What oversight arrangements are in place to monitor and audit the costs incurred by schools and local authorities using agency teaching and support staff, and how does the Welsh Government ensure value for money?
Local authorities and schools are responsible for managing their budgets and making decisions on staffing.
Schools and governing bodies in Wales can source staff according to their needs. This includes making decisions in relation to the type of cover required. The Welsh Government has guidance in place to support schools when making these decisions, and to clarify how supply staff should be engaged and supported.
Schools that choose to meet their supply teacher needs via agencies are encouraged to use agencies which are part of the Welsh Government Commercial Delivery (WGCD) Supply Agency Framework Agreement.
While use of the Framework is not mandated, 98% of agency spend in Wales is through the Commercial Framework. Although agency fees are not capped, agencies on the Framework are required to provide a transparent breakdown of the costs associated with a booking. This helps schools and local authorities to prioritise value for money by having full visibility of agency fees.