Q. Can rates be negotiated?
A. Yes. The rates shown under the agency selection tool are the maximum rates an agency can charge under this framework agreement. You can further negotiate if you wish.
Q. What if an agency I already use is on the framework?
A. If an agency that you currently use is on the framework you can continue to use them inside of the framework. It would be beneficial to use the existing agency inside of the framework as the rates are likely to be lower.
Q. How is the agency selection tool accessed?
A. Schools can access the agency selection tool using their DfE sign in.
Q. I don’t have a DfE sign in. How do I get one?
A. Follow this link to set up a DfE sign in: https://help.signin.education.gov.uk/contact
Q. Is this framework just for teaching staff?
A. No. You can use this framework for any temporary worker for your school, not just teaching staff. This could be IT consultants, cleaning and facilities staff, admin and clerical staff. You can use the agency selection tool to find agencies who can supply these workers.
Q. Can I use more than one agency supplier on the framework?
A. Yes. You can use as many or as few agency suppliers on the framework as you wish to meet your requirements. Generally, the fewer agencies used the larger the saving.
Q. Can I use more agencies at a later date if I need to?
A. Yes. You can add new agencies from our accredited supplier list at any point via the framework to meet your needs.
Q. What is a nominated worker?
A. A nominated worker is a worker who you are already aware of, that you want to work in your school on a temporary basis but is not currently working through an agency. For example, this could be a retired teacher who wants to do some supply teaching, a full-time teacher who is looking to start supply teaching, or admin staff who would like to do temporary work etc.
Under the framework it is free to set up a nominated worker with an agency. There would be no finder’s fee attached from an agency.
Q. Can an agency change the terms and conditions if we use them via a framework?
A. No. Once you sign up with an agency via the framework, the terms and conditions are set and cannot change for the length of the agreement. This means no costs can be added or changed after the point of agreement.
Q. I am a Trust, can I trial the framework with some of the schools in my Trust rather than all?
A. Yes, you can choose which schools use the framework. However, we would recommend using the framework for as many schools as possible to maximise savings for your Trust.
Q. Once I am signed up to an agency through the framework who is responsible for that working relationship?
A. The working relationship will be between the school/Trust and agency as it would be off the framework. We would recommend building relationships with agencies to maximise the benefits of the framework.
Q. Will my school pay for the cost of background checks on workers?
A. No. Under the framework the agency cannot pass the cost of background checks for workers onto schools.
Q. Are there any hidden fees in the framework?
A. No. All fees are transparent and agencies must provide a breakdown of their costs when discussing an agreement with a school.
Q. How are pricing details accessed?
A. The agency selection tool does not contain pricing information, as prices are not fixed in this market. Instead, schools can see the maximum mark-ups that agencies can charge. The mark-ups shown on the tool are a maximum and schools are entitled to negotiate with suppliers.
Schools can log into the agency selection tool using their DfE sign in details or can contact the YPO education procurement team for more support on: [email protected]
Q. I have further questions about the framework. Who can I contact?
A. Please email the YPO education procurement team on: [email protected]