What is the GCA framework?
The Government Commercial Agency (GCA) (formerly the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) framework allows schools, academies and trusts to access supply and permanent staff in a compliant and efficient manner, through the government-approved solution.
Rolled out under Department for Education guidance, schools work with vetted agencies that are monitored against rigorous requirements including; safeguarding, compliance, transparency and value for money.
Schools can gain direct access to trusted recruitment partners without undertaking long procurement processes, enabling fast recruitment of appropriate staff in accordance with best practice in procurement.
Why schools are moving to the GCA framework
With more standardised processes for procurement, the Academy Trust Handbook is leading schools and trusts to re-examine how they use supply agencies.
With the GCA framework you are using an established, accepted procedure which eliminates ambiguity and provides uniformity within your organisation. School leaders will be able to show that staffing decisions are being made via a compliant process.
By working with a GCA-approved agency, your school can:
- Meet DfE and procurement compliance requirements with confidence
- Work with fully vetted, approved suppliers
- Access high-quality teaching and support staff quickly
- Benefit from clear, transparent pricing
- Achieve strong, market-aligned value from your agency partners
- Avoid time-consuming tendering processes
Built for flexibility and speed
Whether for instant daily cover or for long-term staffing, the GCA framework offers the flexibility to respond rapidly and without sacrifice of quality or compliance.
The framework can help with the recruitment of all positions from daily supply teachers and teaching assistants through to permanent appointments and specialists and has many recruitment services available.
School leaders can rest assured that the booking will be through a government-approved and reliable route.
Local GCA Approved Agency
Balfor Recruitment is a delighted approved supplier on the GCA framework and maintain our ongoing commitment to ethical working practices, transparency and excellent service.
Working with us means:
- A fully compliant route to recruitment aligned with GCA expectations
- A rigorous approach to safeguarding and vetting
- Clear, honest communication at every stage
- Experienced consultants who understand the pressures schools face
Our emphasis is on developing lasting partnerships, not filling temporary positions. Last minute absence cover, long-term cover, or strategic recruitment, we’ll help find the right fit for your school and we are there to support you every step of the way.
A compliant and commercially strong approach
The GCA framework has been developed not only to ensure compliance but also to help schools realise true value from supply agreements.
The GCA framework will ensure that, through using partners who have been accredited, schools and trusts will be given transparency, fixed price models and peace of mind knowing that a supplier is assessed against recognised standards which will reduce the procurement risk and the reliance on good quality staff provision when needed most.
The framework gives single schools, and multi-academy trusts a practical and cost-effective method for recruitment.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Get started with the GCA framework Today!
Whether you are assessing your existing agency contracts or wishing to gain the confidence that your school or trust is operating completely in line with GCA requirements we are ready to guide you.
We can clarify the workings of the framework, answer queries concerning compliance and the advantages of partnering with a pre-approved supplier.
Our goal is to streamline the process and enable you to continue with the important aspects; that of supporting your pupils and your staff.