Permanent & Contingent (PerCo) Recruitment Framework

A simpler, compliant way to recruit across schools and trusts

1.  What is the Harris PerCo Framework? 2.  Why this matters from September 2026 3.  What the framework covers and who can join 4.  Key benefits 5.  How the Omnijo platform works 6.  How to get started 7.  Common questions

 

1.  What is the Harris PerCo Framework?

Recruiting high-quality teaching and support staff is one of the biggest challenges school leaders face. Volatile agency fees, complex compliance rules, and limited visibility of what you're actually spending make it harder than it needs to be.

The Harris PerCo (Permanent and Contingent) Recruitment Framework was launched in January 2026 to change that. It brings together a network of pre-approved, vetted agencies under one consistent model — so you can recruit quickly, confidently, and at the right cost.

What is a procurement framework? A framework is a pre-negotiated agreement that removes the need to run a full tender every time you recruit. The fees are already capped, the agencies are already vetted, and the contract terms are locked in your favour. When you use the Harris Framework, the hard work is already done.

 

2.  Why this matters from September 2026

From September 2026, all academy trusts will be required to use a compliant framework when procuring supply and recruitment services. This is a national requirement being introduced by the Department for Education (DfE) through the updated Academy Trusts Handbook.

The Harris PerCo Framework was built with these requirements in mind. It is fully aligned with the Procurement Act 2023 and the incoming DfE mandate, so joining gives you a straightforward, audit-ready route to compliance.

 

3.  What the framework covers and who can join

 

What it covers

• Permanent recruitment

• Fixed-term contracts

• Supply and contingent staffing
• Teaching, leadership, support and corporate roles

 

Who can join

• Multi-academy trusts (MATs)
• Single academy trusts
• Local authority maintained schools
• Colleges and universities

 

4.  Key benefits

 

Cost savings and budget control

• Agency fees are capped — no inflated or inconsistent pricing
• Transparent pricing — you can see exactly what you are paying for
• No transfer fees after 12 weeks — if you want to make a temp permanent, there is no finder's fee
• Collective buying power — better rates through scale
• Pricing aligned to DfE national benchmarks

 

Compliance and governance

• Fully aligned with the Procurement Act 2023
• Meets the incoming September 2026 DfE mandate
• Full audit trail of all recruitment activity
• No need to run your own procurement process

 

Quality and safeguarding

• All agencies are vetted and pre-approved
• Rigorous safeguarding, qualification and right-to-work checks
• Consistent standards across all suppliers

 

Speed and simplicity

• One process for permanent, fixed-term or supply recruitment
• Urgent cover arranged quickly via direct award
• All activity managed through a single digital platform (Omnijo)

 

How the Harris Framework compares

	Traditional approach	Harris PerCo Framework
Agency fees	Uncapped, fluctuating, often hidden in a flat daily rate	Hard-capped — full transparency of worker pay vs. agency fee
Temp-to-perm fees	Expensive finder's fees to hire a temp permanently	£0 transfer fees after 12 weeks in post
Legal compliance	Schools track compliance individually with the Procurement Act 2023	100% compliant out of the box
Safeguarding vetting	Dependent on trusting each agency's own processes	Audited quality assurance — every supplier rigorously screened

 

5.  How the Omnijo platform works

All framework activity is managed through Omnijo — a digital platform built for education recruitment. Omnijo connects you with approved agencies in one place and handles everything from posting a vacancy to approving timesheets.

Through Omnijo you can:

• Submit recruitment requests
• Receive and compare candidates from approved agencies
• Shortlist and book staff
• Approve timesheets and invoices
• Track spend and agency performance

All activity is recorded automatically, keeping you audit-ready at all times.

 

6.  How to get started

Getting started is straightforward. Once you have signed a short, non-binding Access Agreement, your organisation can begin using the framework immediately.

1.  Request the Access Agreement – complete the short form below

2.  Sign and return – non-binding, takes minutes

3.  Get set up on Omnijo – we onboard you and your team

4.  Start recruiting – select your route and go

 

Ready to join the Harris PerCo Framework? Request the Access Agreement, and we will be in touch within two working days!

 

7.  Common questions

 

– Won't this limit which agencies we can use?

No. You can still choose from a range of approved agencies, all meeting consistent standards for safeguarding, pricing and performance. If your preferred agency is already on the framework, you can continue to use them — but now with clear pricing and agreed terms.

– Is it complicated to use?

No. You can appoint a supplier quickly via direct award, or run a short mini-competition for larger requirements. Both are significantly faster than running a full tender from scratch.

– Does this only apply to supply staff?

No. The framework covers permanent, fixed-term and supply roles — including teaching, leadership, support and central team positions.

– We're a small trust — is this relevant to us?

Yes. The framework is designed for schools and trusts of all sizes. Whether you are a single academy or a large MAT, it provides a simple, compliant route to recruitment.

– Can we continue using our current agencies?

Potentially, yes. If your agency is on the framework, you can continue the relationship with the same team — but now with clear pricing and stronger governance in place.