NWUPC

We are pleased to announce the launch of the new Legal Services PA23 Framework (PFB5088 LU) to NWUPC members. This framework, tendered under the light touch regime (LTR) of the Procurement Act 2023, allows for a broad range of law firms and specialisms with a lot award structure that will make selection and award easier for members to use.

This framework will run for a three-year term from 6^th October 2025 to the 5th October 2028 with an additional extension of up to two years: five years in total.

The framework is open to NWUPC, HEPCW, LUPC, NEUPC and SUPC.

Lot Structure

The lot structure is one lot, split into three sub lots.

• Lot 1a Group A Full-Service Law Firms – Mean average of seniority level rates of < £200 per hour.
• Lot 1b Group B Full-Service Law Firms – Mean average of seniority level rates of between £200 and < £250 ph.
• Lot 1c Group C Full-Service Law Firms – Mean average of seniority level rates of >£250 ph.

All lots provide for a one-stop solution for legal services to support our members’ requirements.

What are the benefits of using the framework?

• Fully compliant route to market for participating Institutions (compliant with PA23).
• Access to a broad range of law firms from across the UK.
• Time saving, members can use the framework rather than completing a full tender process.
• A range of direct award options allowed by the LTR.
• Capped pricing for a variety of seniority levels.
• Additional cost savings possible via mini competitions based on the specific requirements.
• Introduction of retainer schemes to enhance effectiveness and reduce cost.
• All firms are Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) regulated.
• No requirement for members to publish KPIs (LTR).
• Member-specific retrospective rebate scheme.
• Customers will be supported by NWUPC if account management escalation is required.

How do I call-off from the framework framework?

• Direct Award (multiple options)
• Desktop Calculator
• Mini Competition

How has Responsible Procurement been considered as part of the tender?

• All law firms have committed to the Sustain Code of Conduct.
• Annual assessment through the framework term.
• Built into the tendering process was consideration for environmental, economic, and social issues. The weighting for the responsible procurement evaluation questions was 15% and included promotion of equality and diversity, and GDPR

Legal Services PA23 launch webinar

Join us on Tuesday 18 November 2025 at 11.00 – 12.00 for the launch webinar, register here. Hear from Roy Dennis, LUPC Senior Category Manager, as he takes members through the key features and benefits of the new agreement.

Further information:

Full framework details, including suppliers and a Quick Reference Guide can be found here on the NWUPC Framework Page.

For further questions or enquiries contact procurement@nwupc.ac.uk or call on 0161 234 8000.