As more schools and multi-academy trusts begin transitioning to the GCA RM6376 framework, one question continues to come up across the education sector:

Is RM6376 mandatory for academy trusts?

The answer is not always straightforward.

While many schools are hearing increasing discussion around framework compliance, supplier mandates and approved recruitment routes, there is still confusion about what academy trusts are actually required to do.

This guide explains:

• whether RM6376 is mandatory
• how procurement compliance works for schools
• why MATs are increasingly using framework suppliers
• what schools should consider when reviewing recruitment procurement

What Is RM6376?

RM6376 is the framework reference number for the Supply Teachers and Temporary Staff framework managed through GCA procurement structures.

The framework gives schools and academy trusts access to approved recruitment suppliers that have met specific standards relating to:

• safeguarding
• compliance
• commercial transparency
• procurement governance
• supplier quality

Many schools still refer to the framework as:

• the CCS framework
• the CCS supply teacher framework
• the GCA framework
• the education recruitment framework

Is RM6376 Legally Mandatory?

At present, not every school is legally required to use RM6376 exclusively for recruitment procurement.

However, publicly funded organisations — including academy trusts — are expected to demonstrate:

• compliant procurement practices
• value for money
• transparency
• appropriate supplier selection
• governance oversight

For many trusts, framework procurement provides the simplest route to meeting those expectations.

So while the framework may not always be described as “mandatory” in every circumstance, many MATs are increasingly treating framework usage as a preferred or required procurement route internally.

Why Are Academy Trusts Moving Toward Framework Suppliers?

Procurement Compliance

Framework suppliers have already been through formal procurement approval processes, which can reduce procurement risk for schools and trusts.

Audit and Governance

Trusts are under increasing scrutiny around financial governance and procurement decision making.

Using approved framework suppliers can help provide:

• clearer audit trails
• documented procurement routes
• commercial consistency
• supplier accountability

Safeguarding Assurance

Framework suppliers are expected to meet safeguarding and compliance standards relating to:

• DBS checks
• reference verification
• right-to-work checks
• vetting procedures

This gives schools additional reassurance when sourcing temporary staff.

Financial Transparency

Framework agreements often introduce clearer pricing structures and supplier fee controls, helping MATs manage staffing budgets more effectively.

Can Schools Still Use Non-Framework Agencies?

This depends on:

• trust procurement policy
• governance requirements
• procurement thresholds
• internal approval processes

Some trusts may still permit the use of non-framework suppliers under certain circumstances, while others may require schools to prioritise approved framework agencies.

Schools should always check:

• internal procurement guidance
• MAT finance procedures
• supplier approval requirements

before engaging recruitment agencies outside approved frameworks.

What Happens if a School Uses a Non-Compliant Supplier?

Potential risks may include:

• procurement challenges
• audit concerns
• inconsistent commercial terms
• safeguarding risks
• reduced transparency

For large MATs in particular, inconsistent recruitment procurement across schools can create operational and governance challenges.

This is one reason many trusts are moving toward centralised framework recruitment strategies.

Why RM6376 Matters More for MATs

Multi-academy trusts often manage:

• large staffing budgets
• multiple school sites
• central procurement teams
• trust-wide governance structures

Framework procurement can help MATs:

• standardise supplier relationships
• improve compliance oversight
• centralise recruitment governance
• reduce administrative burden
• strengthen financial control

As trusts continue growing, procurement consistency is becoming increasingly important.

What Should Schools Do Next?

Schools and academy trusts should:

• review current recruitment procurement practices
• assess existing agency relationships
• understand internal governance expectations
• evaluate framework supplier options
• speak with procurement and finance teams

The goal is not simply compliance for compliance’s sake — it is creating a recruitment strategy that balances:

• safeguarding
• operational effectiveness
• staffing quality
• procurement confidence
• financial sustainability

RM6376 represents a major shift in education recruitment procurement.

While the framework may not always be explicitly mandatory in every scenario, many academy trusts are increasingly adopting framework-compliant procurement models as standard practice.

For schools, understanding how RM6376 works — and how it fits into wider procurement expectations — is becoming an essential part of effective recruitment governance.