SupplyWell uses a real time algorithm through an easy-to-use platform for schools to quickly find and hire teachers for both short and long-term vacancies

A Liverpool start-up which aims to save schools money has brought its digital platform to market with the help of the LCR Activate

SupplyWell uses a real time algorithm through an easy-to-use platform for schools to quickly find and hire teachers for both short and long-term vacancies, connecting them with the right candidates directly.

Latest national figures state that £1.26bn is spent on supply teachers each year and up to £520m is spent on agency fees in LEA schools alone – £21.5m of which is in Liverpool city region.

SupplyWell’s platform has been developed to address this issue and save schools money and delivers practical wellbeing services to schools to reduce reliance on supply and keep all their teachers working happily.  

The company, which already has partnerships with St John Bosco and North Liverpool Academy schools, predicts that schools will save an average of 50% on recruitment fees by using its digital platform and teachers will earn more money.  

Michael Heverin, co-founder of SupplyWell and former teacher, said: “The lack of consideration from the system regarding the health and wellbeing of teachers is having a detrimental impact.

“In fact, it’s estimated that teachers have missed 1.3m days of work over the last four years due to stress and mental health reasons, with 33% leaving the profession after five years. 

“These absences not only push schools to call on sparse budgets for recruitment, but it also filters down to how pupils behave and perform too, which ultimately brings down school results.”

SupplyWell worked with LCR Activate delivery partner Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) to help improve its route to market, as well as receive guidance on funding options.  

The company was also introduced to Dr Ahmed Kaky, research fellows in computer science at LJMU who provided technical advice for creating a fit-for-purpose, intuitive and scalable technology platform that delivers the company’s two primary services – recruitment and retention. 

Jonathon Clark, business and technology manager at LCR Activate, added: “The SupplyWell platform is an excellent idea to plug a growing issue. It’s great to see a Liverpool city region start-up make this progress in such a short space of time and the plans for the future are encouraging.”