Managed service partnerships in approved frameworks

Managed service partnerships within an approved procurement framework

Schools and trusts face increasing pressure to manage costs effectively while staying fully compliant with procurement regulations. At the same time, workforce planning, supply management, and safeguarding remain crucial – not only to protect budgets but to ensure safe, high quality and consistent staffing for pupils.

Department for Education (DfE) approved frameworks offer a structured solution, providing schools and trusts with a reliable, compliant way to source staff and services while gaining visibility and control over workforce spend.

In this blog, we explore what Department for Education (DfE) approved frameworks are, the benefits they provide to trusts, and how we support trusts and schools through frameworks that are both approved and aligned – including Government Commercial Agency (GCA) Lot 2. 

DfE approved frameworks and managed service partnerships: why they work better together 

For multi-academy trusts, securing high-quality supply staff isn’t just about filling roles, it’s about doing so compliantly, efficiently and with full financial control. This is where DfE approved frameworks and managed service partnerships work hand in hand.

A DfE-approved framework is a vetted, compliant and cost-effective procurement route for schools to hire supply staff. These frameworks, such as Government Commercial Agency (GCA), offer a faster more cost-effective alternative to undertaking your own procurement exercise whilst meeting strict safeguarding requirements, including background checks (DBS) and legal and financial compliance. 

A managed service partnership builds on that foundation by overseeing the day-to-day delivery of your staffing model. Acting as a single, centralised partner for schools and trusts, it coordinates agency supply, bookings, timesheets, reporting and performance across the trust. Rather than individual schools managing multiple agencies independently, the partnership creates a consistent joined up approach. 
 

When combined, a DfE-approved framework and MSP model deliver:

• Stronger governance and compliance: fully aligned to safeguarding requirements and procurement regulations 
• Cost control and budget certainty: standardised rates, consolidating billing and clear visibility of spend 
• Reduced administrative burden: a single system for bookings, timesheets and compliance management
• Greater transparency and oversight: clear reporting, audit trails and forecasting across your trust 
• Improved workforce planning: access to a robust, pre-approved supply chain managed strategically on your behalf

Together, they help you move from a reactive, school-by-school process to a centrally managed, strategic workforce solution. For trusts looking to balance compliance, quality and financial accountability, this combined approach provides both operational efficiency and confidence – while ensuring alignment with the requirements of the Academy Trust Handbook. 

Why our managed service partnership?

Our managed service partnership gives trusts greater control of their workforce strategy, supporting smarter trust-wide planning and more effective supply management. 

Aligning with the Department of Education’s maximising value for pupils programme, which emphasises maximising every pound of resource to improve outcomes for children. The Department of Education encourages trusts to use strategic workforce planning to reduce costs and reinvest savings into frontline provision.

As a long-term partner, we work alongside multi-academy trusts to deliver consistent processes, informed insight, and a joined-up approach to staffing across every trust:

• Market-leading reliability with a 99.97% fill rate, significantly above the national average of 93%
• School Portal+ our sector leading management information tool offering real time analytics at both trust and school level
• Recruitment and Retention strategic partner, value added services that not only help you recruit staff, but enhance your people strategy 
• Simplified administration through one integrated system for bookings, compliance, and timesheets through School Portal+
• No disruption to schools, using the same booking processes teams already know
• Dedicated account management, with specialists who understand both your trust as well as each school’s context and priorities
• Proven cost savings and financial transparency, averaging savings of up to 89%, supported by consolidated invoicing and rate card management
• Stringent compliance and safeguarding, all staff from all suppliers are checked to the same standards and compliance requirements before placement

A smarter way to manage supply

Through a managed service partnership, multi academy trusts access a tailored managed service that streamlines processes, ensures compliance, and provides real-time oversight. This empowers trust senior leaders to reduce supply spend while building confidence in staffing decisions across all schools. 

Ready to explore what this could look like for your trust? Book an exploratory phone call today to discover how we can support you.