Scope
Reference
PS25034
Description
Legal Services to Support Employment Tribunals and Complex Casework - Framework
UK Shared Business Services (UKSBS) on behalf of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), will shortly be approaching the market to undertake a procurement for the creation of a Legal Services Framework for the Support of Employment Tribunals and Complex Casework.
Once implemented, this Framework will only be available for use by UKRI.
The purpose of this framework is to ensure compliance with legal obligations, provide expert advice, and mitigate risks where internal legal capacity is insufficient.
External support will cover the full process end-to-end from receipt of an Employment Tribunal (ET) claim through to resolution, including appeals.
The aim of the framework is to enable UKRI secure immediate access to external legal expertise for Employment Tribunal cases and complex HR matters.
Objectives
• Deliver high-quality legal advice and representation for ET cases and timely, high-quality legal advice on complex casework to support effective management of legal risk.
• Provide timely risk assessments and clear recommendations at each stage.
• Maintain proactive communication with UKRI HR and Legal teams to meet all deadlines.
The Call-Off Contracts under this Framework will be via‘ Direct Award’ based on a rankings from the evaluation of the initial Framework award.
Framework Direct Award Procedure
The 1st ranked supplier will be issued with the project requirements and then given 5 working days to respond. The Contracting Authority reserves the right to opt for a longer or shorter quote period should they feel this is necessary based on the complexity of the requirement.
If the 1st ranked Supplier cannot take on the work or their proposal is rejected, the project will be sent to the 2nd ranked Supplier.
The 2nd ranked Supplier will be given 5 working days to respond. If the 2nd ranked Supplier cannot take on the work or their proposal is rejected, the project will be sent to the 3rd ranked Supplier.
The 3rd ranked Supplier will be given 5 working days to respond. If the 3rd ranked Supplier cannot take on the work or their proposal is rejected, the Contracting Authority will either opt to secure the services outside of the framework or rescope and then repeat the process.
Framework Ranking
Following completion of the evaluation of all bid responses in line with the evaluation methodology, the total scores awarded for Technical and Commercial will be added together to form a Total Bid Evaluation Score.
The Total Bid Evaluation Score for each Bidder will be ranked from Highest to Lowest, with the top 3 Suppliers being successfully awarded onto this Framework.
The ranking from the evaluation of your bid will be the ranking that will be fixed for the duration of this Framework.
The ranking position will be confirmed within your feedback letter at the point this Framework is awarded.
Commercial tool
Establishes a framework
Total value (estimated)
- £1,600,000 excluding VAT
- £1,920,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 30 April 2026 to 30 April 2030
- 4 years, 1 day
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 79100000 - Legal services
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Engagement
Engagement deadline
23 February 2026
Engagement process description
A Bidders’ Conference will not be held in conjunction with this procurement.
UK Shared Business Services Ltd (UK SBS) will be using the Jaggaer eSourcing Portal for this procurement.
To register on the Jaggaer eSourcing portal please use the link https://beisgroup.ukp.app.jaggaer.com/ and follow the instructions to register as a supplier.
If you have any questions at this stage please email professionalservices@uksbs.co.uk
Participation
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
23 February 2026
Contracting authority
UKRI
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PDQJ-7126-JDHG
Polaris House
Swindon
SN2 1FL
United Kingdom
Email: Commercial@ukri.org
Region: UKK14 - Swindon
Organisation type: Public authority - central government
Other organisation
These organisations are carrying out the procurement, or part of it, on behalf of the contracting authorities.
UKSBS
Summary of their role in this procurement: Procurement Partner
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PMPN-7535-GNTG
Polaris House, North Star Avenue
Swindon
SN2 1FF
United Kingdom
Contact name: Kerry Hart
Region: UKK14 - Swindon