On 4 June 2026, Envision Education hosted a webinar led by Founder and Director Balraj Guraya to help schools understand the new Government Commercial Agency (GCA) Supply Teachers and Education Recruitment Framework (RM6376). Here's a summary of the key points discussed.

What Is Changing?

The new GCA Supply Teachers and Education Recruitment Framework (RM6376) replaced the previous education supply framework in April 2026 and will run until April 2029.

The biggest change is that, from September 2026, academy trusts will be required to procure supply staff through the framework, making it a compliance requirement rather than optional guidance.

Who Does It Apply To?

The framework applies differently depending on the type of school:

•Academy trusts will be required to use the framework from September 2026.

•Maintained schools can use the framework voluntarily.

•Independent and international schools are outside its scope.

For academy trusts, using a framework-approved supplier is likely to be the simplest route to compliance.

How Will It Affect School Budgets?

One of the framework's key objectives is to improve transparency and reduce recruitment costs.

The framework introduces capped agency margins, while protecting candidate pay rates and conditions.

Schools will also receive a clearer breakdown of recruitment costs, including:

•Candidate pay

•Holiday pay

•Employer National Insurance contributions

•Agency margins

This gives schools greater visibility over where recruitment budgets are being spent.

Strengthening Safeguarding and Compliance

All agencies operating under the framework must meet rigorous compliance standards and hold recognised industry accreditations, such as the REC Audited Education accreditation or APSCo Compliance+.

This helps ensure that candidates supplied to schools have undergone robust checks, including:

•DBS clearance

•Right to work verification

•Reference checks

•Safeguarding compliance

For schools, this provides additional confidence that recruitment processes meet current statutory requirements.

A Significant Temp-to-Perm Benefit

One of the most welcomed features of the new framework is the standardised temp-to-perm process.

After 12 weeks, schools can appoint a supply worker permanently by providing four weeks' notice, with no transfer fee payable.

Historically, transfer fees have often been a barrier to permanent recruitment. The new framework removes this obstacle, giving schools greater flexibility when a candidate proves to be the right fit.

Why This Matters for SEND Schools

In SEND settings, consistency and familiarity are often critical to pupil outcomes.

The framework's emphasis on safeguarding, quality assurance and workforce stability supports schools in building trusted relationships between pupils and staff, while also creating clearer pathways to permanent recruitment.

How Envision Education Can Help

Envision Education is an approved Lot 1 supplier under the RM6376 framework.

For more than 11 years, we have supported schools with SEND recruitment, teaching staff, support staff, leadership cover and administrative appointments.

We also hold the REC Audited Education accreditation, reflecting our long-standing commitment to safeguarding and compliance.

Final Thoughts

While the new GCA framework represents a significant change for the education recruitment sector, its core purpose is straightforward: to deliver safer recruitment, greater transparency, better value and stronger accountability.

Schools that begin reviewing their recruitment arrangements now will be well placed for September 2026 and beyond.

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Ready to put this framework into practice?

Every school and trust is different. If you'd like tailored advice on how this framework can support your specific context, the Envision Education team is here to help.

Get in touch with our experts by emailing Marketing@envisioneducation.co.uk or calling 0203 771 1138 for a no-obligation conversation about your goals, challenges, and next steps.

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If you would like to watch the webinar recording, please contact the team using the details above and we'll be happy to share it with you.

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