Scope
Reference
001175
Description
YPO is developing a new national Training Solutions Framework designed to provide public sector organisations with flexible, compliant access to a broad range of training and development services. The framework is intended to support both off-the-shelf and bespoke training requirements across multiple professional and operational disciplines.
YPO is the sole public sector buying organisation for this procurement. Our frameworks provide compliant routes to market enabling public sector organisations to procure services efficiently while ensuring value for money and regulatory compliance.
The proposed framework aims to:
• Provide access to a wide range of accredited and non-accredited training solutions
• Support both digital and face-to-face delivery models
• Offer flexible procurement routes including Award Without Competition and Competitive Selection Process
• Enable access to innovative training methods and emerging learning technologies
• Support social value delivery aligned with public sector priorities
YPO is developing this framework to replace the current 999 Training DPS with a solution that is industry-leading in scope and capability. The aim is to for the new framework to feature an online platform supporting both Award Without Competition and Competitive Selection Process (PA23) routes. It will cover a broader range of training than the existing DPS, including innovative and in-demand areas not currently available, ensuring public sector organisations have access to the latest learning and development solutions.
Indicative Framework Structure
YPO is proposing that the new Training Solutions Framework will be structured to support a wide range of training delivery models, providing public sector organisations with access to both standardised and specialist training requirements through flexible procurement routes. The framework is currently expected to be divided into four lots, designed to offer clarity and ease of access while accommodating diverse learning needs, including digital, face-to-face, and blended approaches. This structure is indicative and may be refined following market engagement feedback to ensure it aligns with both customer requirements and the full capability of the market.
The framework’s flexible lot and delivery model design will allow customers to procure training solutions efficiently and compliantly, whether accessing off-the-shelf courses via Award Without Competition or bespoke solutions through Competitive Selection Process (PA23). By structuring the framework in this way, YPO aims to ensure that public sector organisations can access a comprehensive, innovative, and responsive training offering that evolves to meet emerging industry trends and learning needs.
Lot 1 – Off-the-Shelf Training Solutions
This lot is intended to provide access to pre-defined, standardised training courses that can be delivered with minimal or no bespoke adaptation. Training may be delivered via classroom, virtual, or e-learning methods.
YPO is exploring the use of a digital catalogue or platform to support Award Without Competition functionality, allowing customers to filter and select courses based on defined criteria such as subject area, delivery method, location, and pricing structure.
YPO is considering the inclusion of defined training categories within this lot to ensure customers can easily identify providers with relevant expertise and experience for the training opportunities they require.
Lot 2 – Bespoke Training Solutions (Competitive Selection Process)
This lot is intended to support customers requiring tailored or customised training programmes designed to meet specific organisational or operational requirements. Services under this lot are expected to be awarded via Competitive Selection Process to allow customers to refine specifications, delivery methods, and outcomes aligned to their individual needs.
YPO is considering the inclusion of defined training categories within this lot to ensure customers can easily identify providers with relevant expertise and experience for the training opportunities they require.
Lot 3 – Managed Service Provision (MSP) for Training
This lot is intended to provide customers with access to managed training service providers who can oversee end-to-end training requirements. This may include training needs analysis, supplier management, booking and administration services, performance monitoring, reporting, and strategic workforce development support.
Lot 4 – Specialist and Regulated Training
This lot is intended to support highly specialised or regulated training disciplines where suppliers are required to meet specific accreditation, legislative, or regulatory standards. This may include operational, safety-critical, or compliance-driven training areas. YPO is considering the inclusion of defined training categories within this lot to ensure customers can easily identify providers with relevant expertise and certifications.
Training Categories
YPO is considering incorporating defined training categories across relevant lots to support supplier specialisms and improve customer navigation of the framework. The final category structure will be informed by market engagement responses and customer demand to ensure it reflects current and emerging training requirements.
If you would like to be involved in shaping the future of training provision for the public sector, we encourage you to participate in this market engagement exercise.
Commercial tool
Establishes a framework
Total value (estimated)
- £550,000,000 excluding VAT
- £660,000,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 2 November 2026 to 2 November 2034
- 8 years, 1 day
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 80500000 - Training services
- 79998000 - Coaching services
- 80000000 - Education and training services
- 80420000 - E-learning services
- 80330000 - Safety education services
- 80510000 - Specialist training services
- 80511000 - Staff training services
- 80521000 - Training programme services
- 80530000 - Vocational training services
- 80531000 - Industrial and technical training services
- 80532000 - Management training services
- 80533100 - Computer training services
- 80540000 - Environmental training services
- 80550000 - Safety training services
- 80560000 - Health and first-aid training services
- 80561000 - Health training services
- 80562000 - First-aid training services
- 80570000 - Personal development training services
- 80400000 - Adult and other education services
- 79632000 - Personnel-training services
- 80531200 - Technical training services
- 80531100 - Industrial training services
- 80512000 - Dog training services
- 34962230 - Air-traffic control training
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Engagement
Engagement deadline
2 March 2026
Engagement process description
Preliminary Market Engagement (PME) – 1175 Training Solutions Framework
YPO is undertaking prior market engagement with suppliers and customers across the training services market to better understand market dynamics, customer requirements, and the value that a national training framework can deliver to the public sector. This engagement will also inform YPO’s review of its current training arrangements, including the 999 Training DPS, and support the development of a future training solution that is better aligned to evolving customer needs.
The initial stage of engagement will be conducted via a questionnaire, through which YPO is seeking feedback on training delivery models, market challenges, pricing approaches, innovation within the sector, digital training solutions, social value opportunities, and anticipated future market trends. The feedback received will help shape the scope, structure, and key features of any future training framework, ensuring it is accessible, flexible, and reflective of how training is procured and delivered in practice across the public sector.
You do not need procurement expertise to complete this survey. Please respond based on your organisation’s training services, capabilities, and experience.
Definitions (Used Throughout PME)
Methods of Awarding Explained
• Direct Award (PCR15) / Award without Competition (PA23)
Selecting a suitable supplier without running a competitive process, where this is appropriate and permitted under the framework or DPS rules. Under PA23, this is the new terminology for what was previously called a Direct Award under PCR15.
• Further Competition (PCR15) / Competitive Selection Process (PA23)
Running a competitive process between multiple suppliers on a framework or DPS to identify the best value solution.
Public Contracts Regulations 2015 (PCR 2015)
The previous UK procurement regime governing public sector procurement. It provides fixed procedures (open, restricted, DPS), emphasises equal treatment, and frameworks are largely static once awarded. DPSs under PCR15 remain dynamic while open. Many existing frameworks and DPS (including legacy arrangements) still operate under PCR 2015 until they expire.
Procurement Act 2023 (PA23)
The new UK procurement regime for new procurements, introducing greater flexibility, fewer prescribed procedures, and new tools such as open frameworks and competitive flexible procedures. PA23 allows public bodies to design proportionate, outcome-focused procurements while meeting transparency and fairness requirements.
Please register your interest and access the questionnaire using the link below:
• Customer Questionnaire Request – 1175 Training Solutions PME [CLICK HERE: https://forms.office.com/e/hAFkxHdvys?origin=lprLink]
• Supplier Questionnaire Request – 1175 Training Solutions PME [https://forms.office.com/e/SrXWsafiWL?origin=lprLink]
If you experience any issues accessing the questionnaire, please contact hrsolutions@ypo.co.uk and request a downloadable digital copy for completion. Please ensure your email subject clearly states which of the following you wish to provide feedback on:
• ‘PME 1175 – Training Solutions Framework – Supplier Questionnaire Request’
• ‘PME 1175 – Training Solutions Framework – Customer Questionnaire Request’
This survey will help YPO understand when each route is most appropriate, and how suppliers deliver training across different categories and customer needs.
Supporting Documents and Participation
There is no word limit for this PME, and YPO welcomes your full input and expertise. Please ensure your response is provided in the format set out within the questionnaire. There is no requirement to submit additional supporting documentation as part of this PME; however, if you wish to provide supplementary information, this should be sent separately to HRSolutions@ypo.co.uk. Suppliers are encouraged to provide detailed, informative responses to help YPO fully understand their offer and expertise.
Further Engagement
Following review of questionnaire responses, YPO may, at its sole discretion, undertake further engagement to explore responses in more detail. This may include additional or follow-up questions issued to all respondents or to specific groups, for example in relation to particular training specialisms, delivery models, or points raised in responses. YPO reserves the right not to undertake any further engagement and is under no obligation to progress beyond this stage. Participation in this questionnaire, or any subsequent engagement, does not constitute a commitment by YPO to commence a procurement, award a contract, or invite participation in any future procurement process.
Transparency and Legal Position
This PME is voluntary and is being conducted solely to inform YPO’s development of a new training solution framework. It does not constitute an invitation to tender, a contract, or any form of offer capable of acceptance. Nothing in this PME, or any responses received, imposes any obligation on YPO to proceed with a subsequent competitive process, framework agreement, or contract, nor does it create any entitlement to business, compensation, reimbursement of costs, or loss-of-earnings for participants. Should YPO proceed to a formal procurement, it will be undertaken in accordance with YPO’s Contract Procedure Rules and applicable public procurement law, including the Procurement Act 2023 and the Light Touch Regime where appropriate. All information gathered during this PME is being sought without prejudice or commitment and will not result in any contract award or guarantee of business.
Following the PME stage, YPO currently intends to advertise this opportunity via Find a Tender Service (FTS) in May 2026, with an anticipated contract commencement date November 2026. Please note these timescales are indicative and may be subject to change.
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
4 May 2026
Procedure
Special regime
Light touch
Contracting authority
Yorkshire Purchasing Organisation
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PMRV-4748-MNJV
41 Industrial Park
Wakefield
WF2 0XE
United Kingdom
Contact name: Bradley Freeman
Email: hrsolutions@ypo.co.uk
Region: UKE45 - Wakefield
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government