Education recruitment is changing, and schools and academy trusts understandably want confidence that they can continue working with trusted staffing partners while meeting their procurement responsibilities.

Uniform Education can support eligible schools and academy trusts through two established routes:

Value Match Managed Sourcing Service — our primary procurement route

Harris Federation Permanent and Contingent Recruitment Open Framework, known as Harris PerCo — an additional procurement route

Both routes are designed to provide a structured way for eligible organisations to appoint Uniform Education, subject to the terms of the relevant arrangement and correct completion of the applicable award or call-off process.

Value Match: our primary route

The Value Match Managed Sourcing Service is Uniform Education’s principal procurement route.

It can provide eligible schools and academy trusts with a managed process covering areas such as:

• supplier appointment;

• pricing and benchmarking;

• contractual documentation;

• procurement records;

• audit reporting.

Once the relevant process has been completed, schools can continue dealing directly with Uniform Education for vacancies, candidate selection, bookings, compliance information and ongoing support.

The procurement route provides the commercial structure. It does not need to replace the direct working relationship.

Harris PerCo: an additional option

Harris PerCo provides a further route for eligible schools and academy trusts.

Uniform Education is available through the Harris PerCo Open Framework via Omnijo, subject to the relevant access and award requirements.

Depending on the framework terms and the nature of the requirement, the appointment process may involve a direct award or a further competition.

The school or trust should confirm its eligibility, complete the required process and retain an appropriate record of the decision.

Schools may have more than one route available

Schools and academy trusts are not necessarily restricted to one particular framework.

Alternative procurement routes may be available where they:

• are appropriate for the organisation;

• comply with the Procurement Act 2023;

• cover the required staffing services;

• meet the relevant financial and procedural requirements;

• provide suitable value for money;

• are used in accordance with their published award rules.

The correct route will depend on the circumstances of the school or trust, including anticipated expenditure, contract duration, internal procurement policies and eligibility to access the arrangement.

A framework’s existence does not automatically complete the procurement. The relevant award or call-off process must still be followed correctly.

Transparent pricing

Uniform Education is committed to clear and transparent rates.

Schools can request a breakdown covering:

• worker pay;

• statutory employment costs;

• the agency margin;

• the total daily charge.

There will be no hidden premium simply because Value Match or Harris PerCo is used.

Where a school or trust has an applicable rate or benchmarking requirement, Uniform Education can provide the information needed to support its value-for-money assessment.

A direct, relationship-led service

Procurement should provide control and transparency without making recruitment more remote or complicated.

Uniform Education’s service remains direct, personal and accountable.

Schools continue to receive:

• named contacts who understand the setting;

• direct support with urgent and planned vacancies;

• candidate information and compliance documentation;

• responsive communication;

• ongoing placement support;

• practical help when staffing requirements change.

This is particularly important in education, where successful recruitment depends on more than candidate availability. Schools need staff who are suited to their pupils, culture, expectations and working environment.

Compliance and safeguarding assurance

Uniform Education is an REC Gold Member and holds REC Audited Education status.

Its candidate-assurance processes include, where applicable:

• identity verification;

• right-to-work checks;

• safeguarding checks;

• reference review;

• qualification and experience checks;

• suitability assessment;

• ongoing candidate communication.

Relevant compliance and safeguarding information can be provided to schools in connection with individual bookings.

Uniform Education also holds a Silver CSRA Social Value Award, recognising its work relating to equality, diversity, community impact and responsible employment.

Clear temp-to-perm terms

Where a school or trust wishes to employ a temporary worker supplied by Uniform Education on a permanent or fixed-term basis, no transfer fee will be charged after the worker has completed 12 weeks in post, provided at least four weeks’ written notice is given.

Notice may be provided from week eight, allowing the transfer to take effect after week 12 without charge.

This gives schools a clear route for retaining temporary staff who have proved to be a strong long-term fit.

Supporting the wider school community

Uniform Education aims to provide value beyond individual bookings.

Subject to school policy and prior agreement, this may include support for:

• school events and fundraising;

• pupil resources;

• sports equipment;

• staff wellbeing initiatives;

• agreed social-value projects;

• longer-term workforce planning.

Any such support should be transparent, appropriate and aligned with the school’s own policies.

Our objective

Our objective is simple:

To provide eligible schools and academy trusts with a clear procurement route without losing the direct relationship that makes the staffing service work.

Value Match is our primary route, with Harris PerCo available as an additional option.

Whichever route is selected, schools can expect transparent pricing, named contacts, compliance assurance and a responsive, relationship-led service.

Publishing disclaimer

This article provides general information and does not constitute legal or procurement advice.

Procurement requirements depend on the individual circumstances of each school or academy trust, including its eligibility, anticipated expenditure, contract duration, internal policies and selected procurement route.

Schools and trusts remain responsible for confirming their eligibility, completing the applicable award or call-off process, obtaining any required approvals and retaining appropriate procurement records. Professional legal or procurement advice should be obtained where necessary.​