CCS Supply Teachers Framework – To Bid or Not to Bid?

The hot topic of conversation for recruiters specialising in the education sector at the moment is the upcoming CCS Supply Teachers framework.  There’s also a lot of marketing from bid writers stirring up discussion (which is good!), but perhaps not a huge amount of straightforward information out there to help recruiters make informed decisions about whether this is a beneficial framework for them to be on.

We thought now would be a good time to discuss the pros and cons (and hopefully open up lots of discussion) about this framework.  The current framework (RM6238) expires on 4th July 2026, and the tender process for the new one (RM6376) is due to open on 15th October 2025.  Obviously timeframes are subject to change, but it’s sensible to be ready for this date.

What does this framework cover?

It covers all types of workers within education (ranging from qualified teachers through to education support staff, SEND, education leadership roles through to “back office”—admin, finance, IT and operational positions—cleaners, maintenance etc).  It covers nursery/pre-schools, primary and secondary schools, FE/HE including colleges/universities, and even prisons and hospitals but not independent/for profit establishments.

Why would educational establishments use it?

• It covers ALL temporary/supply roles that schools and educational institutions might need in one place.
• It provides a transparent, compliant route for educational establishments to purchase recruitment services with standardised and consistent terms and conditions that are written in the favour of schools.
• All suppliers are accredited by one of four approved accreditation bodies which means workers must satisfy robust pre-employment and safeguarding checks.
• It allows schools to budget as it provides negotiated, set rates which include beneficial clauses (e.g. free temp to perm after 4 weeks and reduced mark-ups for nominated workers).  When evaluated back in 2022, the price weighting for the current framework was 90% – meaning cost was paramount.
• It provides a simple online tool to help schools find local suppliers.

What is the current framework spend?

In 2023-2024 spend was £55.7m with approximately 2,500 schools using the framework.  This is anticipated to grow to £75m in 2024-25, with the number of schools purchasing under the framework set to increase to 3,500 by July 2026.  CCS is committed to driving further growth year on year.

CCS has partnered up with YPO, ESPO and NEPO to expand its reach and this will also increase the spend through the framework.

What are the benefits/disadvantages for recruiters of being on the framework?

Without a crystal ball, it’s difficult to quantify.  According to BESA, there are 32,149 schools, 1,154 multi-academy trusts, 264 FE colleges and 266 HE providers in the UK.  Clearly only a small proportion of these schools currently purchase under the CCS framework.  The difficulty is knowing what the future holds.

The procurement organisations involved in this framework will be marketing it hard to schools, and they will expect framework suppliers to do so too.  This means that you will potentially be expected to introduce your current clients to the framework – even if this means cutting your margins!

Furthermore, the framework will run for a 3-4 years before you will be able to bid again (standard frameworks generally have a maximum duration of four years, and “open” frameworks can last up to eight years but must re-open at least once within the first three years).  This means that your decision whether to bid now is critical.  You need to consider:

1. Do your clients currently use the framework?
2. Do your prospect clients currently use the framework?
3. Are you willing to lose business if your current or prospect clients sign up to the framework in the next few years?

If you are not an approved supplier on the framework, you will not be able to supply these schools…and you cannot join the framework until it opens again in 3-4 years’ time.

 

If you are utterly confident that none of your clients (or prospect clients) use the framework and are actively opposed to signing up for it now or in the future, maybe this one isn’t for you.  If you’ve got any doubts, then give us a call for a “no commitment” chat to help you make an informed decision.

 

Call Fiona Brunton on 01688 400319 or email fiona.brunton@bruntonconsultancy.co.uk.