Framework to provide Supply Agency Staff Services

Opportunity overview

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 1 — 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.

Estimated lot value including VAT: £510.0m

Participation condition: Lot 1. Direct Provision Lot 2. Master Vendor Lot 3. Neutral Vendor As defined within the tender pack

Award criterion: Quality questions: 50%

Award criterion: Social Value: 10%

Award criterion: Price: 40%

Suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Suitable for voluntary, community and social enterprises.

Contract starts: 23 January 2027

Initial contract ends: 22 January 2031

Maximum term ends: 31 January 2034

Extension: 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

Lot 2 — 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.

Estimated lot value including VAT: £357.0m

Participation condition: Lot 1. Direct Provision Lot 2. Master Vendor Lot 3. Neutral Vendor As defined within the tender pack

Award criterion: Quality questions: 50%

Award criterion: Social Value: 10%

Award criterion: Price: 40%

Suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Suitable for voluntary, community and social enterprises.

Contract starts: 23 January 2027

Initial contract ends: 22 January 2031

Maximum term ends: 31 January 2034

Extension: 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

Lot 3 — 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.

Estimated lot value including VAT: £153.0m

Participation condition: Lot 1. Direct Provision Lot 2. Master Vendor Lot 3. Neutral Vendor As defined within the tender pack

Award criterion: Quality questions: 50%

Award criterion: Social Value: 10%

Award criterion: Price: 40%

Suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Suitable for voluntary, community and social enterprises.

Contract starts: 23 January 2027

Initial contract ends: 22 January 2031

Maximum term ends: 31 January 2034

Extension: 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

Contracting authority

HEART ACADEMIES TRUST Bedford Academy, Bedford, MK42 9TR, UKH24, United Kingdom Email: procurement@heartacademiestrust.co.uk

Procurement timetable and procedure

Procedure: Open procedure

Clarification deadline: 13 November 2026 at 12:00 pm

Submission deadline: 27 November 2026 at 12:00 pm

Award decision expected by: 22 January 2027 at 11:59 pm

Electronic submissions: allowed

Submission language: EN

CPV Classification

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

How to submit

The official Find a Tender notice directs suppliers to the buyer’s electronic tendering system. The procurement documents, clarifications and response area are managed there.

Open the buyer’s electronic tendering system ↗

Documents

• Registering for access: This procurement will be managed electronically via the eSourcing suite, Cimple. This will be the route for sharing all information and communicating with bidders. If you have recently registered on Cimple for another HEART procurement you can use the same account for this new procurement. If not, you will first need to register your organisation on the portal. Use the following link for information on how register and use the eSourcing tool: https://cimple.uk/login?intendedUrl=/list/all and click sign up. For assistance please contact the Cimple Help desk Email: support@cimple.uk Hours: 9 AM - 5 PM Contact form: https://cimple.uk/contact

TenderLab qualification first

Before we write, we establish whether the opportunity fits.

We examine the published participation conditions, service scope, geography, regulatory position, available evidence, mobilisation demands and commercial exposure with your team. We only confirm a full tender-writing engagement when the available information supports a responsible view that the provider meets the tender requirements.

If Framework to provide Supply Agency Staff Services is a credible fit, we can map the scored requirements, gather operational evidence and build the response around the buyer documents. The qualification check and any writing support do not guarantee an award; the contracting authority makes the final decision.