Working with a GCA framework supplier
What stays the same
The day-to-day experience of working through a framework supplier remains the same:
- Your pay rates stay the same. The framework limits what suppliers can charge schools, but it doesn’t impact the rates you’re paid.
- Vetting standards remain consistent. All framework suppliers must follow Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSiE) guidelines, just as they did under the previous framework.
- No changes to payroll, holiday pay, or pensions. These arrangements continue exactly as before.
- If you’re already with Engage Education, nothing changes. Your consultant, your account, and your bookings all stay the same.
What’s new
Two changes are worth knowing about:
Schools see more transparency about pay and fees
Under the new framework, every booking shows a clear breakdown of your pay, statutory employment costs, and the supplier’s fee separately. This is good news for workers, it means schools can see exactly what proportion of their spend is going to you, rather than just seeing a single ‘daily rate’ that combines everything.
More schools will be using the framework
From September 2026, all single and multi-academy trusts must procure supply staff through a framework agreement. This means a higher proportion of available supply work will be flowing through framework suppliers from the new academic year onwards. Workers registered with a framework supplier are likely to see more bookings, not fewer.
Why work with a framework supplier
When you’re registered with a framework supplier like Engage Education, three things work in your favour:
Access to a broader pool of work
Framework suppliers are visible to every school and trust using the GCA agency selection tool. That includes the growing number of academy trusts who must use the framework from September 2026.
Compliant pay and conditions
Every framework supplier must follow the framework’s standard terms, ensuring proper treatment of pay, holiday entitlement, employer National Insurance, pension contributions, and statutory employment rights. You can be confident that you won’t be working through a route that compromises on these essentials.
Proper safeguarding routes
Framework suppliers carry out vetting to KCSiE standards, including DBS checks, references, qualifications verification, identity, and right-to-work checks. They maintain the audit trail and share it with schools, so you won’t need to start from scratch with every new booking.
Routes from supply work to a permanent role
Many supply teachers and support staff use the framework as a route into permanent employment. There are two ways this commonly happens:
Temp-to-perm conversion
If you’ve worked at a school for 12 weeks or more on framework terms, the school can convert you to a permanent member of staff at no additional cost, provided they give the supplier 4 weeks’ notice. Schools value this because it removes the cost barrier to permanent recruitment, which means workers who fit well are more likely to be offered a permanent role.
Direct permanent placement
The framework can be used to make permanent appointments directly, not just temporary ones. If you’re looking for a permanent role, framework suppliers like Engage Education can also place you into permanent positions through the framework or alongside it.
Working with Engage Education
We’ve been a framework supplier from the framework’s inception, and we’ve been a recruitment partner for schools and trusts across England for over a decade. When you register with us, you get:
- A named consultant who knows your specialisms and preferences
- Access to bookings through the EngageNow app — pick up roles, manage your calendar, mark unavailable days
- Same-day pay options where supplier arrangements allow
- 24/7 mental health and wellbeing support
- CPD, training and qualification routes including PGCE/QTS programmes for graduates
- Local support, we have offices in Watford, Brighton, Leeds, London, Manchester and beyond
GCA workers
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about RM6376 and using the Government Commercial Agency framework for education staffing.
The framework explained
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No. The framework caps what suppliers can charge schools — it doesn’t change what suppliers pay workers. Your pay rates are agreed between you and your supplier and are unaffected.
If you’re already registered with a framework supplier like Engage Education, no. Your registration, vetting and bookings continue as before. If you’re not currently registered with a framework supplier and want to be, register with us using the link below.
Quite likely, yes. With more academy trusts required to procure supply staff through the framework from September 2026, the pool of bookings flowing through framework suppliers is expected to grow.
Ask them directly — named suppliers will confirm their status. Or check the supplier list published on the GCA website. Engage Education is named on Lot 1 of RM6376.
Identity verification, right to work, enhanced DBS check, qualifications verification, two satisfactory references including from your most recent employer, prohibition checks where relevant, and an overseas police certificate where you’ve lived abroad. We handle all of this as part of your registration.
About this framework
Engage Education has been named as a supplier on Government Commercial Agency’s (GCA) RM6376 Supply Teachers and Education Recruitment framework, Lot 1: Teachers and Education Recruitment. The framework runs from 30 April 2026 to 29 April 2029.
Government Commercial Agency (GCA) is the UK’s central commercial and procurement organisation, connecting public and private sectors to achieve the best outcomes for the UK and its citizens. GCA uses its commercial expertise to create a simpler procurement experience that redirects valuable resources into essential public services — creating value for the nation. GCA replaced Crown Commercial Service (CCS) on 1 April 2026.
Next steps...
If you'd like to register with Engage Education and start picking up framework bookings, it takes about ten minutes to set up your account. Our team will get in touch within one working day to introduce themselves and walk through any specialisms or preferences you have.
