What the Latest Recruitment Changes Mean for School Estates Teams

 What is the GCA Framework? 

The Government Commercial Agency (GCA) RM6376 Supply Teachers and Education Recruitment Services Framework is a government-approved procurement agreement that replaces the previous CCS STaTS framework. It enables schools, academy trusts and other public sector education organisations to recruit through trusted, pre-approved suppliers.

While much of the attention around the framework focuses on teacher recruitment, it also offers educational establishments a compliant and efficient route to recruit estates staff.

Caretakers are responsible for the safety, security and day-to-day operation of sites, but recruiting suitable candidates can be challenging. The GCA framework gives educational establishments access to approved suppliers like us that have already demonstrated high standards of quality and compliance, while reducing costs involved in sourcing staff. For schools and trusts looking to fill caretaker vacancies, the framework provides confidence that recruitment partners have been rigorously assessed and can deliver candidates who meet the unique demands of working in an educational environment.

 Why TIB Services can provide you with certainty 

 As the UK's only specialist recruiter dedicated to educational estates staff, TIB Services is proud to be an approved supplier on the GCA RM6376 Framework. This gives you a simple, compliant route to access skilled caretakers, helping ensure sites remain safe and fully operational throughout the working year. For educational leaders, this means less time spent on procurement processes and more confidence that their recruitment partner understands the unique requirements of the education sector. It also provides reassurance that candidates have been recruited through robust safeguarding and compliance procedures, helping educators meet their statutory responsibilities. 

Why it's important to appoint the right caretaker  

Estates staff play a vital role in the day-to-day operation of every educational setting. From opening and securing buildings to carrying out maintenance, managing contractors and supporting health and safety compliance, they are responsible for ensuring educational environments remain safe, functional and welcoming for pupils, staff and visitors. Despite the importance of these roles, recruiting suitable candidates has become increasingly difficult, with many establishments experiencing lengthy vacancies and a limited pool of applicants.

For caretaker recruitment specifically, choosing a specialist supplier can make a significant difference. Unlike general recruitment agencies, specialist providers understand the technical skills, experience and personal qualities required to succeed in educational estates roles. They recognise the importance of safeguarding, site security, statutory compliance and the ability to respond calmly and effectively to the unexpected challenges that arise during the working day.

 Looking for a compliant recruitment partner? 

As an approved supplier on the GCA RM6376 Supply Teachers and Education Recruitment Services Framework, TIB Services helps schools and multi-academy trusts recruit high-quality caretakers, site managers and estates professionals through a compliant, transparent and specialist recruitment service.

Contact our team today to discuss how we can support your Trust's estates recruitment.