Published
By CPC Helpdesk
The end of March saw the arrival of CPC's brand-new Legal Services procurement framework - our second framework to date to be completed under the Procurement Act 2023 regulations. Read on for our introduction to this new agreement.
Our new, in-house Legal Services framework is a framework without lots, providing members a comprehensive range of legal services, via a streamlined route to market. Its simplified structure reduces procurement complexity and enables members to access specialist support quickly and efficiently, while ensuring high-quality, tailored advice to meet the specific requirements.
Launching on 30th March, the framework has established a strong cohort of experienced suppliers, capable of delivering high-quality, cost-effective legal advice and representation. Services are available to schools, academies, colleges, universities and educational trusts, as well as local authorities and organisations across the wider UK public sector through Crescent Services.
For Under Threshold procurements (with a contract value of £207,720 or less, including VAT), members can use our CPC Quote Tool for any quotation exercise, with options to undertake a Mini Competition using MultiQuote (or an alternative e-tendering system), or Direct Award to any of the framework's 14 suppliers (should your institution's own financial regulations allow this).
Above Threshold (£207,720 or more, inc. VAT), institutions can initiate a Mini Competition, or Direct Award to the top ranking supplier (unless they confirm they cannot fulfil the contract, then you may approach the second ranked supplier and so forth).
As referenced, the framework has been established in line with Procurement Act 2023 regulations and it is an in-house CPC offering, after its predecessor agreement (which expires this spring) had been managed by Dukefield Procurement. The new framework raises the number of suppliers from 8 to 14, providing CPC members with expanded choice, while driving value for money and innovation through heightened competition. All suppliers have been through a competitive tendering process, in line with the new public procurement regulations, ensuring transparency and compliance, while lowering risk for members.
From legal advice and consultancy to dispute and disciplinary, by way of grievance, complaint and compliance support, our Legal Services framework can quickly connect you with appropriate professionals, making matters of law less of a chore. ⚖️
With suppliers covering a wide range of support across education, covering governance, employment, property, commercial, litigation and more, CPC members can benefit from set pricing at framework level, with pricing schedules able to be shared with members, letting you know costs up-front (and with no hidden fees). The call-off Conditions of Contract are also set at framework level, saving you further time and effort, as there is no need to review complex supplier terms and conditions. 👍
CPC members additionally can reap the rewards of free, ad hoc advice from the agreement's dedicated Framework Manager, plus free template resources, encompassing further competition information and a referenceable user guide. With spending through the framework supporting our Giving Back charity initiative, this compliant route to market for professional Legal Services can help institutions procure the support they need, while making a positive difference to the education sector.
For more on CPC's new Legal Services procurement framework, contact CPC Procurement Manager, Katherine Orme.