Scope
Reference
RM6394
Description
This framework facilitates the recruitment of executive and non-executive positions via specialist agencies.
Executive Search (also known as "headhunting" or "retained search") supports the identification and hiring of senior leaders, C-Suite candidates, and Non-Executive Directors by using specialised services to target highly qualified candidates.
This framework helps to recruit senior civil servants and public appointments (or equivalent) and will replace RM6290 Executive Search.
This agreement will provide similar services to RM6290 Executive Search and will be defined as core or non-core.
Core modular services include:
-Buyer Planning
-Candidate Identification and Attraction
-Candidate Assessment and Evaluation
-Offer and Appointment
Non-core modular services include:
-Strategy and Planning
-Talent Development Services
-Talent Mapping
-Reserve Lists & Talent Pools
-Executive Development and Coaching
-Technology Services
-International Recruitment
There are also two new non-core services available:
-Psychometric Analysis
-Market Mapping
Please be aware that the UK1 Pipeline notice notice was published under OCID ocds-h6vhtk-050238
Commercial tool
Establishes a framework
Total value (estimated)
- £100,000,000 excluding VAT
- £120,000,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 25 June 2026 to 24 June 2029
- Possible extension to 24 June 2030
- 4 years
Description of possible extension:
Option to extend by 12 months.
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 79600000 - Recruitment services
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
- GG - Guernsey
- IM - Isle of Man
- JE - Jersey
Lot 1. Executive Search - Grade 6, SCS1 & SCS2 (and equivalents)
Description
Civil Service Grades: Grade 6, SCS1 (Deputy Director) (or equivalent) and SCS2 (Director) (or equivalent)
NHS Grades: AfC Bands 8(a) - 9, NP4 - ST3-5, NP5 - ST6-8, Consultancy (Level 1 - 8), VSM (Executive Directors and Other Second Level Very Senior Managers)
Wider Public Sector: Local Government - Principal Officer 8-12, Assistant Director, Divisional Director, Head of Service, Corporate Director 2 (and equivalents), Corporate Director 1, Strategic Director 1 & 2, Executive Director, Assistant Director, Director (and equivalents)
Lot value (estimated)
- £100,000,000 excluding VAT
- £120,000,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 2. Executive Search - SCS3 & SCS4 (and equivalents)
Description
Civil Service Grades: SCS3 (Director General) and SCS4 (Permanent Secretary) (or equivalent)
NHS Grades: VSM (Chief Executives)
Wider Public Sector: Local Government - Chief Executive
Lot value (estimated)
- £100,000,000 excluding VAT
- £120,000,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 3. Non-Executive and Public Appointments
Description
Non-Executive and Public Appointments:
Chair, Commissioner, Member, Non Executive Director, Adjudicator, Trustee, Ombudsman, Chief Inspector
Lot value (estimated)
- £100,000,000 excluding VAT
- £120,000,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Framework
Maximum number of suppliers
Unlimited
Maximum percentage fee charged to suppliers
1%
Further information about fees
The Supplier will pay, excluding VAT, 1% of all the Charges for the Deliverables invoiced to the Buyer under all Call-Off Contracts.
Framework operation description
Refer to Framework Schedule 7 for details of the competitive selection processes for the award of contracts under this framework
Award method when using the framework
Either with or without competition
Contracting authorities that may use the framework
Refer to RM6394 - Executive and Non Executive Search 3 - Customer List for details of contracting authorities that may use the framework.
Participation
Legal and financial capacity conditions of participation
Lot 1. Executive Search - Grade 6, SCS1 & SCS2 (and equivalents)
Lot 2. Executive Search - SCS3 & SCS4 (and equivalents)
Lot 3. Non-Executive and Public Appointments
The conditions of participation relating to the legal and financial capacity are set out in the ITT, in the procurement specific questionnaire. The conditions of participation will be assessed in accordance with the assessment methodologies detailed in the procurement specific questionnaire and Attachment 2 How to tender.
Technical ability conditions of participation
Lot 1. Executive Search - Grade 6, SCS1 & SCS2 (and equivalents)
Lot 2. Executive Search - SCS3 & SCS4 (and equivalents)
Lot 3. Non-Executive and Public Appointments
The conditions of participation relating to technical capability are set out in the ITT, in the procurement specific questionnaire. The conditions of participation will be assessed in accordance with the assessment methodologies detailed in the procurement specific questionnaire and Attachment 2 How to tender.
Particular suitability
Lot 1. Executive Search - Grade 6, SCS1 & SCS2 (and equivalents)
Lot 2. Executive Search - SCS3 & SCS4 (and equivalents)
Lot 3. Non-Executive and Public Appointments
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
19 January 2026, 3:00pm
Tender submission deadline
3 February 2026, 3:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
15 June 2026
Award criteria
Lot 1. Executive Search - Grade 6, SCS1 & SCS2 (and equivalents)
| Name | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Candidate (General) | Quality | 27.5% |
| Buyer (General) | Quality | 27.5% |
| Lot 1 only | Quality | 25% |
| Social Value | Quality | 10% |
| Price | Price | 10% |
Lot 2. Executive Search - SCS3 & SCS4 (and equivalents)
| Name | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Candidate (General) | Quality | 27.5% |
| Buyer (General) | Quality | 27.5% |
| Lot 2 only | Quality | 25% |
| Social Value | Quality | 10% |
| Price | Price | 10% |
Lot 3. Non-Executive and Public Appointments
| Name | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Candidate (General) | Quality | 27.5% |
| Buyer (General) | Quality | 27.5% |
| Lot 3 only | Quality | 25% |
| Social Value | Quality | 10% |
| Price | Price | 10% |
Other information
Applicable trade agreements
- Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
- Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Documents
Associated tender documents
FTS Customer List - RM6394 Executive and Non-Executive Search 3.docx
Contracting authority
Crown Commercial Service
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PBZB-4962-TVLR
9th Floor, The Capital, Old Hall Street
Liverpool
L3 9PP
United Kingdom
Region: UKD72 - Liverpool
Organisation type: Public authority - central government