The challenge

With a diverse estate spanning 26 schools, Astrea Academy Trust faced significant strategic hurdles regarding the consistency, reliability, and speed of recruitment for site roles. Previously, each school was managing these processes independently, which created operational fragmentation. This lack of a centralised approach led to variations in standards and a heavy administrative workload for senior leaders. Stephen Casey, Recruitment Manager, noted that attracting candidates with the right technical skills was a recurring difficulty, especially during busy operational periods, often leaving schools short-staffed.

 

The solution

TIB Services provided an innovative, trust-wide solution that moved away from reactive, individual vacancy filling. As the UK’s only agency dedicated exclusively to school caretaking and estates recruitment, we provide a structured model tailored to the unique operational needs of multi-academy trusts.

Our candidates come from backgrounds such as the military, emergency services, engineering and trades. They are mature, reliable individuals who possess a strong work ethic and a "can-do" attitude. Unlike generalist agencies, TIB matches staff based on technical skills, culture fit, and long-term operational needs rather than just previous job titles. Before any placement begins, every candidate undergoes rigorous pre-vetting (including Enhanced DBS and KCSIE checks) and is thoroughly trained in compliance, safeguarding, and health & safety to ensure they are ready to make an immediate impact from the first day of their contract.

 

Technical expertise in practice

The value of our candidates’ backgrounds is most evident when technical issues arise. For example, a TIB site member placed with Astrea Academy Trust used their previous engineering experience to identify an emerging issue with a heating system. By safely isolating the problem and arranging an immediate repair, they prevented a significant disruption that would otherwise have led to classroom closures and the displacement of pupils. 

 

The results

The partnership has strengthened the Trust’s long-term financial stability and operational performance. Stephen Casey highlighted several key outcomes:

  • Significant time savings: "TIB has significantly reduced the administrative workload... On average, I would estimate SLT teams save around 3 hours per week per school."
  • Reduced operational spend: "We would estimate an overall saving of around 10–15% across operational costs. This comes from fewer agency fees, more stable staffing, and reduced reliance on external contractors for basic maintenance work."
  • Better learning environments: Reliable, skilled site staff ensure buildings are better maintained and issues are addressed quickly. As Stephen explains: "Staff feel supported rather than distracted by facilities-related problems. This creates a calmer, more positive environment for students, and teachers can stay focused on teaching." 

 

"Our experience of working with TIB has been excellent. They offered a structured model with trained staff, proactive support, and consistency across schools."

Stephen Casey, Recruitment Manager at Astrea Academy Trust

 

Why choose TIB Services for your recruitment needs?

At TIB Services, we know that a well-run school site is essential to creating a safe and efficient learning environment. That’s why we provide pre-vetted, highly skilled candidates who integrate seamlessly into school communities, whether that’s for temporary cover or permanent placements.

Here’s how we deliver the best candidates:

  • Targeted recruitment: We attract community-minded individuals with backgrounds in the emergency services, military, engineering and trades with a can-do attitude.
  • Rigorous interviews: Our Vetting & Safeguarding Specialists, all retired police officers, conduct in-depth interviews to assess their suitability for the roles.
  • Pre-vetting: Successful candidates complete thorough KCSIE vetting, including referencing, right-to-work checks, and an Enhanced DBS check with Children’s and Adults’ Barred Lists.
  • Onboarding: Training in safeguarding, compliance, and health & safety ensures they’re ready to start from day one.

 

Contact us today to discover how our school caretaker recruitment services can make a difference to your site team.

 

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