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Published 22 Apr 2025, 14:08 BST

Official UK procurement notice

3S_26 Strategic HR and Recruitment Services

Official notice

Authority: Leicestershire County Council, trading as ESPO (Local council)

Framework agreement8 lotsServicesOpen procedureAbove thresholdSME suitableVCSE suitable
Sectors: Business Services & Consultancy (79) Delivery: UKNorth East (UKC)North West (UKD)
+9 moreYorkshire & Humber (UKE)East Midlands (UKF)West Midlands (UKG)East of England (UKH)London (UKI)South East (UKJ)South West (UKK)Wales (UKL)Scotland (UKM)
Framework ceiling (notional)£350,000,000total for 8 lots · framework ceiling, not attributable revenue · 1 value update
Submissions closed 28 Nov 2025awarded 2 Jun 2026
Awarded to AESN Limited +24 more8 awards
Framework period 2 yrsends 6 Jul 2028 · up to 6 Jul 2030 with extensions · starts 7 Jul 2026

What is being bought8 lots · detail below

Published requirement description

ESPO framework that offers a range of strategic HR services relevant in the public sector, including; executive and managerial interim recruitment, executive and managerial permanent recruitment, multi role temporary recruitment, multi role permanent recruitment, assessment & testing services, outplacement & career transition services, professional coaching, HR business process outsourcing and 'Recruit - Train - Deploy models'.

The Framework is divided into 8 lots (with lots 1, 2, 7 and 8 also being sub-divided into further sub-lots):

Lot 1. Executive and Managerial Interim Recruitment

  • 1a. Admin, HR & Business Support
  • 1b. Blue Light & Emergency Services
  • 1c. Commercial (Finance, Procurement and Legal)
  • 1d. Education
  • 1e. Health & Social Care
  • 1f. IT, Digital, Media & Marketing

Lot 2. Executive and Managerial Permanent Recruitment

  • 2a. Admin, HR & Business Support
  • 2b. Blue Light & Emergency Services
  • 2c. Commercial (Finance, Procurement and Legal)
  • 2d. Education
  • 2e. Health & Social Care
  • 2f. IT, Digital, Media & Marketing

Lot 3. Temporary Recruitment (sub £45k)

Lot 4. Permanent Recruitment (sub £45k)

Lot 5. Assessment and Testing Services

Lot 6. Outplacement and Career Transition Services

Lot 7. HR Business Process Outsourcing

  • 7a. Recruitment Process Outsourcing
  • 7b. Applicant Management
  • 7c. Onboarding
  • 7d. HR Administration
  • 7e. Payroll Management
  • 7f. Employment screening and background checks
  • 7g. HR Consultancy
  • 7h. Statement of Works

Lot 8. Future workforce

  • 8a. Workforce Planning and Demand Management
  • 8b. Recruit - Train - Deploy (RTD)
  • 8c. Professional and Career Coaching Services
  • 8d. Professional and Career Skills development

For any additional details please also refer to www.espo.org/strategic-hr-and-rec… ↗

CPV: Assessment centre services for recruitment · Career guidance services · Personnel services except placement and supply services · Personnel-training services · Placement services of personnel · Recruitment services · Staff development services

How this framework works

From the published notice
Type
Open framework
Call-offs
call-offs may be awarded directly or by further competition
Bids received
148 bids on the busiest of 7 lots · 187 suppliers appointed
Framework period
2 yrs · up to 4 yrs from 7 Jul 2026
Buyer regions
UK
Supplier levy on call-offs (max %)

1% of call-off value · As a public body, ESPO have a statutory obligation to recover the costs incurred in the

management of this Framework. This obligation is met by means of a Framework Fee which

will be payable by the Suppliers to ESPO based on the total turnover of business conducted

by them under the Framework.

The framework fee is 1% for all Lots, apart from Lot 7h (SOW - Statement of Works) which is 0.5%.

Who may buy through it

As a Centralised procurement authority as defined in the Procurement Act 2023, the Framework is open for use by Public Bodies (defined at www.espo.org/amfile/file/download… ↗) that also fall into one of the following classifications of user throughout all administrative regions of the UK: Local Authorities; Educational Establishments (including Academies); Central Government Departments and Agencies; Police, Fire & Rescue and Coastguard Emergency Services; NHS and HSC Bodies, including Ambulance Services; Registered Charities; Registered Social Landlords; The Corporate Office of the House of Lords, The Corporate Officer of the House of Commons; or any public body established by or under the Scotland Act 1998 or any Act of the Scottish Parliament. Details on general classification of end user establishments and geographical areas are available at: www.espo.org/legal ↗

Published description of the framework

It should be noted that the Framework could be used in a number of ways where Strategic HR & Recruitment Services are required. Customers wishing to buy Services via the Framework will do so in the following way(s) in accordance with section 45 of the Procurement Act 2023 (and any subsequent amendment or re-enactment thereof):

Call-off without competition

'Calling-off' Services from a Supplier identified who is a) included in the Framework; b) suitable for meeting the Customer's specific needs, and; c) identified as offering the Most Advantageous Solution to the Customer's requirements, based on source(s) of information such as (but not limited to) User guides, Pricing schedules, Social Value schedules, Supplementary Information, and Case Studies, for Customers' supplier selection decision.

Call-off with competition (Further Competitive Selection Process)

'Calling-off' by conducting a further competitive selection process amongst those Suppliers identified in the Framework as being able to provide the required Services. This means that not all competitive selection processes will necessarily include all the Suppliers - a customer will only invite those Suppliers that are included in the Framework for the particular type of contract required. Customers will assess the suppliers as set out in the terms and conditions of the Framework.

Further competitive selection processes may be conducted directly by the Customer, or by ESPO, or by any other appropriate third party on the Customer's behalf. Please note that once this Framework is established, the right is reserved by the Customer when running a further competitive selection process, to invite the Suppliers to participate in an eAuction. Meetings with Suppliers, interviews, presentations and/or site visits may be required as part of the process at further competition stage as determined by the Customer.

IMPORTANT: Suppliers will not be compelled to tender for all business offered via further competitive selection processes, and so declining to tender in such instances will not affect a Supplier's position on the Framework; however it should be noted that persistent and repeated failure to tender may lead to a review of a Supplier's continued inclusion.

When assessing proposals submitted under a further competitive selection process, Customers may include conditions of participation to assess Suppliers' technical ability to perform the contract as part of the competitive selection process as determined according to the Customer's own particular circumstances.

Any assessment of Suppliers' proposals under a further competitive selection process must be based only on some or all of the award criteria that were used to assess tenders when the framework was awarded. Customers may refine these criteria, for example, by including additional sub-criteria or by explaining the criteria further.

All Services provided under the Framework will be provided and delivered directly to the Customers, in accordance with instructions given to the Supplier at the time of placing the order. Liability for payment of the Supplier's invoices will rest solely with the Customer, as appropriate in each case.

Call-offs published through it15

Notices that name this framework as their framework in the official record, latest 5 of 15. Many call-offs are never published, so this is a floor, not utilisation.

Lots and requirements (8)Procurement structure

8 lots · all with a published value · same conditions of participation on every lot · same evaluation weights on every lot

Every one of these 8 lots carries the same published figure, £350,000,000: it is the framework's maximum for the whole notice, not each lot's own budget, and no share per lot is published. The cards below say ceiling above rather than repeat it.

Lot #1Executive and Managerial Interim RecruitmentAwardedRenewal 2 yrsSMEVCSEceiling above

Lot 1. Executive and Managerial Interim Recruitment

The main aim of this Lot is to allow Customers access to a quality assured resource of senior, managerial and experienced Workers on a temporary basis, to help deliver business or service delivery continuity to a function affected by either temporary or permanent job vacancies, or the emergence of a strategic project, as an alternative to using a consultant.

For further details, please refer to the tender documents.

Contract period: 7 Jul 2026 – 6 Jul 2028 (2 yrs) · up to 6 Jul 2030 with extensions
Delivery: UK, North East, North West, Yorkshire & Humber, East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, London, South East, South West, Wales, Scotland, Northern IrelandEligibility: SME eligibleVCSE eligible
Extensions: The framework agreement has the option to extend for up to a further 24 months (under normal circumstances this will be completed in full or in 12-month periods, and is subject to the performance of the framework). Total estimated values captured in this notice include the option to extend the framework as noted above.
79600000 Recruitment services
Pre-qualification & selection criteria (PQQ)2
  • Economic & financial standing

    Refer to the tender documents for conditions of participation (note: the Procurement Specific Questionnaire including Conditions of Participation questions, is captured as a Question set in the eProcurement Portal, ProContract, and is completed online there once a response has been started).

  • Technical & professional ability

    Refer to the tender documents for conditions of participation (note: the Procurement Specific Questionnaire including Conditions of Participation questions, is captured as a Question set in the eProcurement Portal, ProContract, and is completed online there once a response has been started).

Lot #2Executive and Managerial Permanent RecruitmentAwardedRenewal 2 yrsSMEceiling above

Lot 2. Executive and Managerial Permanent Recruitment

The main aim of this Lot is to allow Customers access to a quality assured resource of senior, managerial and experienced level staff on a permanent basis, as an alternative to using an interim or consultant under the scope of Lot 1.

For further details, please refer to the tender documents.

Contract period: 7 Jul 2026 – 6 Jul 2028 (2 yrs) · up to 6 Jul 2030 with extensions
Delivery: UK, North East, North West, Yorkshire & Humber, East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, London, South East, South West, Wales, Scotland, Northern IrelandEligibility: SME eligible
Extensions: The framework agreement has the option to extend for up to a further 24 months (under normal circumstances this will be completed in full or in 12-month periods, and is subject to the performance of the framework). Total estimated values captured in this notice include the option to extend the framework as noted above.
79600000 Recruitment services
Pre-qualification & selection criteria (PQQ)2
  • Economic & financial standing

    Refer to the tender documents for conditions of participation (note: the Procurement Specific Questionnaire including Conditions of Participation questions, is captured as a Question set in the eProcurement Portal, ProContract, and is completed online there once a response has been started).

  • Technical & professional ability

    Refer to the tender documents for conditions of participation (note: the Procurement Specific Questionnaire including Conditions of Participation questions, is captured as a Question set in the eProcurement Portal, ProContract, and is completed online there once a response has been started).

Lot #3Temporary Recruitment (£45k)AwardedRenewal 2 yrsSMEceiling above

Lot 3. Temporary Recruitment (£45k)

The main aim of this Lot is to allow Customers access to a quality assured resource of generalist staff on a temporary basis across a number of types of role.

For further details, please refer to the tender documents.

Contract period: 7 Jul 2026 – 6 Jul 2028 (2 yrs) · up to 6 Jul 2030 with extensions
Delivery: UK, North East, North West, Yorkshire & Humber, East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, London, South East, South West, Wales, Scotland, Northern IrelandEligibility: SME eligible
Extensions: The framework agreement has the option to extend for up to a further 24 months (under normal circumstances this will be completed in full or in 12-month periods, and is subject to the performance of the framework). Total estimated values captured in this notice include the option to extend the framework as noted above.
79600000 Recruitment services
Pre-qualification & selection criteria (PQQ)2
  • Economic & financial standing

    Refer to the tender documents for conditions of participation (note: the Procurement Specific Questionnaire including Conditions of Participation questions, is captured as a Question set in the eProcurement Portal, ProContract, and is completed online there once a response has been started).

  • Technical & professional ability

    Refer to the tender documents for conditions of participation (note: the Procurement Specific Questionnaire including Conditions of Participation questions, is captured as a Question set in the eProcurement Portal, ProContract, and is completed online there once a response has been started).

Lot #4Permanent Recruitment (£45k)AwardedRenewal 2 yrsSMEceiling above

Lot 4. Permanent Recruitment (£45k)

The main aim of this Lot is to allow Customers access to a quality assured resource of generalist staff on a permanent basis across a number of types of roles.

For further details, please refer to the tender documents.

Contract period: 7 Jul 2026 – 6 Jul 2028 (2 yrs) · up to 6 Jul 2030 with extensions
Delivery: UK, North East, North West, Yorkshire & Humber, East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, London, South East, South West, Wales, Scotland, Northern IrelandEligibility: SME eligible
Extensions: The framework agreement has the option to extend for up to a further 24 months (under normal circumstances this will be completed in full or in 12-month periods, and is subject to the performance of the framework). Total estimated values captured in this notice include the option to extend the framework as noted above.
79600000 Recruitment services
Pre-qualification & selection criteria (PQQ)2
  • Economic & financial standing

    Refer to the tender documents for conditions of participation (note: the Procurement Specific Questionnaire including Conditions of Participation questions, is captured as a Question set in the eProcurement Portal, ProContract, and is completed online there once a response has been started).

  • Technical & professional ability

    Refer to the tender documents for conditions of participation (note: the Procurement Specific Questionnaire including Conditions of Participation questions, is captured as a Question set in the eProcurement Portal, ProContract, and is completed online there once a response has been started).

Lot #5Assessment and Testing ServicesAwardedRenewal 2 yrsSMEceiling above

The source published no individual description for this lot.

Contract period: 7 Jul 2026 – 6 Jul 2028 (2 yrs) · up to 6 Jul 2030 with extensions
Delivery: UK, North East, North West, Yorkshire & Humber, East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, London, South East, South West, Wales, Scotland, Northern IrelandEligibility: SME eligible
Extensions: The framework agreement has the option to extend for up to a further 24 months (under normal circumstances this will be completed in full or in 12-month periods, and is subject to the performance of the framework). Total estimated values captured in this notice include the option to extend the framework as noted above.
79600000 Recruitment services
Pre-qualification & selection criteria (PQQ)2
  • Economic & financial standing

    Refer to the tender documents for conditions of participation (note: the Procurement Specific Questionnaire including Conditions of Participation questions, is captured as a Question set in the eProcurement Portal, ProContract, and is completed online there once a response has been started).

  • Technical & professional ability

    Refer to the tender documents for conditions of participation (note: the Procurement Specific Questionnaire including Conditions of Participation questions, is captured as a Question set in the eProcurement Portal, ProContract, and is completed online there once a response has been started).

Lot #6Outplacement and Career Transition ServicesAwardedRenewal 2 yrsSMEceiling above

The source published no individual description for this lot.

Contract period: 7 Jul 2026 – 6 Jul 2028 (2 yrs) · up to 6 Jul 2030 with extensions
Delivery: UK, North East, North West, Yorkshire & Humber, East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, London, South East, South West, Wales, Scotland, Northern IrelandEligibility: SME eligible
Extensions: The framework agreement has the option to extend for up to a further 24 months (under normal circumstances this will be completed in full or in 12-month periods, and is subject to the performance of the framework). Total estimated values captured in this notice include the option to extend the framework as noted above.
79632000 Personnel-training services79633000 Staff development services79634000 Career guidance services79635000 Assessment centre services for recruitment
Pre-qualification & selection criteria (PQQ)2
  • Economic & financial standing

    Refer to the tender documents for conditions of participation (note: the Procurement Specific Questionnaire including Conditions of Participation questions, is captured as a Question set in the eProcurement Portal, ProContract, and is completed online there once a response has been started).

  • Technical & professional ability

    Refer to the tender documents for conditions of participation (note: the Procurement Specific Questionnaire including Conditions of Participation questions, is captured as a Question set in the eProcurement Portal, ProContract, and is completed online there once a response has been started).

Lot #7HR Business Process OutsourcingAwardedRenewal 2 yrsSMEceiling above

The source published no individual description for this lot.

Contract period: 7 Jul 2026 – 6 Jul 2028 (2 yrs) · up to 6 Jul 2030 with extensions
Delivery: UK, North East, North West, Yorkshire & Humber, East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, London, South East, South West, Wales, Scotland, Northern IrelandEligibility: SME eligible
Extensions: The framework agreement has the option to extend for up to a further 24 months (under normal circumstances this will be completed in full or in 12-month periods, and is subject to the performance of the framework). Total estimated values captured in this notice include the option to extend the framework as noted above.
79630000 Personnel services except placement and supply services
Pre-qualification & selection criteria (PQQ)2
  • Economic & financial standing

    Refer to the tender documents for conditions of participation (note: the Procurement Specific Questionnaire including Conditions of Participation questions, is captured as a Question set in the eProcurement Portal, ProContract, and is completed online there once a response has been started).

  • Technical & professional ability

    Refer to the tender documents for conditions of participation (note: the Procurement Specific Questionnaire including Conditions of Participation questions, is captured as a Question set in the eProcurement Portal, ProContract, and is completed online there once a response has been started).

Lot #8Future WorkforceAwardedRenewal 2 yrsSMEceiling above

The source published no individual description for this lot.

Contract period: 7 Jul 2026 – 6 Jul 2028 (2 yrs) · up to 6 Jul 2030 with extensions
Delivery: UK, North East, North West, Yorkshire & Humber, East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, London, South East, South West, Wales, Scotland, Northern IrelandEligibility: SME eligible
Extensions: The framework agreement has the option to extend for up to a further 24 months (under normal circumstances this will be completed in full or in 12-month periods, and is subject to the performance of the framework). Total estimated values captured in this notice include the option to extend the framework as noted above.
79610000 Placement services of personnel79632000 Personnel-training services79633000 Staff development services79634000 Career guidance services
Pre-qualification & selection criteria (PQQ)2
  • Economic & financial standing

    Refer to the tender documents for conditions of participation (note: the Procurement Specific Questionnaire including Conditions of Participation questions, is captured as a Question set in the eProcurement Portal, ProContract, and is completed online there once a response has been started).

  • Technical & professional ability

    Refer to the tender documents for conditions of participation (note: the Procurement Specific Questionnaire including Conditions of Participation questions, is captured as a Question set in the eProcurement Portal, ProContract, and is completed online there once a response has been started).

What it takes to win
i

How this buyer will score bids.

The evaluation criteria and weights exactly as published on the notice, grouped by family (price, quality, social value and so on).

Evaluation split and conditions of participation as published; the tender pack may add more
How bids were scored · same split on all 8 lots
Quality: 60%Price: 40%
Published sub-criteria (2)
  • Non-Price: 60%
  • Price: 40%
Published award criteria (2)
  • Price
  • Non-Price
Conditions of participation · identical on every lot2
  • Economic & financial standing

    Refer to the tender documents for conditions of participation (note: the Procurement Specific Questionnaire including Conditions of Participation questions, is captured as a Question set in the eProcurement Portal, ProContract, and is completed online there once a response has been started).

  • Technical & professional ability

    Refer to the tender documents for conditions of participation (note: the Procurement Specific Questionnaire including Conditions of Participation questions, is captured as a Question set in the eProcurement Portal, ProContract, and is completed online there once a response has been started).

What this means for your bid
  • Price carries 40 of 100 points: a 10% discount moves about 4 points. The method statement decides this lot, not the discount.
  • “3S_26 Strategic HR and Recruitment Services” is a framework: the contest is a place on its panel, not a single contract: call-offs may be direct or by further competition.

Price arithmetic assumes straight proportional scoring; the tender pack may use another formula.

Procedure terms & legal framework

From the official record
Procedure method
Open procedure
Legal basis
UKPGA · 2023/54 Procurement Act 2023
Procurement category
Services
Notice status
Awarded
Procurement threshold
Above threshold (FTS publication)
Regulatory regime
Standard
Commercial structure
Framework agreement
Who may use this agreement
As a Centralised procurement authority as defined in the Procurement Act 2023, the Framework is open for use by Public Bodies (defined at https://www.espo.org/amfile/file/download/file/9608/) that also fall into one of the following classifications of user throughout all administrative regions of the UK: Local Authorities; Educational Establishments (including Academies); Central Government Departments and Agencies; Police, Fire & Rescue and Coastguard Emergency Services; NHS and HSC Bodies, including Ambulance Services; Registered Charities; Registered Social Landlords; The Corporate Office of the House of Lords, The Corporate Officer of the House of Commons; or any public body established by or under the Scotland Act 1998 or any Act of the Scottish Parliament. Details on general classification of end user establishments and geographical areas are available at: https://www.espo.org/legal
Competition type
Competitive procedure
GPA / WTO covered
Yes (GPA)
Recurring procurement
Unspecified in notice
First published
22 Apr 2025, 14:08 BST
Last source update
16 Jul 2026, 17:16 BST
Award evaluation window
Submission end – 11 May 2026
Authority reference
3S_26
FTS notice number
2025/S 000-064847
Latest notice
Contract details notice (UK7)
Classification (CPV)
Assessment centre services for recruitmentCareer guidance servicesPersonnel services except placement and supply servicesPersonnel-training servicesPlacement services of personnelRecruitment servicesStaff development services
Delivery area
UKNorth East (UKC)North West (UKD)Yorkshire & Humber (UKE)East Midlands (UKF)West Midlands (UKG)East of England (UKH)London (UKI)
+4 moreSouth East (UKJ)South West (UKK)Wales (UKL)Scotland (UKM)
Official registry OCID
ocds-h6vhtk-0505ab Find a Tender

How it was run

Official notice
Run through: East Midlands Tendering
Supplier login requiredElectronic submission allowedLanguage: EN
Access & registration note: Free regional portal
Appointment period ends
28 Nov 2025, 12:00 GMT
Clarification deadline
24 Oct 2025, 17:00 BST
Submission channel
Official e-sourcing portal
Electronic submission
Allowed
Accepted languages
en
Supplier levy on call-offs (max %)

call-off levy · 1% of call-off value · As a public body, ESPO have a statutory obligation to recover the costs incurred in the

management of this Framework. This obligation is met by means of a Framework Fee which

will be payable by the Suppliers to ESPO based on the total turnover of business conducted

by them under the Framework.

The framework fee is 1% for all Lots, apart from Lot 7h (SOW - Statement of Works) which is 0.5%.

Detailed submission instructions & authority contactsFrom official release

Please refer to all instructions captured via www.eastmidstenders.org ↗.

Timeline

22 Apr 2025 → 16 Jul 2026 · 10 dates
  1. Planning notice published
    22 Apr 2025, 14:08 BST
  2. Market engagement
    20 Jun 2025, 23:59 BST

    Suppliers are required to register and complete the relevant stages on the Central Digital Platform if they wish to participate in or bid for this framework. Tender Submission deadlines cannot be extended to allow for late supplier registrations to the CDP. Tenderers should be aware that CDP registration could be a prolonged process. How to register on the CDP can be found using the following link: www.gov.uk/government/publicati… ↗.

    The Request for Information (RFI) documents are available on the EastMidsTenders Procurement Portal and the submission deadline is 2nd May 2025 at 12.00pm (noon). Suppliers wishing to participate must first register interest for 3S_26 on the Portal (further details on expressing your interest are captured below).

    The RFI is captured within a Public Message on the Portal and suppliers are expected to follow the instructions for completing the RFI as per this Public Message and as detailed within the RFI itself.

    Suppliers are being engaged with to determine:

    • If there have been any changes or developments within the market
    • Feedback on ESPO's proposed procurement methodology
    • Any potential risks within the market etc.
    • Feedback on our proposed procurement strategy

    Following on from the RFI exercise, 1-2-1 preliminary market engagement sessions will only take place with those suppliers that have provided responses to questions that ESPO consider require additional information or clarification to further inform the procurement process.

    It is anticipated that Suppliers taking part in the preliminary market engagement will not be put at an unfair advantage when bidding for this framework. For the avoidance of doubt those not participating in the engagement piece will still be able to tender for the framework and it will not mean they are excluded from tendering.

    A record of the information shared and received as part of the preliminary market engagement will be kept ensuring that the information gathered is considered in the procurement. An anonymised summary of the information/outcomes will also be shared with other parties and used to help ensure that participating suppliers are not unfairly advantaged.

    For the purposes of this Preliminary market engagement (PME), please express your interest as follows:

    (a) Go to www.eastmidstenders.org ↗; (b) Register (if not already registered on ProContract); (c) Search for tender opportunity '3S_26' (via "View Opportunities" from the EastMidsTenders Portal); d) Express an interest.

    Please access the Messages area/section of the eProcurement Portal (ProContract / EastMidsTenders - Messages can be accessed via the Activity dashboard once an Expression of interest has been completed) for any further communications on this preliminary market engagement, including the RFI documentation (please note that deadline for the completion of the RFI has now passed).

    In the case of any questions or clarifications relating to this PME, these should also be submitted to ESPO as a Message on the eProcurement Portal (again once an Expression of interest has been completed).

  3. Tender notice published376 days ago
    13 Oct 2025, 15:05 BST
  4. Clarification questions by365 days ago
    24 Oct 2025, 17:00 BST
  5. Admission / appointment period ends330 days ago · period end, not a bid countdown
    28 Nov 2025, 12:00 GMT
  6. Award decision expected by165 days ago
    11 May 2026, 23:59 BST
  7. Assessment summaries sent137 days ago
    9 Jun 2026, 00:00 BST
  8. Standstill ends123 days ago
    22 Jun 2026, 23:59 BST
  9. Contract starts109 days ago
    7 Jul 2026, 00:00 BST
  10. Latest notice published99 days ago
    16 Jul 2026, 17:16 BST

Notice history

16 events · 8 releases on Find a Tender · since 22 Apr 2025
  1. Preliminary market engagement notice published
    22 Apr 2025, 14:08 BST
    UK2
  2. Preliminary market engagement notice published
    23 May 2025, 13:55 BST
    UK2
  3. Tender notice published
    13 Oct 2025, 15:05 BST
    UK4
  4. Published value updated
    13 Oct 2025, 15:05 BST
  5. Status changed to active
    13 Oct 2025, 15:05 BST
  6. Procurement method changed
    13 Oct 2025, 15:05 BST
  7. Deadline published: 24 Nov 2025, 12:00 GMT
    13 Oct 2025, 15:05 BST
  8. Tender notice published
    14 Oct 2025, 14:56 BST
    UK4
  9. Tender notice published
    18 Nov 2025, 11:13 GMT
    UK4
  10. Deadline moved to 28 Nov 2025, 12:00 GMT
    18 Nov 2025, 11:13 GMT
    +4 days · was 24 Nov 2025, 12:00 GMT
  11. Contract award notice published
    10 Jun 2026, 04:53 BST
    UK6
  12. Status changed to complete
    10 Jun 2026, 04:53 BST
  13. Contract award notice published
    11 Jun 2026, 07:07 BST
    UK6
  14. Contract signature expected
    23 Jun 2026, 23:59 BST
    scheduled
  15. Contract signature expected
    24 Jun 2026, 23:59 BST
    scheduled
  16. Contract details notice published
    16 Jul 2026, 17:16 BST
    UK7
Published amendments (3)

This to advise of new timescales for the engagement exercise as this is now progressing past the date we originally anticipated: Engagement deadline extended to 20th June 2025 (as well as noting that the deadline for the completion of the RFI has now passed).

Minor updates completed to Lot 4 and 8 descriptions.

The Tender submission deadline has been extended to 28 November 2025, 12:00pm

Routine re-releases (8)
  • 2025-11: 1 release · 18 Nov 2025
  • 2025-10: 2 releases · 13 Oct 2025, 14 Oct 2025
  • 2025-05: 1 release · 23 May 2025
  • 2025-04: 1 release · 22 Apr 2025

Commercial outcome & contract awards

Published awards, contracts and bid statistics, not a forecast
Suppliers appointed 1878 awards · see the list ↓
Bids received 148112 from SMEs · busiest of 7 lots
Named bidders 260published on the award notice
Contracts signed 8latest 23 Jun 2026

£350,000,000 inc. VAT is the framework's published maximum, restated by the publisher on 4 award rows. It is one ceiling, not 4 separate sums, and no share per lot is published; those rows read “ceiling above”.

Awarded toValueDateStatus
Lot 1 · Executive and Managerial Interim Recruitment1 award
AESN LimitedSME, Axis Recruitment Limited, Everest Recruitment and Services LtdSME, HAYS SPECIALIST RECRUITMENT LIMITED, LIONESS RECRUITMENT LIMITED, Linea Partners LimitedSME +145 more7 Jul 2026 – 6 Jul 2028 · up to 6 Jul 2030Extensions: The framework agreement has the option to extend for up to a further 24 months (under normal circumstances this will be completed in full or in 12-month periods, and is subject to the performance of the framework). Total estimated framework value captured in this notice includes the option to extend as noted above. Note: The "Contract value" per lot as captured in this notice is for the overall framework (with this same overall value being captured per lot), as ESPO offers no guarantees or estimates of value that may pass through each individual lot (but the overall usage across all lots is not expected to exceed this overall framework value).£291,666,6672 Jun 2026Awarded
Lot 2 · Executive and Managerial Permanent Recruitment1 award
AESN LimitedSME, Axis Recruitment Limited, Everest Recruitment and Services LtdSME, HAYS SPECIALIST RECRUITMENT LIMITED, LIONESS RECRUITMENT LIMITED, Linea Partners LimitedSME +139 more7 Jul 2026 – 6 Jul 2028 · up to 6 Jul 2030Extensions: The framework agreement has the option to extend for up to a further 24 months (under normal circumstances this will be completed in full or in 12-month periods, and is subject to the performance of the framework). Total estimated framework value captured in this notice includes the option to extend as noted above. Note: The Contract value per lot as captured in this notice is for the overall framework (with this same overall value being captured per lot), as ESPO offers no guarantees or estimates of value that may pass through each individual lot (but the overall usage across all lots is not expected to exceed this overall framework value).£291,666,6672 Jun 2026Awarded
Lot 3 · Temporary Recruitment (£45k)1 award
AESN LimitedSME, Axis Recruitment Limited, Everest Recruitment and Services LtdSME, HAYS SPECIALIST RECRUITMENT LIMITED, Linea Partners LimitedSME, Reed Specialist Recruitment Limited, +102 more7 Jul 2026 – 6 Jul 2028 · up to 6 Jul 2030Extensions: The framework agreement has the option to extend for up to a further 24 months (under normal circumstances this will be completed in full or in 12-month periods, and is subject to the performance of the framework). Total estimated framework value captured in this notice includes the option to extend as noted above. Note: The Contract value per lot as captured in this notice is for the overall framework (with this same overall value being captured per lot), as ESPO offers no guarantees or estimates of value that may pass through each individual lot (but the overall usage across all lots is not expected to exceed this overall framework value).£291,666,6672 Jun 2026Awarded
Lot 4 · Permanent Recruitment (£45k)1 award
AESN LimitedSME, Axis Recruitment Limited, Everest Recruitment and Services LtdSME, HAYS SPECIALIST RECRUITMENT LIMITED, LIONESS RECRUITMENT LIMITED, Linea Partners LimitedSME +115 more7 Jul 2026 – 6 Jul 2028 · up to 6 Jul 2030Extensions: The framework agreement has the option to extend for up to a further 24 months (under normal circumstances this will be completed in full or in 12-month periods, and is subject to the performance of the framework). Total estimated framework value captured in this notice includes the option to extend as noted above. Note: The Contract value per lot as captured in this notice is for the overall framework (with this same overall value being captured per lot), as ESPO offers no guarantees or estimates of value that may pass through each individual lot (but the overall usage across all lots is not expected to exceed this overall framework value).£291,666,6672 Jun 2026Awarded
Lot 5 · Assessment and Testing Services1 award
Adecco UK Limited (t/a The Adecco Group), GatenbySanderson Limited, HAYS SPECIALIST RECRUITMENT LIMITED, Linea Partners LimitedSME, Reed Specialist Recruitment Limited,, Saxton Bampfylde LtdSME +22 more7 Jul 2026 – 6 Jul 2028 · up to 6 Jul 2030Extensions: The framework agreement has the option to extend for up to a further 24 months (under normal circumstances this will be completed in full or in 12-month periods, and is subject to the performance of the framework). Total estimated framework value captured in this notice includes the option to extend as noted above. Note: The Contract value per lot as captured in this notice is for the overall framework (with this same overall value being captured per lot), as ESPO offers no guarantees or estimates of value that may pass through each individual lot (but the overall usage across all lots is not expected to exceed this overall framework value).ceiling above2 Jun 2026Awarded
Lot 6 · Outplacement and Career Transition Services1 award
Axis Recruitment Limited, GatenbySanderson Limited, HAYS SPECIALIST RECRUITMENT LIMITED, Morson Human Resources Limited (t/a Morson Talent), Randstad Solutions Limited, Resource Solutions Workforce Management Limited (trading as Robert Walters) +13 more7 Jul 2026 – 6 Jul 2028 · up to 6 Jul 2030Extensions: The framework agreement has the option to extend for up to a further 24 months (under normal circumstances this will be completed in full or in 12-month periods, and is subject to the performance of the framework). Total estimated framework value captured in this notice includes the option to extend as noted above. Note: The Contract value per lot as captured in this notice is for the overall framework (with this same overall value being captured per lot), as ESPO offers no guarantees or estimates of value that may pass through each individual lot (but the overall usage across all lots is not expected to exceed this overall framework value).ceiling above2 Jun 2026Awarded
Lot 7 · HR Business Process Outsourcing1 award
Axis Recruitment Limited, Capita Business Services Ltd, HAYS SPECIALIST RECRUITMENT LIMITED, Laser Energy, Matrix SCM, Neo People Management LtdSME +74 more7 Jul 2026 – 6 Jul 2028 · up to 6 Jul 2030Extensions: The framework agreement has the option to extend for up to a further 24 months (under normal circumstances this will be completed in full or in 12-month periods, and is subject to the performance of the framework). Total estimated framework value captured in this notice includes the option to extend as noted above. Note: The Contract value per lot as captured in this notice is for the overall framework (with this same overall value being captured per lot), as ESPO offers no guarantees or estimates of value that may pass through each individual lot (but the overall usage across all lots is not expected to exceed this overall framework value).ceiling above2 Jun 2026Awarded
Lot 8 · Future Workforce1 award
Adecco UK Limited (t/a The Adecco Group), Alpine Resourcing LimitedSME, DOVETAIL AND SLATE LIMITED, Evisa Solutions LtdSME, GatenbySanderson Limited, Reed Specialist Recruitment Limited, +33 more7 Jul 2026 – 6 Jul 2028 · up to 6 Jul 2030Extensions: The framework agreement has the option to extend for up to a further 24 months (under normal circumstances this will be completed in full or in 12-month periods, and is subject to the performance of the framework). Total estimated framework value captured in this notice includes the option to extend as noted above. Note: The Contract value per lot as captured in this notice is for the overall framework (with this same overall value being captured per lot), as ESPO offers no guarantees or estimates of value that may pass through each individual lot (but the overall usage across all lots is not expected to exceed this overall framework value).ceiling above2 Jun 2026Awarded

Contracts

All 8 of these contracts carry the same published figure, £291,666,667, the framework's maximum for the whole notice, not each contract's own value. They are not eleven separate sums.

  • Lot 1. Executive and Managerial Interim Recruitment · AESN LimitedSME, Axis Recruitment Limited, Everest Recruitment and Services LtdSME, HAYS SPECIALIST RECRUITMENT LIMITED, LIONESS RECRUITMENT LIMITED, Linea Partners LimitedSME +145 more

    Signed
    23 Jun 2026
    Value
    ceiling above
    Period
    7 Jul 2026 – 6 Jul 2028 · up to 6 Jul 2030 with extensions
    Status
    active
    Extensions
    The framework agreement has the option to extend for up to a further 24 months (under normal circumstances this will be completed in full or in 12-month periods, and is subject to the performance of the framework). Total estimated framework value captured in this notice includes the option to extend as noted above. Note: The Contract value per lot as captured in this notice is for the overall framework (with this same overall value being captured per lot), as ESPO offers no guarantees or estimates of value that may pass through each individual lot (but the overall usage across all lots is not expected to exceed this overall framework value).

  • Lot 2. Executive and Managerial Permanent Recruitment · AESN LimitedSME, Axis Recruitment Limited, Everest Recruitment and Services LtdSME, HAYS SPECIALIST RECRUITMENT LIMITED, LIONESS RECRUITMENT LIMITED, Linea Partners LimitedSME +139 more

    Signed
    23 Jun 2026
    Value
    ceiling above
    Period
    7 Jul 2026 – 6 Jul 2028 · up to 6 Jul 2030 with extensions
    Status
    active
    Extensions
    The framework agreement has the option to extend for up to a further 24 months (under normal circumstances this will be completed in full or in 12-month periods, and is subject to the performance of the framework). Total estimated framework value captured in this notice includes the option to extend as noted above. Note: The Contract value per lot as captured in this notice is for the overall framework (with this same overall value being captured per lot), as ESPO offers no guarantees or estimates of value that may pass through each individual lot (but the overall usage across all lots is not expected to exceed this overall framework value).

  • Lot 3. Temporary Recruitment (£45k) · AESN LimitedSME, Axis Recruitment Limited, Everest Recruitment and Services LtdSME, HAYS SPECIALIST RECRUITMENT LIMITED, Linea Partners LimitedSME, Reed Specialist Recruitment Limited, +102 more

    Signed
    23 Jun 2026
    Value
    ceiling above
    Period
    7 Jul 2026 – 6 Jul 2028 · up to 6 Jul 2030 with extensions
    Status
    active
    Extensions
    The framework agreement has the option to extend for up to a further 24 months (under normal circumstances this will be completed in full or in 12-month periods, and is subject to the performance of the framework). Total estimated framework value captured in this notice includes the option to extend as noted above. Note: The Contract value per lot as captured in this notice is for the overall framework (with this same overall value being captured per lot), as ESPO offers no guarantees or estimates of value that may pass through each individual lot (but the overall usage across all lots is not expected to exceed this overall framework value).

  • Lot 4. Permanent Recruitment (£45k) · AESN LimitedSME, Axis Recruitment Limited, Everest Recruitment and Services LtdSME, HAYS SPECIALIST RECRUITMENT LIMITED, LIONESS RECRUITMENT LIMITED, Linea Partners LimitedSME +115 more

    Signed
    23 Jun 2026
    Value
    ceiling above
    Period
    7 Jul 2026 – 6 Jul 2028 · up to 6 Jul 2030 with extensions
    Status
    active
    Extensions
    The framework agreement has the option to extend for up to a further 24 months (under normal circumstances this will be completed in full or in 12-month periods, and is subject to the performance of the framework). Total estimated framework value captured in this notice includes the option to extend as noted above. Note: The Contract value per lot as captured in this notice is for the overall framework (with this same overall value being captured per lot), as ESPO offers no guarantees or estimates of value that may pass through each individual lot (but the overall usage across all lots is not expected to exceed this overall framework value).

  • Lot 5. Assessment and Testing Services · Adecco UK Limited (t/a The Adecco Group), GatenbySanderson Limited, HAYS SPECIALIST RECRUITMENT LIMITED, Linea Partners LimitedSME, Reed Specialist Recruitment Limited,, Saxton Bampfylde LtdSME +22 more

    Signed
    23 Jun 2026
    Value
    ceiling above
    Period
    7 Jul 2026 – 6 Jul 2028 · up to 7 Jul 2030 with extensions
    Status
    active
    Extensions
    The framework agreement has the option to extend for up to a further 24 months (under normal circumstances this will be completed in full or in 12-month periods, and is subject to the performance of the framework). Total estimated framework value captured in this notice includes the option to extend as noted above. Note: The Contract value per lot as captured in this notice is for the overall framework (with this same overall value being captured per lot), as ESPO offers no guarantees or estimates of value that may pass through each individual lot (but the overall usage across all lots is not expected to exceed this overall framework value).

  • Lot 6. Outplacement and Career Transition Services · Axis Recruitment Limited, GatenbySanderson Limited, HAYS SPECIALIST RECRUITMENT LIMITED, Morson Human Resources Limited (t/a Morson Talent), Randstad Solutions Limited, Resource Solutions Workforce Management Limited (trading as Robert Walters) +13 more

    Signed
    23 Jun 2026
    Value
    ceiling above
    Period
    7 Jul 2026 – 6 Jul 2028 · up to 6 Jul 2030 with extensions
    Status
    active
    Extensions
    The framework agreement has the option to extend for up to a further 24 months (under normal circumstances this will be completed in full or in 12-month periods, and is subject to the performance of the framework). Total estimated framework value captured in this notice includes the option to extend as noted above. Note: The Contract value per lot as captured in this notice is for the overall framework (with this same overall value being captured per lot), as ESPO offers no guarantees or estimates of value that may pass through each individual lot (but the overall usage across all lots is not expected to exceed this overall framework value).

  • Lot 7. HR Business Process Outsourcing · Axis Recruitment Limited, Capita Business Services Ltd, HAYS SPECIALIST RECRUITMENT LIMITED, Laser Energy, Matrix SCM, Neo People Management LtdSME +74 more

    Signed
    23 Jun 2026
    Value
    ceiling above
    Period
    7 Jul 2026 – 6 Jul 2028 · up to 6 Jul 2030 with extensions
    Status
    active
    Extensions
    The framework agreement has the option to extend for up to a further 24 months (under normal circumstances this will be completed in full or in 12-month periods, and is subject to the performance of the framework). Total estimated framework value captured in this notice includes the option to extend as noted above. Note: The Contract value per lot as captured in this notice is for the overall framework (with this same overall value being captured per lot), as ESPO offers no guarantees or estimates of value that may pass through each individual lot (but the overall usage across all lots is not expected to exceed this overall framework value).

  • Lot 8. Future Workforce · Adecco UK Limited (t/a The Adecco Group), Alpine Resourcing LimitedSME, DOVETAIL AND SLATE LIMITED, Evisa Solutions LtdSME, GatenbySanderson Limited, Reed Specialist Recruitment Limited, +33 more

    Signed
    23 Jun 2026
    Value
    ceiling above
    Period
    7 Jul 2026 – 6 Jul 2028 · up to 6 Jul 2030 with extensions
    Status
    active
    Extensions
    The framework agreement has the option to extend for up to a further 24 months (under normal circumstances this will be completed in full or in 12-month periods, and is subject to the performance of the framework). Total estimated framework value captured in this notice includes the option to extend as noted above. Note: The Contract value per lot as captured in this notice is for the overall framework (with this same overall value being captured per lot), as ESPO offers no guarantees or estimates of value that may pass through each individual lot (but the overall usage across all lots is not expected to exceed this overall framework value).

Bid statistics published by the authority

LotBidsSMEVCSEValid bid range
2 · Executive and Managerial Permanent Recruitment148final-stage tenders1120—
3 · Temporary Recruitment (£45k)110final-stage tenders790—
4 · Permanent Recruitment (£45k)120final-stage tenders850—
5 · Assessment and Testing Services27final-stage tenders · 245 at stage one180—
6 · Outplacement and Career Transition Services19final-stage tenders · 245 at stage one110—
7 · HR Business Process Outsourcing81final-stage tenders · 245 at stage one560—
8 · Future Workforce41final-stage tenders · 245 at stage one280—

Who bid (first 60 of 260)

Bidders as named on the Procurement Act 2023 award notice. “Won” means the bidder holds an award on this notice.

Contracting authority & participating public bodies

Leicestershire County Council, trading as ESPO

Contracting authorityPublic authority - sub-central government GB-PPON: PYDD-1122-TCVN Barnsdale Way, Grove Park, Enderby, Leicester, East Midlands, LE19 1ESContact name, email

Framework contractors & participating bidders

188 commercial parties on the notice · 50 awarded

The first 50 of 188 commercial parties (by name); the JSON mirror lists them all.

  • 1ST EXECUTIVE LIMITED (04642279)Framework contractorGB-PPON: PRLC-6794-CDRP First Floor, Unit 1 Tannery House Tannery Lane, Send, Woking, South East, GU23 7EFContact email
  • 4M RECRUITMENT LIMITED (13923982)Framework contractorGB-PPON: PHMW-3624-ZGWV Carter House G2 Wyvern Court, Stanier Way, Derby, East Midlands, DE21 6BFContact email
  • ACCEPT RECRUITMENT LTD (09426027)Framework contractorGB-PPON: PGLY-3929-JQVN Units 3 And 4 Forest Business Park, Oswin Road, Leicester, East Midlands, LE3 1HRContact email
  • ACCESS COMPUTER CONSULTING PLC (03239279)Framework contractorGB-PPON: PVCW-7237-GCQY C/O Tc Group 6th Floor, Kings House, 9 - 10 Haymarket, London, London, SW1Y 4BPContact email
  • ADECCO UK LIMITED (00593232)Framework contractorGB-PPON: PVCZ-7534-YXRQ 10 Bishops Square, London, London, E1 6EGContact email
  • ADOR RESOURCING LTD (11479211)Framework contractorGB-PPON: PLTX-7766-GZMY Roycraft House Room 406,15 Linton Road, Make It, Barking, London, IG11 8HEContact email
  • ADVISERPLUS BUSINESS SOLUTIONS LIMITED (04222727)Framework contractorGB-PPON: PNGP-8337-QVXV Pioneer House Pioneer Business Park, North Road, Ellesmere Port, North West, CH65 1ADContact email
  • AESN LIMITED (12248325)Framework contractorGB-PPON: PNJY-9929-NCRL 6-9 The Square, Heathrow Stockley Park, Uxbridge, London, UB11 1FWContact email
  • AIK MANAGEMENT LTD (14830551)Framework contractorGB-PPON: PTNB-4472-VVZX 5th Floor, 167-169 Great Portland Street, London, London, W1W 5PFContact email
  • ALLEN LANE LIMITED (05115229)Framework contractorGB-PPON: PXPC-2438-HHBP 33 King Street, St James's, London, London, SW1Y 6RJContact email
Show 40 more suppliers

Official documents & specifications (39)

Official links; attachments are not copied

Tender pack and attachments

  • Signed contract contractSigned contractPDF3S_26 Framework Agreement
  • Signed contract contractSigned contractPDF3S_26 Framework Agreement
  • Technical specifications tenderTechnical specificationsPlease refer to the tender documents (see above for further details including summary instructions on how to access these).
  • Bidding documents and specifications tenderBidding documents and specificationsTo tender (please proceed to step (e) if an expression of interest has already been completed): (a) Go to https://www.eastmidstenders.org/; (b) Register (if not already registered on ProContract); (c) Search for tender opportunity '3S_26' (via "View Opportunities" from the EastMi…
  • Signed contract contractSigned contractPDF3S_26 Framework Agreement
  • Signed contract contractSigned contractPDF3S_26 Framework Schedule 3 - Form of Contract and Call-Off Terms
  • Signed contract contractSigned contractPDF3S_26 Framework Schedule 3 - Form of Contract and Call-Off Terms
  • Signed contract contractSigned contractPDF3S_26 Framework Agreement

Notices published for this procedure

  • Contract details notice contractContract details noticeUK7Contract details notice on Find a Tender
  • Contract details notice contractContract details noticeUK7Contract details notice on Find a Tender
  • Contract details notice contractContract details noticeUK7Contract details notice on Find a Tender
  • Contract details notice contractContract details noticeUK7Contract details notice on Find a Tender
  • Contract details notice contractContract details noticeUK7Contract details notice on Find a Tender
  • Contract details notice contractContract details noticeUK7Contract details notice on Find a Tender
  • Contract details notice contractContract details noticeUK7Contract details notice on Find a Tender
  • Contract details notice contractContract details noticeUK7Contract details notice on Find a Tender
Show 13 more notices
  • Contract award notice awardContract award noticeUK6Contract award notice on Find a Tender
  • Contract award notice awardContract award noticeUK6Contract award notice on Find a Tender
  • Contract award notice awardContract award noticeUK6Contract award notice on Find a Tender
  • Contract award notice awardContract award noticeUK6Contract award notice on Find a Tender
  • Contract award notice awardContract award noticeUK6Contract award notice on Find a Tender
  • Contract award notice awardContract award noticeUK6Contract award notice on Find a Tender
  • Contract award notice awardContract award noticeUK6Contract award notice on Find a Tender
  • Contract award notice awardContract award noticeUK6Contract award notice on Find a Tender
  • Tender notice tenderTender noticeUK4Tender notice on Find a Tender
  • Tender notice tenderTender noticeUK4Tender notice on Find a Tender
  • Tender notice tenderTender noticeUK4Tender notice on Find a Tender
  • Preliminary market engagement notice planningPreliminary market engagement noticeUK2Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender
  • Preliminary market engagement notice planningPreliminary market engagement noticeUK2Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender

10 further documents are listed in the JSON mirror.