W/C 7th September
Government Consults on Workplace Monitoring Technologies
The Government has launched a consultation seeking views on the use of workplace monitoring technologies as part of its wider Make Work Pay reforms. The consultation aims to support the fair, transparent and responsible use of workplace monitoring technologies while balancing the needs of employers and workers.
The proposals explore how the current framework could be improved in areas including transparency, worker engagement and the use of technologies such as AI, CCTV, biometric systems and location tracking in the workplace.
The consultation forms part of the Government's wider programme of employment law reform and reflects the increasing use of technology and AI in workplace management.
APSCo members may wish to review the proposals and consider responding where workplace monitoring technologies form part of their business operations.
The deadline to respond is 30 September 2026 and you can access the consultation through our What's New page.
RM6397 Clinical and Non-Clinical Staffing Framework Tender Now Live
The Government Commercial Agency (GCA) has announced that the tender for the RM6397 Clinical and Non-Clinical Temporary and Permanent Staffing Framework is now live.
The new framework will provide a route for supplying temporary, fixed-term and permanent clinical and non-clinical staff to the NHS and other public sector organisations. Due to launch in early 2027, RM6397 will replace the existing Clinical and Healthcare Staffing (RM6281) and Non-Clinical Staffing (RM6277) frameworks, while expanding the scope to include fixed-term and permanent recruitment.
The framework comprises 12 lots, covering a broad range of staffing disciplines, including:
- Nursing and Midwifery;
- Medical and Dentistry;
- Allied Health Professionals, Health Science Services and Emergency Services;
- Social Care Staffing;
- Administrative and Corporate;
- IT Professionals;
- Legal;
- Scientific, Technical and Clinical Coding;
- Estates, Facilities Management and Ancillary Services;
- Permanent Recruitment; and
- Managed Service Provision (Neutral Vendor and Master Vendor).
The deadline for tender submissions is 21 September 2026 at 3:00pm. APSCo members interested in securing a place on the framework may wish to review the tender documentation and submission requirements.
You can access the tender documentation through our What's New page.
W/C 1st September
Re-opening Framework to Provide Supply Agency Staff Services
HEART Academies Trust, with procurement support from Value Match, has reopened the Supply Agency Staff Services Framework covering the supply of temporary, permanent and fixed-term teaching and non-teaching staff.
The framework is intended to provide a route for education settings across the UK to access recruitment and supply agency services.
The framework covers a broad range of educational settings, including:
- Schools and academies;
- Colleges and nurseries; and
- Pupil referral units and children’s centres.
Suppliers appointed to the framework may be awarded individual requirements through Direct Award or Mini Competition.
The tender notice and associated procurement documents are expected to be published on 30 October 2026. The estimated deadline for tender submissions is 27 November 2026 at 12pm. The estimated contract award date is 21 January 2027.
Three one-hour
online sessions will be held via Microsoft Teams to provide suppliers with an overview of the framework, the reopening process, the anticipated procurement timetable and the requirements for participating. Recruitment companies that wish to participate should contact procurement@heartacademiestrust.co.uk.
Further information can be found on our What's New page
here.
ICO launches free data protection training for SMEs
The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has launched Data Protection Essentials, a new free online training programme designed to help small and medium-sized organisations and sole traders understand and apply key data protection requirements.
The training provides practical guidance on areas including securely managing records, sharing information, marketing and customer engagement, and reducing the risk of data breaches. It also includes sector-specific examples covering professional services, education and childcare, health and social care, retail and property.
The ICO also states that the training is suitable for organisations and employees handling personal information relating to clients, customers, employees and other individuals.
You can access more information on our What's New page here and you can book your training directly
here.