Education Professional Services

This process is a new tendered area to the CPC framework portfolio. This is the first Open Framework procured by CPC under the Procurement Act 2023, providing a compliant and flexible way for our Members to access a variety of education specific professional services. 

The Open Framework is unique in its service area and structure, covering topics that are very much at the forefront of the education sectors needs, such as translation and interpretation services for students and their families who may not have English as their first language, to therapy and psychology services to support the mental health of both students and staff.

The Open Framework will operate for eight years, with various openings throughout the duration to allow for new entrants and tweaks to the structure and specification. The frequency of the opening of the framework will be determined following the first 12 months of operation.

The Lot structure and suppliers within each area can be seen within this webpage. If you require any assistance in utilising this framework, please contact the Framework Manager. Whilst named Education Professional Services, this framework is also open to the wider public sector, via Crescent Services Limited, due to the fact that most of the services can be utilised outside of education. Members of NWUPC and NEUPC can also utilise the framework.

Compliance with the Procurement Act 2023

Compliance with internal financial regulations

Free ad hoc advice from the dedicated Framework Manager

Pre-vetted and evaluated suppliers

Multiple call-off mechanisms

Free templates, such as a further competition template and user guide

Free use of the CPC Quote Tool & the e-tendering platform (Sourcing Cloud/MultiQuote)

Call-off Conditions of Contract set at framework level; no need to review complex supplier terms and conditions

Set pricing at framework level; pricing schedules can be shared with Members so you know costs upfront with no hidden fees




1. Using this framework supports our Giving Back initiative. Our charity's focus is on SEND, wellbeing and absenteeism

Under Threshold (Contract value of £207,720 or below)

·        Direct award to any supplier on the framework – if your institutions financial regulations allow

·        Quotation exercise via the CPC Quote Tool

·        Mini Competition via MultiQuote or an alternative e-tendering system

Above Threshold (Contract value of £207,720 or above)

·        Direct award to the top ranked supplier for that Lot (unless this supplier confirms they cannot fulfil the contract, then you can approach the second highest ranked supplier, and so on)

Mini competition via MultiQuote or an alternative e-tendering system

Important Procurement Act 2023 requirement

It is very important for CPC members to register on the new Find a Tender Service to create your organisation’s unique procurement identifier, known as an API Key. You then need to add the API Key to your profile on our MultiQuote eSender portal to run compliant mini competitions for our frameworks. It is a requirement under Procurement Act 2023 that relevant notices are published to the Find a Tender Service and MultiQuote can only publish your notices if you have added your API Key. See our Find a tender service registration web page for a step-by-step guide on how to register.

The CPC Quote Tool makes it easy to perform and manage a further competition exercise on this Framework. It's free to use for all our members and offers quick, compliant access to all suppliers on purchases that fall below £207,720.00

Get a Quote

If your purchase exceeds £207,720.00, the CPC Sourcing Cloud is available that complies with the regulations to allow electronic tender returns whilst still being free to use for our members. Find out more about the CPC Sourcing Cloud.

Direct award is best suited to procurements such as (but not limited to):

• Low value / low complexity requirements
• Where goods or services are exclusive to one supplier / provider
• Continuity or additions to existing goods or services
• Urgent / one-off requirements

Make a Direct Award