Share Best Practice by Recommending Education Suppliers
As the education sector evolves, the responsibility on school leaders and Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) executives to deliver value and innovation through procurement grows ever more significant. For well over a decade, schools have been sharing trusted supplier recommendations to help one another make informed decisions. With the Procurement Act 2023 now in force, placing a greater emphasis on social value and community impact, this collaborative approach is more important than ever.
Recommending Education Suppliers is a critical component of this collaborative approach.
The Importance of Peer Recommendations in School Procurement
Procurement in education is not just about securing the best price—it’s about trust, quality, and delivering meaningful outcomes for school communities. When a school leader recommends a supplier, it acts as a digital word of mouth, helping fellow professionals navigate a crowded marketplace. These recommendations, particularly from respected MAT leaders or experienced headteachers, provide reassurance and insight that can’t be replicated by marketing alone.
Building Trust and Community
The National Register of Education Suppliers (Incensu) serves as the UK’s leading platform for schools looking to find and compare reputable suppliers. By recommending suppliers on this register, you are sharing your experience and expertise with thousands of other leaders. This peer-driven approach fosters a sense of community, where school leaders support one another in making choices that benefit their pupils and staff.
The Procurement Act 2023: A New Era for Social Value
The Procurement Act 2023Â marks a significant shift in public sector purchasing, requiring schools to consider the social value of their procurement decisions. This means looking beyond price and quality to consider how spending can benefit local communities, support small businesses, and drive positive change.
Recommending local suppliers is now more than just good practice—it’s a way to ensure that procurement decisions deliver wider social benefits. By sharing your experiences with local providers, you help other schools identify trusted partners who understand the unique needs of UK education and can deliver tailored solutions.
Supporting Local and Specialist Suppliers
- Championing local businesses:Â By recommending suppliers in your area, you help build a stronger local economy and encourage diversity in the education supply market.
- Highlighting specialist providers:Â Schools are increasingly seeking out suppliers who offer specialist resources, such as SEND support, wellbeing services, or innovative EdTech.
Responding to Changing Demands: New Supplier Categories
The needs of schools and MATs are constantly evolving. In recent years, there has been a surge in demand for:
- Software and EdTech solutions that enhance teaching, learning, and school management.
- Wellbeing support services to address the growing focus on staff and pupil mental health.
- SEND resources that enable inclusive education for all learners.
- Specialist apps and digital tools to streamline everything from safeguarding to parental engagement.
By recommending these new and emerging suppliers, school leaders help their peers discover innovative solutions that can transform school communities and prepare students for the future.
The Role of School Leaders: Sharing Experience and Shaping Best Practice
School and MAT leaders are uniquely positioned to influence best practice across the sector. By sharing supplier recommendations, you are not only supporting your peers but also helping to raise standards and drive continuous improvement in school procurement.
The Value of Digital Word of Mouth
In today’s digital world, a recommendation from a fellow school leader carries significant weight. These trust signals, visible on platforms like the National Register, provide confidence and clarity for those making procurement decisions—especially in areas where there may be limited prior experience.
- Trust signals:Â Recommendations from MAT executives and school leaders act as powerful endorsements, helping others avoid costly mistakes and identify suppliers who deliver real value.
- Community benefit:Â As more leaders share their experiences, the collective knowledge of the sector grows, benefitting everyone involved.
How to Recommend a Supplier
Leaving a recommendation or a review on the National Register of Education Suppliers is simple and impactful. Your feedback helps other schools make informed choices and supports suppliers that consistently deliver excellence.
- Start Recommending Education Suppliers: Recommend your favourite education suppliers
- Explore supplier categories:Â Browse Education Suppliers
Conclusion
The collective expertise of school and MAT leaders is one of the greatest assets in UK education. By recommending education suppliers, you are helping to shape best practice, support social value, and ensure that schools across the country can access the very best resources and services. As the sector adapts to new challenges and opportunities, your voice is vital in building a stronger, more connected education community.
Ready to support your peers? Share your supplier recommendations on the National Register of Education Suppliers below and help strengthen the UK’s education sector for the benefit of all. Recommend Now.Â