Academy Services Framework
Introduction
The Academy Services Framework, managed by Pagabo, is a strategic procurement tool designed to support academies across England in addressing their diverse back-office requirements. This framework falls under the Corporate Services category and is available until 30th June 2027. It is not a Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS), which means that interested suppliers must apply within designated periods rather than on an ongoing basis. The framework's primary objective is to streamline the procurement process for academies seeking high-quality service providers to manage essential operational functions, ensuring compliance and efficiency.
Context & Use Case
Academies, as educational institutions, often face the challenge of managing various administrative and operational tasks that are critical to their functioning but fall outside the core educational remit. The Academy Services Framework was established to address these needs, offering academies a reliable route to procure services such as audits, legal advice, human resources, and payroll management. By leveraging this framework, academies can access a pre-vetted pool of suppliers who meet specific standards as outlined in the Academy Services handbook. This ensures that all procured services adhere to regulatory requirements and deliver value to the academies.
Scope of Services
The framework provides a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet the back-office needs of academies. These services typically include: 1. Internal and external audit services to ensure financial transparency and accountability. 2. Legal advice to navigate complex regulatory environments and safeguard institutional interests. 3. Human resources management to support staffing, recruitment, and employee relations. 4. Payroll management services to ensure accurate and timely compensation of staff. These services are indicative of the framework's offerings, and academies can select from a variety of suppliers to find the best fit for their specific needs.
Who Can Apply
The Academy Services Framework is open to suppliers who specialise in providing corporate services to educational institutions. Suitable candidates include firms with expertise in audit, legal, human resources, and payroll management. Given that this framework is not a DPS, suppliers must apply during designated periods when the procurement process is open. The selection of suppliers is based on their ability to deliver the required services effectively and in compliance with the guidelines set out in the Academy Services handbook.
Buyer Benefits
For academies, the benefits of using the Academy Services Framework are significant. Firstly, it offers compliance assurance, as all suppliers are vetted against stringent criteria, ensuring adherence to relevant standards and regulations. Secondly, the framework provides a faster route to market, reducing the time academies spend on procurement processes. This efficiency enables academies to focus more on educational outcomes rather than administrative burdens. Lastly, the framework facilitates competitive procurement by providing access to multiple suppliers, allowing academies to choose the best value for their specific needs.
Lots
Not applicable
Next Steps
Suppliers interested in participating in the Academy Services Framework should review the detailed requirements and timelines specified by Pagabo. It is advisable to contact Pagabo directly to gain a comprehensive understanding of the application process, deadlines, and evaluation criteria. This proactive approach will ensure that potential suppliers are well-prepared to submit competitive and compliant applications when the framework reopens for tender.
How Biddable Can Help
Biddable offers support to suppliers navigating the complexities of public sector procurement frameworks like the Academy Services Framework. Our platform helps suppliers discover relevant opportunities, prepare effectively for submissions, and maintain visibility of upcoming procurement pipelines. By focusing on these key areas, Biddable ensures that suppliers are well-equipped to engage with frameworks and enhance their chances of success in public sector procurement.