Bid Support for STaTS 2 Framework (RM6376) | Thornton & Lowe

Introduction to the STaTS 2 Framework

The Supply Teachers and Temporary Staff 2 (STaTS 2) framework, known formally as RM6376, is being developed by Crown Commercial Service (CCS) as the successor to RM6238. With a projected value of £650 million over four years, it will provide public sector education establishments across the UK with access to high-quality supply teachers, educational support staff, and non-teaching personnel.

For recruitment agencies and managed service providers, STaTS 2 represents a major opportunity - but also a significant compliance and bidding challenge for many. With the introduction of the Procurement Act 2023, CCS frameworks are different now - and prep is the key! Thornton & Lowe offers strategic and end-to-end support, including expert bid writing services, to help you confidently prepare for, apply to, and mobilise within this framework.

Who Can Use the STaTS 2 Framework?

STaTS 2 is not open to independent (for-profit) schools but is available to public education institutions, including:

Scope of Supply

The framework covers both teaching and non-teaching staff roles, across temporary and fixed-term placements. These include classroom teachers, specialist roles, and essential operational staff - all with transparent pay structures and strong compliance standards.

Two Lots are proposed:

• Lot 1: Preferred Supplier List - allows schools to choose directly from agencies
• Lot 2: Managed Service - a single vendor manages supply, subcontracting to other providers if needed

Key Milestones and Dates

What Suppliers Are Expected to Deliver

CCS expects suppliers to meet more rigorous standards under this iteration of the framework. It’s not simply about filling roles - it’s about delivering compliant, safe, and transparent services. This means ensuring you have the right policies, certifications, systems, and culture in place before bidding even begins.

Cyber Security and Information Handling

Suppliers must demonstrate certification under the Cyber Essentials scheme. If you're handling sensitive data, you'll need protocols that align with the Government Security Classifications Scheme. CCS expects suppliers to show how they protect personal and OFFICIAL/SENSITIVE information.

Carbon Reduction Plan (CRP)

CCS requires all suppliers to have a valid, compliant Carbon Reduction Plan as per PPN 06/21. This means measuring emissions and setting out clear action to reduce them year on year. You’ll want to show that this isn’t just a policy - it’s something you’re already implementing and reviewing.

Safeguarding and Quality Assurance

You must have safeguarding practices in line with the latest DfE guidance. That includes pre-employment checks, DBS clearance, training logs, and audit-ready documentation to prove your policies are live, known, and followed.

Transparent Pricing and Conversion Terms

A key pain point for schools has been hidden charges and unclear mark-ups. Under STaTS 2, CCS is insisting on full transparency. Agencies must break down costs - showing daily rates, worker pay, and margins. After 12 weeks, schools must be able to hire the worker permanently without paying additional transfer fees.

Evidence of Delivery

Suppliers should be ready to present detailed case studies, supply chain information, and examples of how they manage regional coverage, respond to emergency demand, and maintain service quality. This will be essential both in bid evaluation and mini-competitions.

What Schools Need - and Expect

Research commissioned by the DfE in 2021 gives us a clear picture of what schools value. Short-term supply cover is still the most frequently used, but needs are broadening - from specialist SEN support to senior leadership roles. Budget pressure is intense, and schools need to see not just value, but visible quality.

They want access to staff they can trust, clarity on what they're paying for, and a service that reduces their workload - not increases it. That’s why CCS is placing so much emphasis on readiness, transparency, and consistency.

End-to-End Support from Thornton & Lowe

At Thornton & Lowe, we provide hands-on support throughout the framework process - before, during, and after the bid. Our goal is to help you meet CCS requirements without the stress, using clear processes and proven bid writing services tailored to this framework.

Preparation and Positioning

We support you before the opportunity even goes live by helping you:

• Understand the implications of choosing Lot 1 vs Lot 2
• Complete your CRP and Cyber Essentials certification
• Build and evidence your safeguarding practices
• Organise policies, accreditations, and supply data into usable formats
• Engage in CCS sessions to show interest and gain valuable insight

Bid Writing and Tender Submission

When the bid window opens, we lead or support your team to:

• Write compelling, accurate and compliant responses
• Develop bid win themes around quality, value, and service standards
• Manage submissions through the eSourcing tool, including clarifications
• Align your offer with Procurement Act 2023 expectations and CCS language

We bring specific experience writing successful bids for frameworks across education and staffing, including RM6238 and other major public sector opportunities. We work on 80%+ of the Crown Commercial Service frameworks, which are published each year! We understand their requirements and process. For these key sector opportunity like Supply Teachers and Temporary Staff 2 Framework - we monitor these very carefully, attend all webinars and ensure we, and therefore our clients, are as prepared as possible for go-live!

Framework Maximisation

Winning the bid is only the beginning. It's not always - but it should be the easier bit! We continue to support you by:

• Analysing call-off procedures
• Creating a strategy to use the framework as a tool for business growth
• Have templates for mini-competitions
• Research buyer procurement and spend behaviour
• Create a B2G marketing plan - as well as the data and for many outsourced engagement

Why Partner with Thornton & Lowe?

You may also be interested in:

Recruitment Guide to Bids & Frameworks

Get Ready for STaTS 2

With the tender due to go live in October 2025, now is the time to start. Whether you’ve never bid before or you’re returning from RM6238, the earlier you prepare, the more competitive your submission will be.

Contact Thornton & Lowe to discuss our tailored support packages and bid writing services for the Supply Teachers and Temporary Staff 2 Framework.

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