Planning

Request for Information - GM Citizens' Panel

UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

25 Mar 2026 at 12:01

Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The University of Manchester is in the planning stage of re-procuring its GM Citizens' Panel, having initiated a tender process to gather interest from potential organisations. This Request for Information (RFI) aims to understand interested parties for a three-year contract to manage the Citizens' Panel, which includes hosting two panels annually, managing logistics, and conducting virtual surveys. The industry category falls under research and development services as well as management consultancy services, with the engagement end date set for 27 April 2026. As the University manages its procurement outside of the typical regulatory framework due to its status as an exempt charity, it seeks value and good procurement practice without being bound by public law contracts regulations.

This tender presents opportunities for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and ventures with social business interests (VCSE) to collaborate with the University of Manchester, particularly within the research and consultancy sectors. The focus on civic input to research and strategic projects offers avenues for businesses specialising in community engagement and management consultancy to expand their influence and develop strategic partnerships. Organisations capable of efficiently managing panel logistics, communication, and delivering insightful research are well-suited to compete, offering a potential growth avenue aligning their services with institutional objectives for an impactful civic engagement initiative.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Request for Information - GM Citizens' Panel

Notice Description

The GM Civic University Board, managed by the University of Manchester, is seeking to re-procure its Citizens' Panel. The panel has been in operation for three years. The University is initially seeking to understand which organisations exist that would be interested in submitting a proposal for a three-year contract to run: * Two Citizens' Panels per year - one in person and one online * Manage all logistics and communication with the Citizens' Panel members, working in partnership with the GM Civic University Board * Undertake a virtual survey at the start and end of the three-year contract to monitor the impact of the GM Civic University Agreement * A model for additional pay panel meetings GM Civic University Board sessions or as an option for GM Civic University Board members to commission to provide civic input to research or strategic projects. The University of Manchester no longer meets the criteria of a 'body governed by public law' and is therefore not considered a contracting authority for the purposes of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and/or any replacement legislation. As a result, the University of Manchester will no longer be subject to the regime contained in The Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and/or any replacement legislation with effect from 1 August 2023. However, as an institution founded for the public good, an exempt charity and an organization in receipt of public funds, the University has a duty to manage expenditure in an appropriate manner and aims to deliver value for money across its non-pay spend by adhering to good procurement practice Additional information: Information, formalities and necessary requirements to be met will be set out in the procurement documents, all of which are freely available via the University's procurement portal In-Tend - https://in-tendhost.co.uk/manchesteruniversity (https://in-tendhost.co.uk/manchesteruniversity) Please note - This process is not a formal request for bids. The RFI may ask for prices/costs but this is for information purposes only at this stage. The publication of this RFI does not commit the University to any procurement.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-b5fd17-6d1ddf25-d61c-41bf-9f18-8efa1ba110aa
Publication Source
Contracts Finder
Latest Notice
https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/2fcae606-7e2d-4883-8968-f4d4f54d9616
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Not specified
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

79 - Business services: law, marketing, consulting, recruitment, printing and security

CPV Codes

73000000 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

79411000 - General management consultancy services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
25 Mar 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
27 Apr 20264 weeks to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planning
Lots Status
Not Specified
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
MANCHESTER
Postcode
M13 9PL
Post Town
Manchester
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLD North West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLD3 Greater Manchester
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLD33 Manchester
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Manchester
Electoral Ward
Hulme
Westminster Constituency
Manchester Rusholme

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts. 

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