RM6376 • Government Commercial Agency Framework

Supply staffing is changing. Zen is here to help you stay ahead.

The new GCA framework is changing how trusts procure temporary staffing.

Zen Educate is an approved supplier on both Lot 1 (Direct Appointment) and Lot 2 (Managed Service), giving trusts the flexibility to choose the approach that best suits their schools while staying compliant, reducing complexity, and preparing confidently for September.

Find the right route for your trust

Lot 1 and Lot 2 approved

What GCA means for your trust

The framework introduces a more structured approach to temporary staffing procurement, designed to improve transparency, supplier standards and value for schools.

Mandatory procurement route

Trusts must have active agreements in place with all suppliers used across their schools.

Value for pupils

With national agency supply spend reaching £1.4bn in 2023/24, the framework drives transparency, capped margins and quality.

Higher supplier standards

Suppliers must meet strict KCSIE safeguarding standards, pass DfE-approved financial auditing, and offer 12-week temp-to-permanent terms.

Preparing for September

The new framework comes into effect from September 2026. Trusts should review existing staffing arrangements now to ensure suppliers are compliant and ready for the back-to-school period.

In a 15-minute conversation, we’ll help you understand your options, compare Lot 1 and Lot 2, and identify the right approach for your trust.

Choose the route that works best for your trust

Zen Educate is approved on both routes, giving trusts the flexibility to choose the model that best suits their schools.

Lot 1

Direct appointment

Typically known as Preferred Supplier List (PSL) - Zen is one of your trusts suppliers and allows schools to book temporary, fixed-term or permanent staff on a day by day basis. Best for school by school implementation plan and adhoc needs.

Lot 2

Managed service

Typically known as Master Vendor or Managed Supplier. Zen becomes the single point of contact and manages the relationships with other vendors, to find supply. Built for scale, technical capability and complex, trust-wide procurement.

Built on trusted standards

Zen Educate is built for responsible public-sector procurement — combining B Corp certification, recognised recruitment standards, and approved supplier framework credentials.

How we can support you

General Education

Great educators for every classroom

SEN

Specialist support when your students need it most

Early Years

Nurturing educators for your youngest learners

Find the right route for your trust

More than framework compliance

Dual-Lot Approved

Zen is approved on both routes, whether trusts prefer direct supplier relationships or a fully managed service model.

Trusted at scale

One of the UK’s largest vetted educator communities, with over 13,000 teachers and teaching assistants nationwide.

Transparent margins

Clear pricing and ethical commercial models have always been central to how Zen supports schools and trusts.

£50m+ saved

Delivered through technology-led matching, operational efficiency and fairer commercial models for schools.

“We welcome the framework — it helps schools and trusts maximise value for pupils. We’ve always operated with ethical margins, exceeded safeguarding requirements, and built the technology to make resourcing affordable, fast and accessible.”

Jonathan Greener, Regional Director

Zen Educate

Frequently asked questions

Does my trust have to use the GCA framework?