This page is only for staff who are authorised to book supply/agency staff. 

To find out who this is at your academy, speak to your local HR or Finance lead.

Supply Agency Framework

From 1-Oct-2026, all bookings for temporary and agency workers must be made through the Trust's approved agencies under the DfE Supply Agency Framework.

The framework has been established by the DfE to ensure that supply staff are sourced through a compliant, high-quality and cost-effective route. 

CoLAT Academies must only use the approved agencies listed below when arranging any temporary staffing (teaching, leadership, support staff, premesis etc.) regardless of whether short terms or long term cover is needed. The list is of agencies that are on the DfE framework and CoLAT has formally contracted with. If you would like another agency to be considered for adding to the approved list, please email HR@cola.org.uk. 

Note that only suppliers who are already on the DfE approved list will be able to be considered to be added to the CoLAT approved agency list.

Benefits of the Framework

• Worker background checking: suppliers must vet workers in line with the DfE Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) standards

• Capped fees: supplier fees are capped at up to £45 per day for teachers and up to £38 per day for education support staff.

• Temporary to permanent transfers: after 12 weeks, you can transfer a temporary worker to a permanent role at no extra cost (with 4 weeks’ notice)

• Transparency of costs: you can see how much the worker is getting paid each day and how much the agency or supplier is taking

• Department for Education mandated: using the agreement ensures compliance with the DfE mandate for single and multi-academy trusts

Need Support?

In the first instance, please speak to your local HR or Finance Lead, and if you need further assistance please email the central HR team at HR@cola.org.uk.

More details on the framework can be found https://www.gca.gov.uk/agreements/RM6376

Approved suppliers and Agreed terms

The list below shows the approved suppliers, and also the agreed terms. Each supplier will bill in three parts: 1) The amount the agency worker is paid, 2) The statutory on-costs and 3) The Agency mark-up (which should be as shown in the table below). To view the full list hover over the list click the "pop out" icon.