continued value and compliance. A Re-Opening Notice will be published detailing the scope of services, eligibility criteria, submission deadlines and evaluation methodology.- The following types of Suppliers can apply/re-apply o New suppliers not previously included o Previously unsuccessful suppliers o Existing suppliers seeking to expand or revise their offering Suppliers meeting the criteria will be added to the Framework and become eligible for selection in Direct Awards or Mini Competitions. Whilst all lots include the option for the Customer to access permanent recruitment, the expectation is that this will be minimal therefore this Tender is primarily focused on supply teachers, education support staff and other temporary staffing services.

Lot Information

Direct Provision

The appointed Supplier will be responsible for delivering recruitment services for the provision of supply teachers, education support staff, and other temporary and permanent staffing requirements. This will include: * Temporary assignments via employment agencies * Fixed-term employment via employment agencies * Permanent employment via employment agencies The Supplier must remain informed of developments within the recruitment sector, including changes in policy, legislation, and best practice. Ongoing compliance with relevant regulations-such as the Agency Workers Regulations (AWR), IR35, and National Minimum Wage-is essential. Additionally, the Supplier is required to hold and maintain certification from a recognised Accreditation Body and ensure that any regulatory or market changes are promptly communicated to the Contracting Authority. Where necessary, appropriate adjustments must be made to internal processes and procedures to reflect such changes.

Renewal: The Contracting Authority intends to operate the Framework for a maximum duration of seven (7) years, with the intention to re-open the Framework on an annual basis to allow for the inclusion of new suppliers and ensure continued value and compliance. A Re-Opening Notice will be published detailing the scope of services, eligibility criteria, submission deadlines and evaluation methodology. - The following types of Suppliers can apply/re-apply o New suppliers not previously included o Previously unsuccessful suppliers o Existing suppliers seeking to expand or revise their offering Suppliers meeting the criteria will be added to the Framework and become eligible for selection in Direct Awards or Mini Competitions

Master Vendor

Managed service requirements of supply teachers, education support staff and other temporary, fixed term or permanent staffing services. The Contracting Authority is seeking a Managed Service Provider (MSP) to deliver comprehensive recruitment services that meet its workforce requirements. This includes the sourcing, engagement, and administration of supply teachers, education support staff, and other temporary, fixed term or permanent personnel through standardised processes and the effective use of technology. The appointed Master Vendor will be solely responsible for delivering recruitment services and managing the entire supply chain. This includes: * Temporary assignments via employment agencies * Fixed-term employment via employment agencies * Permanent employment via employment agencies The Supplier may fulfil staffing requirements directly from its own resource pool and may also manage additional supply through an approved and accredited supply chain. Where appropriate, the Supplier may establish and manage a talent pool on behalf of the Contracting Authority. Workers sourced via this pool may be employed either by the Employment Business or directly by the Contracting Authority. The Contracting Authority will contract with the Master Vendor, who will retain full responsibility for the performance and compliance of its supply chain. The Supplier must hold and maintain certification from a recognised Accreditation Body and ensure full compliance with all applicable legislation and regulatory requirements, including but not limited to the Agency Workers Regulations (AWR), IR35, and National Minimum Wage. The Supplier is expected to remain up to date with changes in recruitment practices, market conditions, and relevant policies and legislation. Any such changes must be communicated promptly to the Contracting Authority, with necessary adjustments made to operational processes and procedures.

Renewal: The Contracting Authority intends to operate the Framework for a maximum duration of seven (7) years, with the intention to re-open the Framework on an annual basis to allow for the inclusion of new suppliers and ensure continued value and compliance. A Re-Opening Notice will be published detailing the scope of services, eligibility criteria, submission deadlines and evaluation methodology. - The following types of Suppliers can apply/re-apply o New suppliers not previously included o Previously unsuccessful suppliers o Existing suppliers seeking to expand or revise their offering Suppliers meeting the criteria will be added to the Framework and become eligible for selection in Direct Awards or Mini Competitions

Neutral Vendor

The Contracting Authority is seeking a Neutral Vendor to deliver managed recruitment services for supply teachers, education support staff, and other temporary staffing needs. The appointed Supplier will take full responsibility for meeting the Contracting Authority's workforce requirements. As a Neutral Vendor, the Supplier will not directly supply workers from its own organisation and may only source up to 20% of workers through affiliated businesses. All other staffing requirements must be fulfilled via an approved and accredited supply chain. The Supplier will manage the provision of staff for: * Temporary assignments via employment businesses * Fixed-term employment via employment agencies * Permanent employment via employment agencies The Supplier may establish and manage a talent pool on behalf of the Contracting Authority. Workers sourced through this pool may be employed either by the Employment Business or directly by the Contracting Authority. The Contracting Authority will enter into a contract with the Neutral Vendor, who will be fully responsible for the performance and compliance of its supply chain. All supply agencies within the Suppliers supply chain must hold certification from an approved Accreditation Body. The Supplier managing the supply chain is responsible for ensuring that all participating Suppliers are appropriately accredited and ensure full compliance with all relevant legislation and regulatory requirements, including but not limited to the Agency Workers Regulations (AWR), IR35, and National Minimum Wage. The Supplier is expected to remain informed of changes in recruitment practices, market conditions, and applicable policies and legislation. Any such changes must be communicated promptly to the Contracting Authority, with necessary updates made to operational processes and procedures.

Renewal: The Contracting Authority intends to operate the Framework for a maximum duration of seven (7) years, with the intention to re-open the Framework on an annual basis to allow for the inclusion of new suppliers and ensure continued value and compliance. A Re-Opening Notice will be published detailing the scope of services, eligibility criteria, submission deadlines and evaluation methodology. - The following types of Suppliers can apply/re-apply o New suppliers not previously included o Previously unsuccessful suppliers o Existing suppliers seeking to expand or revise their offering Suppliers meeting the criteria will be added to the Framework and become eligible for selection in Direct Awards or Mini Competitions

Planning Information

Three one-hour online sessions will be held via Microsoft Teams: 8 October 2026, 10.00 am-11.00 am 20 October 2026, 10.00 am-11.00 am 27 October 2026, 11.00 am-12 noon Each session will cover the same information and suppliers need only attend one session. Suppliers wishing to participate should contact procurement@heartacademiestrust.co.uk, confirming their preferred session.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06eeea
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/103118-2026
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Planning, Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

79 - Business services: law, marketing, consulting, recruitment, printing and security

CPV Codes

79000000 - Business services: law, marketing, consulting, recruitment, printing and security

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£850,000,000 £100M-£1B
Lots Value
£850,000,000 £100M-£1B
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
30 Oct 20263 days ago
Submission Deadline
27 Nov 20264 weeks to go
Future Notice Date
30 Oct 2026Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
23 Jan 2027 - 22 Jan 2031 4-5 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Active
Lots Status
Active
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
HEART ACADEMIES TRUST
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
BEDFORD
Postcode
MK42 9TR
Postcode Area
Milton Keynes
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLH East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLH2 Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLH24 Bedford
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Bedford
Electoral Ward
Cauldwell
Westminster Constituency
Bedford

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts.

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