Agency Staff
Framework Description
NEPO508 Agency Staff is NEPO's single point of supply framework for temporary agency workers. It is a sole-supplier arrangement, with Comensura acting as the managed service provider and sourcing workers through a supply chain of agencies. It started on 1 May 2025 and runs to 30 April 2030, with no extension, and is available to all NEPO Associate Members and Member Authorities.
Context & Use Case
Public bodies use NEPO508 to fill short-term staffing needs through one managed service rather than separate agency contracts. Comensura's C-net platform handles requests and gives buyers data on demand, with self-service and Power BI reporting. Pre-employment safeguarding checks for relevant roles are included, and a worker can move to a permanent contract at no cost after 12 weeks on assignment.
Scope of Services
Managed service for temporary agency workers Sourcing through a tiered supply chain of agencies Vetting, compliance and pre-employment safeguarding checks Support with the Agency Worker Regulations Temporary-to-permanent and interim provisions Reporting and management information
Lots
See framework link
Who Can Apply
NEPO508 has a single appointed provider, so there are no framework places to join. Recruitment agencies take part by joining Comensura's supply chain, which has quality and performance checks and service level agreements for every agency. Managed service providers would need to wait for NEPO to re-tender the framework before 30 April 2030.
Buyer Benefits
One managed service gives buyers a dedicated account management and sourcing team, on-demand data on agency use, and vetting and compliance checks across every agency in the chain. Quarterly audits or spot checks on agency compliance can be specified, and free temporary-to-permanent transfers after 12 weeks help services keep good workers.
Next Steps
Agencies wanting NEPO508 work should approach Comensura about joining its supply chain, with evidence of vetting, safeguarding, Agency Worker Regulations compliance and fill rates for public sector roles. Managed service providers should plan for NEPO's re-tender ahead of 30 April 2030, building public sector references and management information capability in the meantime.
How Athena Can Help
Athena helps recruitment businesses plan around single-supplier arrangements like this one. Our six to twelve month pipeline sets out which agency staffing frameworks and DPSs are open now or due to open, and which buyers use them, so you are not waiting until 2030 to win public sector work.
When NEPO re-tenders, our tender writing team can write and compliance-check the response, and our public sector pricing advice helps you set margins that win without eroding profit.
