Scope
Reference
26/AG/003
Description
The current Vice-Chancellor confirmed an intention to retire from Higher Education in January 2026 and will leave the University in the summer.
As such, the University is now seeking to appoint an Executive Search Firm to run the end-to-end search process for a new Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer.
To include attraction, search, longlisting/ shortlisting and selection activities as minimum requirements. Other value-add services as may be required, e.g. selection psychometrics etc.
Full details can be found at: https://in-tendhost.co.uk/winchester
Return Date: 12 Noon 6th March 2026
Total value (estimated)
- £160,000 excluding VAT
- £192,000 including VAT
Below the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 30 March 2026 to 31 December 2026
- Possible extension to 30 March 2029
- 3 years, 1 day
Description of possible extension:
Single activity contract, with option for the University to extend by 3 years from date of appointment for other Executive Search processes.
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 79600000 - Recruitment services
Contract locations
- UKJ - South East (England)
- UKK - South West (England)
Participation
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
27 February 2026, 6:00pm
Tender submission deadline
6 March 2026, 12:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
Full details can be found at:
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Award criteria
Price:
- Competitive and clear financials
- Details of any payment staging
- Strong value proposition
35%
Experience:
- Proven sector Executive Search experience
- Access to established and diverse talent pools
- Track record of inclusive and diverse approaches to attraction, search and selection (C-Suite level)
35%
Approach:
- Full compliance with all relevant legal and regulatory obligations
- Strong partnering approach with University, including named consultant/ single point of contact
- The overall ability of the Executive Search Firm to understand and meet the University's requirements for this tender
30%
Procedure
Procedure type
Below threshold - open competition
Contracting authority
UNIVERSITY OF WINCHESTER
- Companies House: 05969256
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PMPV-1431-CPBW
Sparkford Road
Hampshire
SO22 4NR
United Kingdom
Region: UKJ36 - Central Hampshire
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government