This is the second post in a three-part series. In our first post, we described the supply staffing challenges Shaw Education Trust (SET) faced and why acting early was essential. Here, we explain how they built their solution.
Once SET had identified the scale of the problem, the trust explored its options - including direct agency renegotiation and expanding internal supply capacity. The conclusion was clear: aligning with the Government Commercial Agency (GCA) framework, previously known as Crown Commercial Service (CCS), offered the most robust and compliant route forward.
Your trust can access the same framework. Here is what it offers and how SET made it work at scale.
What the framework providesThe GCA framework gives schools and trusts access to capped supplier fees that reduce excessive mark-up, full cost transparency including agency margins, pre-approved suppliers meeting strict standards, standardised safeguarding and vetting requirements, and reduced or removed transfer fees after 12 weeks.
From September 2026, academy trusts will be expected to use this framework unless they can demonstrate better value through a compliant alternative. SET chose to get ahead of that deadline.
Why a Master Vendor approach made senseFramework alignment alone was not sufficient for a trust of SET's scale. With over 30 schools across a wide geographic area, a coordinated supply model was essential. SET adopted a master vendor approach - replacing fragmented agency engagement with a single, quality-assured supply chain aligned to national expectations and the trust's own values.
Within this structure, the trust retains full responsibility for governance, safeguarding, procurement compliance and value for money. The master vendor manages the operational supply chain. Schools continue to access supply staff as they need to, but within a clear, consistent and controlled structure.
Choosing the right partner mattersFollowing a thorough review, SET partnered with Connex Education Partnership and its parent company, The Classroom Partnership - selected not only for operational capability, but for alignment to social value, ethical workforce practices and a shared commitment to communities.
The compliance benefits have been significant. Safeguarding processes are now standardised and auditable. IR35 (off-payroll working rules) risks have been substantially reduced. Weekly reporting gives the trust full visibility of spend and usage across every school.
Over 98% of supply requirements are now managed directly through the master vendor.
In the third and final post, we share the full results: over £1 million in annual savings*, 18 permanent staff conversions, and what this means for long-term workforce strategy.
This blog was produced in collaboration between the DfE Maximising Value for Pupils programme team and Shaw Education Trust to share good practice and help every pound deliver for children. Connex are one of over 200 agencies that have been awarded to the framework agreement.
*Figures supplied by Shaw Education Trust and have not been verified by the Department for Education.
seen at 11:35, 24 June in Buying for Schools.