In our latest blog post, we delve into this challenge in more detail and discuss how consolidating the fragmented market can aid multi-academy trust recruitment strategies. We’ll also leave you with some top tips on how to move towards working in a more coordinated way that benefits all academies in your trust.
Fragmentation and inequality
A more fragmented market naturally leads to inequality. From our knowledge of the education sector, we have noted a growing number of schools doing spot deals with individual vendors and agencies . These agreements are never consistent and can lead to some institutions getting less favourable terms, for the same resource, as some of their competitors.
We also see this with so-called ‘first-call’ or ‘sole supplier’ deals, where schools are offered a discount but still end up being charged more than their local school down the road. This inconsistency equally applies to teachers (agency and permanent-based) who will be getting different offers than some of their peers when dealing with individual agencies. Ultimately, this isn’t a sustainable approach for trusts, academies or teachers, and in reality, it only benefits agencies.
Varying rates
A clear example of this lack of balance can be seen in a recent kick-off meeting we held with a new multi-academy trust client. Upon discussing terms with them it became clear that they were not receiving a fair deal. One agency, that supplied staff into 45% of the trust’s schools, had seven different pay rates for teaching assistants, eight for cover supervisors, and nine for teachers.
All multi-academy trusts will strive to streamline their supply chains wherever they can. Dealing with multiple agencies not only increases spend, but it can also lead to a larger administrative burden and a greater likelihood that, potentially significant, mistakes will be made. Decision-makers should therefore seek a finite number of suppliers that operate on agreed and consistent terms supported by a service level agreement.
More effective multi-academy trust recruitment
Having a consistent supplier supports the consolidation of vendors and enables schools and trusts to have a greater understanding of why, when, and how much they are spending on supply staff. This approach enhances visibility and obviously allows for much more effective financial management. After all, if you could consolidate Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV, and Amazon Prime into one, lower-cost, service, would you not do so?
Operating in this way also supports trusts as they continue to grow and add new locations, and gives a consistency and level of service that you will know is the same for each academy within your portfolio.
Top tips for moving to a more consolidated approach:
- Pick a supplier who can manage it all to streamline the process
- Opt for a supplier with a diverse supply chain
- Ensure they have a fair process that benefits you, your Trusts and teachers
- Source a partner that is adaptable and can scale up its offering to align with future trust growth
- Identify a supplier who can meet your geographical requirements
- Work with a partner that aligns with your cultural and ethical standards
- Find a firm that offers a consistent approach to all multi-academy trusts that it works with
Boosting multi-academy trust recruitment strategies
As specialists within the education recruitment market, we recognise that the days of disparate and siloed suppliers are over. All effective multi-academy trust leaders will increasingly strive for a more consolidated approach to their suppliers. Doing so not only provides a fairer deal for everyone involved, but it can also streamline supply chains, boost effective procurement and enhance delivery and visibility standards.
If you’re looking to work with a specialist supply chain partner that provides the most equitable deal for multi-academy trusts, contact our expert team.
