What Schools Need to Know About the New GCA RM6376 Framework
The education recruitment landscape is evolving rapidly, and schools and academy trusts must be prepared to adapt to significant procurement changes that will impact how they hire supply and permanent staff under the GCA RM6376 Framework.
Moving forward, academy trusts will be required and local authority schools strongly encouraged to procure supply staff through a compliant framework agreement under the updated Academy Trust Handbook. In parallel, Crown Commercial Service (CCS) has transitioned into the Government Commercial Agency (GCA), launching the new RM6376 Supply Teachers and Education Recruitment Framework.
At Ribbons & Reeves, we are proud to be named as an approved supplier on this framework, supporting schools and trusts as they navigate this new chapter in education recruitment with clarity, compliance, and confidence.
Understanding the GCA RM6376 Framework
The introduction of the GCA RM6376 framework marks a significant shift in how schools access temporary and permanent education staff across the UK.
This framework replaces the previous CCS agreement and establishes a more structured and transparent approach to education recruitment. Running from 30th April 2026 to 29th April 2029, RM6376 sets out clear expectations for both suppliers and schools, ensuring consistency across the sector.
One of the most notable changes is the standardisation of supplier fees, which are now capped at £45 per day for teachers and tutors and £38 per day for support staff. These caps are designed to improve cost transparency and ensure schools are receiving fair value when engaging recruitment partners.
In addition, the framework introduces structured reductions in timesheet margins after 12 weeks, alongside continued access to free temp-to-perm transfers after this period. This ensures greater long-term flexibility for schools while maintaining cost control.
Importantly, moving forward, academy trusts will be required and local authority schools encouraged to use a compliant framework agreement for supply staffing, making RM6376 a central part of education workforce planning.
What RM6376 Means for Schools and Academy Trusts
The introduction of the GCA RM6376 framework is fundamentally designed to improve transparency, compliance, and value for money across education recruitment.
All supplier fees and margins are now pre-approved by the Department for Education, with agencies required to provide a full breakdown of worker pay, employer costs, and agency margins. This level of visibility ensures schools have a clear understanding of how recruitment costs are structured, supporting stronger financial governance and accountability.
Equally important are the strengthened compliance and safeguarding standards built into the framework. Approved suppliers must meet strict criteria relating to vetting, safeguarding checks, and operational processes. For schools and trusts, this provides reassurance that all staffing partners operating under RM6376 are fully compliant and aligned with national education standards.
In practical terms, this means schools can continue to focus on delivering high-quality education, knowing that their recruitment processes are supported by regulated, transparent, and trusted frameworks.
What Has Not Changed for Schools Working with Ribbons & Reeves
While the introduction of RM6376 represents a significant shift in procurement processes, the experience schools receive when working with Ribbons & Reeves remains consistent and unchanged.
We continue to prioritise what matters most to our partner schools:
High-quality candidates who are carefully matched to each role remain at the heart of our service. We understand that successful recruitment is not just about filling vacancies, but about finding educators who align with a school’s values, culture, and long-term goals.
Exceptional customer service continues to define our approach. Our team works closely with schools and academy trusts to ensure communication is clear, responsive, and tailored to their needs throughout every stage of the recruitment process.
We also remain committed to delivering fully compliant staffing solutions under the new framework. Schools can be confident that all processes, vetting, and placements meet the requirements of GCA RM6376 and broader safeguarding standards.
Finally, we continue to provide fast and efficient recruitment support, ensuring that urgent staffing needs are met without compromising on quality or compliance.
How Ribbons & Reeves Can Support Your School Through RM6376
As an approved supplier on the GCA RM6376 framework, Ribbons & Reeves is already actively supporting schools and academy trusts with their staffing plans for the upcoming academic cycles, including critical September recruitment periods.
We understand that changes to procurement frameworks can feel complex, particularly when balancing compliance requirements with the urgent need for high-quality staff. That is why our team is committed to working closely with schools to simplify the process and provide clear, practical guidance at every stage.
We are also available to visit schools and academy trusts directly to explain how the framework operates in practice. These consultations are designed to help leadership teams fully understand the new requirements, explore the benefits of the framework, and ensure they are positioned to make informed staffing decisions.
Our goal is simple: to ensure schools feel confident, supported, and fully compliant as they transition into this new procurement landscape.
A New Era of Compliant, Transparent Recruitment
The introduction of the GCA RM6376 framework represents an important step forward in creating a more transparent, regulated, and consistent approach to education recruitment across the UK. While the procurement process is changing, the need for high-quality, reliable staffing solutions remains exactly the same.
At Ribbons & Reeves, we are proud to stand at the forefront of this transition as an approved framework supplier. Our commitment remains focused on delivering exceptional educators, outstanding service, and fully compliant recruitment solutions that schools and trusts can rely on.
If you would like to understand how the GCA RM6376 framework will impact your school or academy trust, or discuss your upcoming staffing requirements, we would be delighted to support you.
Get in touch with our team today at office@ribbons-reeves.co.uk and discover how we can help you navigate this new framework with confidence.
