The frameworks public sector training buyers use
Councils, NHS trusts and other public bodies buy training through frameworks and dynamic purchasing systems. Being on one makes you eligible to compete for the work. It doesn't guarantee any, and the entry requirements on insurance, financial standing and experience are real. Here are the ones we help training and L&D providers get onto, and who each suits.
How a framework works, in brief
The full explanation is in our guide to what a framework agreement is. The short version is this.
You apply once
A framework or DPS is a pre-approved list of suppliers. You apply in your own name, meet the entry requirements, and are admitted. A DPS stays open to new applications through its term; a framework usually opens once.
Then you are invited to compete
When a buyer needs a programme, it runs a call-off or further competition among the suppliers on the list. If you're not on it, you're not asked. That is the whole point of getting on.
Being on it is not winning work
Admission makes you eligible. The work still has to be won, call-off by call-off, against the other suppliers on the list. We help with that too, once you're on.
The frameworks
Three for general training and L&D providers, one for public health trainers, and two that only suit approved apprenticeship providers.
YPO training framework
Good for providers with some public sector or professional-body delivery history. UK-wide reach across a wide range of training categories, with work awarded through further competition among the approved suppliers. Entry typically involves evidence of relevant delivery, insurance and a financial standing check.
Learning and training DPS
A lighter entry route for newer providers. Covers Hull and the surrounding area across a broad set of learning and training categories, and stays open to new applications through its term. Entry typically involves insurance in place by the time work starts and a financial standing check.
Training framework
A lighter entry route for newer providers, and an NHS credential on your record. Covers the trust's six counties across a range of training categories, with work awarded by category. Entry typically involves insurance at the levels the trust sets and a financial standing check.
Public health training DPS
For public health and mental health awareness trainers with DBS-checked staff. Sunderland only and narrow in subject, but open to applications throughout its term. Entry typically involves safeguarding and DBS arrangements and evidence of relevant delivery experience.
Apprenticeship DPSs — University of Birmingham and Warrington Borough Council
Both buy apprenticeship delivery through a dynamic purchasing system, and both are only open to providers who already hold apprenticeship provider status. If you're on the register, they are worth a look. If you're not, they are not the place to start, and we'll say so.
Entry requirements change, and each framework's own documents are the authority on what it asks for today. We keep these summaries high-level on purpose.
Not sure which suits you?
That is what the free qualification check is for.
Tell us what you deliver, who for, and how. We check your details against the frameworks and tenders this sector buys through and tell you which you could realistically join now, which need a gap closed first (an insurance level, an accreditation, a referenceable contract), and in what order to close them.
If none of them suit you yet, we'll tell you that too, and what would change it. It costs nothing to find out where you stand.
Find out where you stand
A short conversation, an honest read on which frameworks you can get onto, and a plan for the gaps. No obligation either way.
Get your free qualification check