Planning

World Skills UK market research

DEPARTMENT FOR EDUCATION

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

PlanningUpdate

24 Jun 2025 at 14:26

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Planning

24 Jun 2025 at 14:24

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Department for Education (DfE) in the United Kingdom is in the planning stage of a procurement process titled "World Skills UK market research" under the services category of education and training. The opportunity is centrally focused on understanding the supplier market related to technical and vocational education. The procurement is managed at the Department's Sanctuary Buildings in London. The initial engagement deadline is scheduled for 4th July 2025, and the future communication date is anticipated on 1st October 2025. The process involves a Request for Information (RFI) to gather insights, which will then inform the strategic direction of the WorldSkills UK programme. The contract period is projected to start on 1st April 2026 and run through to 31st March 2028, with potential renewals extending to March 2029.

This tender presents substantial opportunities for SMEs and VCSEs, especially those operating within the education and training sectors. Businesses that can contribute insights into the public sector's technical and vocational teaching realms or have experience in organising and assessing skills competitions will find this RFI an excellent opportunity to influence government strategies. Engaging with the DfE on this project could enhance an organisation's profile within the public sector and provide the collaborative foundation to drive future initiatives in further education and skills development, aligning with governmental priorities.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

World Skills UK market research

Notice Description

The purpose of this notice is to refresh the Department for Education (DfE)'s market intelligence to understand more about the supplier market, particularly covering public sector aspects of technical and vocational teaching, learning and assessment, competitions, events and fundraising. DfE grant funds a non-governmental organisation (NGO) to operate as WorldSkills UK (WSUK). This organisation is funded to be the government's representative body in WorldSkills International and WorldSkills Europe, participate in international skills competitions and to use the insights gained to raise standards of teaching, learning and assessment across the sector. The main deliverables of WSUK are: 1. Representing the UK in international discussion, debate and negotiation around global technical standards and the development of international labour policy. 2. Using insights gained from membership of WorldSkills International and WorldSkills Europe to raise standards of teaching, learning and assessment across the sector. 3. Research and policy contributions into technical education, teaching, careers, international models and success driving thought leadership and policy in further education (FE). 4. The organisation, judging and validation of national skills competitions, boosting standards and aspirations of FE colleges and providers. 5. The selection, training and preparation of "Team UK" members through a two-year cycle to ensure UK representation and strong performance at international skills competitions promoting the UK's reputation as a high skill economy. DfE will gather market intelligence via issuing a Request for Information (RFI) to all suppliers interested in providing commercial insight. Following the RFI process, we will assess the responses and consider the next steps to ensure that the WorldSkills UK programme delivers good value for money and best quality whilst ensuring a compatible strategic fit with the government's priorities. To note: This notice does not signify the commencement of any competitive process and does not constitute any commitment by DfE. If DfE decides to commence any competitive process(es) as contemplated by this notice, a separate notice(s) will be published at the relevant time. How to engage We value your insights and encourage you to take part in this RFI. Your feedback is essential in helping us understand the current landscape and assess whether we're taking the right approach with funding for the WorldSkills UK programme. It will also help us build a clearer picture of sector readiness and inform our next steps. If you're interested in participating, please email worldskills.uk@education.gov.uk by 16:00 on Friday 4th July 2025 to express your interest. We'll then share further details and invite you to complete a short survey. Your input will directly inform how we shape the future direction of this programme--thank you for your support.

Planning Information

If you’re interested in participating, please email worldskills.uk@education.gov.uk to express your interest.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-0552bf
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/034798-2025
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

80 - Education and training services

CPV Codes

80000000 - Education and training services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£9,120,000 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
24 Jun 20258 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
1 Oct 2025Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
31 Mar 2026 - 31 Mar 2028 2-3 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
DEPARTMENT FOR EDUCATION
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
policyassurance.commercialqueries@education.gov.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
LONDON
Postcode
SW1P 3BT
Post Town
South West London
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI3 Inner London - West
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI35 Westminster and City of London
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Westminster
Electoral Ward
St James's
Westminster Constituency
Cities of London and Westminster

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

Download

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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