CCS is an executive agency of the government cabinet, and the UK's biggest public procurement organisation. CCS helps schools save money and gives the DfE better visibility of how government funds are being spent by schools who use recruitment agencies for their supply teachers. CCS regularly reviews the agencies which are named on the framework to ensure they are performing well and meeting their obligations.

122 suppliers are listed on this framework. To appear on the list of approved vendors, agencies have to set out their costs up-front - allowing schools to compare prices - and conduct rigorous background checks on their agency workers. Agencies had to submit a detailed tender document that demonstrated their ability to deliver the required services and meet the selection criteria.

To use the CCS agency selection tool, you will need a DfE sign-in email address and password, your school's postcode, and details of how long you will need the supply teacher or member of support staff for. You can also ask your chosen supplier if they are named on the framework, as all agencies on the deal have to tell you that they are, and offer you CCS terms.

As long as you give a minimum of 4 weeks’ notice and the worker has completed at least 12 weeks of work on CCS terms, then transferring them to a permanent contract is free of charge.

There are 120 suppliers on the deal, which means they have been audited and accredited to the CCS’ best practice standards in education recruitment. With national coverage, you’ll be able to find a local office nearby. (At Engage, we have national coverage, with numerous offices around the country!)

Depending on your needs we may be able to offer you a lower, bespoke agreement than the amount shown on the selection tool. The mark-up shown is the maximum amount we will charge you.

All suppliers on the agreement are obliged to tell you that they are part of the deal and offer you CCS terms. If you’re not sure if the agency you work with is on the deal, ask them!

If you know a worker who isn’t signed up with an agency on the agreement, and you want to hire them temporarily on CCS terms, you can tell the agency that you would like to hire them as a nominated worker. Once the worker has signed up to us, you will benefit from the peace of mind that their pay and background checks have been taken care of. If you want to, you’ll be able to take them on permanently without any extra fees after 12 weeks of work.

The deal isn't just for hiring teachers. In fact, most roles that a school will need to fill are covered by the CCS deal, including cleaners, teaching assistants, clerical staff, administrative workers, maintenance staff, and more.