With school budgets under sustained pressure, leaders are increasingly examining every area of spend to ensure it delivers genuine value. Now, the new Government White Paper adds fresh momentum to this scrutiny, directing schools to adopt the forthcoming Crown Commercial Service supply framework from 2026—unless they can clearly demonstrate better value for money elsewhere.
In Hertfordshire, schools are already ahead of the national curve. The established HFL Supply Framework has been designed precisely with this challenge in mind, offering a proven, transparent and value‑driven approach to managing supply agency provision.
Over the past year, the HFL Education Supply Framework has supported schools across Hertfordshire to bring greater cost control, transparency and quality assurance to their staffing arrangements.
As we move into the next financial year, it is a good time to ask:
- Do you know your average daily supply cost?
- Are you confident you are paying a consistent, preferential rate?
- Can you easily compare agency charges and mark-ups?
- Are you receiving the quality and compliance you expect for the price you pay?
If the answer to any of these questions is “not sure”, it may be time to review your current approach.
Why frameworks matter in a challenging financial climate
Unplanned supply spend can quickly escalate. Different agencies may charge different rates for similar roles, and without a clear benchmark it can be difficult to assess value for money.
The HFL Supply Framework was established in response to this challenge, giving schools:
- Fixed, preferential rates for Hertfordshire schools
- Full transparency of agency charges in one place
- Pre-vetted agencies meeting strict compliance and safeguarding standards
- Clear service expectations through KPIs on fill rates, quality and response times
All rates are published and easily accessible via the HR Services Portal, Teach in Herts employer dashboard, and the Herts Grid for Learning, allowing business leaders to plan, monitor and forecast supply spend more effectively.
Four routes to meet different staffing needs
The framework is structured to provide cost-effective solutions across a range of scenarios:
- Lot 1 - Emergency short-term supply (up to 12 weeks)
- Lot 2 - Medium to longer-term cover (12+ weeks, including planning responsibilities in line with AWR)
- Lot 3 - Permanent recruitment support
- Lot 4 - Executive search for senior leadership roles
Quality and performance you can measure
All partner agencies — Axis, Choice, Engage, Randstad, Moore Teachers, Step and 4myschools — work to strict KPIs, including:
- REC accreditation and full legislative compliance
- High fill rates for both emergency and planned cover
- Candidates matched appropriately to roles with full background information
- Very high levels of customer satisfaction and minimal complaints
This means schools are not only controlling costs but also reducing the hidden workload associated with poor placements, repeat bookings and compliance checks.
A prompt for financial planning
As you set budgets for the coming year, now is an ideal opportunity to:
✔ Review your current supply providers and average costs
✔ Compare your existing rates with the published framework rates
✔ Consider the administrative time spent managing multiple agencies
✔ Factor supply trends into your staffing and curriculum planning
Even small efficiencies in daily supply rates or improved fill quality can deliver meaningful savings over the course of a year.
Next steps
If you have not yet reviewed the framework, or if your school is currently using a range of agencies without a clear cost comparison, we encourage you to explore the published rates and consider how a more transparent, strategic approach could support your financial planning.
New rates available to view from April 2026
For further details about the Supply Framework, the new rates for April 2026 and how to access partner agencies, visit the HFL HR Services Portal, your Teach in Herts employer dashboard, or the Herts Grid for Learning.
Alternatively, contact the HFL team at teachinherts@hfleducation.org or on 01438 544468.
