Scope
Description
This notice is being used as as a call for competition for Suppliers to be appointed to a Framework for Children's and Adults' Barristers Services.
The Association of North East Councils Limited trading as the North East Procurement Organisation (NEPO) is seeking to establish a multi-supplier Framework for the provision of Children's and Adult's Barristers services, including representation in judicial proceedings before the courts and legal advice given in anticipation of or preparation for such proceedings.
The Framework will be used solely by North East Member Authorities and their partners.
This procurement will be conducted using the exemptions set out in the Procurement Act 2023 for relevant in scope contracts.
The services in scope of this Solution are classed as exempt legal services by operation of the Procurement Act 2023, Schedule 2 - Exempted Contracts, Part 2 - Subject Matter Exempted Contracts - Paragraph 14 - Legal Services.
The Framework will be established following a competitive tendering process for an initial 48 month period, with the option to extend for an additional 2 x 24 month periods. The Framework operate for a maximum 96 month term and will expire 3rd April 2034, subject to extension.
This opportunity is available from 29.10.2025. The deadline for submission for this opportunity is 12:00 on 3 December 2025. All responses must be submitted electronically via Open https://www.open-uk.org/
The Framework will be reopened throughout its term to allow for new entrants. As such, suppliers which have not been appointed to this Framework will have the opportunity to be appointed to the subsequent framework.
Commercial tool
Establishes a framework
Total value (estimated)
- £80,000,000 excluding VAT
- £96,000,000 including VAT
Contract dates (estimated)
- 4 April 2026 to 3 April 2034
- 8 years
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 79100000 - Legal services
Contract locations
- UKC - North East (England)
Engagement
Engagement deadline
29 August 2025
The engagement was carried out before this notice was published.
Engagement process description
This notice is published as a call for competition.
Suppliers should note that as this Procurement is an Exempt Procurement Find a Tender functionality does not support the publication of notices for exempt contracts. No further notices are planned to be published.
Suppliers wishing to access and complete the tender documents must first register on Open the eTendering system using the following link https://www.open-uk.org.
For guidance on how to create an account or submit your questionnaire response through Open, please visit https://www.open-hub.org/training (https://www.open-hub.org/training) to access the available Training Guides. If you need technical assistance from the Open Support team, this can be requested via email at open.support@nepo.org.
PLEASE NOTE: Open is accessible 24/7 however, technical support is available Monday to Thursday 08:30 - 17:00 and Friday 08:30 - 16:30.
Participation
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Contracting authority
THE ASSOCIATION OF NORTH EAST COUNCILS LIMITED
- Companies House: 05014821
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PYVX-2132-JNMM
Northern Design Centre
Gateshead
NE8 3DF
United Kingdom
Email: cdpnepoteam@nepo.org
Website: http://www.nepo.org
Region: UKC22 - Tyneside
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government