Scope
Description
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 eight (8) 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.
Commercial tool
Establishes an open framework
Total value (estimated)
- £850,000,000 excluding VAT
- £1,020,000,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 5 January 2026 to 4 January 2030
- Possible extension to 4 January 2034
- 8 years
Description of possible extension:
The Contracting Authority intends to operate the Framework for a maximum duration of eight (8) 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
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 79000000 - Business services: law, marketing, consulting, recruitment, printing and security
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Lot 1. Direct Provision
Description
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.
Lot value (estimated)
- £425,000,000 excluding VAT
- £510,000,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 2. Master Vendor
Description
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.
Lot value (estimated)
- £297,500,000 excluding VAT
- £357,000,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 3. Neutral Vendor
Description
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.
Lot value (estimated)
- £127,500,000 excluding VAT
- £153,000,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Framework
Open framework scheme end date (estimated)
4 January 2034
Maximum number of suppliers
Unlimited
Maximum percentage fee charged to suppliers
0.90%
Further information about fees
0.9% Volume Based Rebate based on total cost of all invoices associated with any contract award on the framework
Framework operation description
Please refer to Tender Pack - specifically detailed within the ITT document.
Award method when using the framework
Either with or without competition
Contracting authorities that may use the framework
Open to all Public Sector Contracting Authorities.
Participation
Legal and financial capacity conditions of participation
Lot 1. Direct Provision
Lot 2. Master Vendor
Lot 3. Neutral Vendor
As defined within the tender pack
Technical ability conditions of participation
Lot 1. Direct Provision
Lot 2. Master Vendor
Lot 3. Neutral Vendor
As defined within the tender pack
Particular suitability
Lot 1. Direct Provision
Lot 2. Master Vendor
Lot 3. Neutral Vendor
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
27 October 2025, 12:00pm
Tender submission deadline
10 November 2025, 12:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
19 December 2025
Award criteria
Lot 1. Direct Provision
Lot 2. Master Vendor
| Name | Description | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quality Questions | Please refer to the tender pack for a breakdown |
Quality | 50% |
| Price | Price | 40% | |
| Social Value | Please refer to the tender pack for the question breakdown |
Quality | 10% |
Lot 3. Neutral Vendor
| Name | Description | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quality Questions | Please refer to the quality questions in the tender pack |
Quality | 50% |
| Pricing | Price | 40% | |
| Social Value | Please refer to the quality questions in the tender pack |
Quality | 10% |
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Documents
Associated tender documents
https://cimple.uk/detail/493282
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.
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Contracting authority
HEART ACADEMIES TRUST
- Companies House: 06969741
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PVCR-6312-NPXW
Bedford Academy
Bedford
MK42 9TR
United Kingdom
Region: UKH24 - Bedford
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government
Other organisation
These organisations are carrying out the procurement, or part of it, on behalf of the contracting authorities.
VALUE MATCH SERVICES LTD
Summary of their role in this procurement: The Contracting Authority have appointed Value Match Services to act as the delivery partner for this project as part of its wider shared service, from sourcing activity through to ongoing management and assurance of the Framework and its appointed Suppliers.
- Companies House: 08522031
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PXYJ-6338-PQDD
Dee House
Chester
CH3 5UU
United Kingdom
Region: UKD63 - Cheshire West and Chester