Planning

NEPO515 - Children's and Adult's Barristers

THE ASSOCIATION OF NORTH EAST COUNCILS LIMITED

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

29 Oct 2025 at 15:44

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The procurement process initiated by THE ASSOCIATION OF NORTH EAST COUNCILS LIMITED, acting as the North East Procurement Organisation (NEPO), involves the establishment of a multi-supplier framework for Children's and Adult's Barristers services. This process is classified under legal services and takes place in the North East of England, with all related activities confined to the UKC region of the United Kingdom. The contract is currently in the planning stage, paving the way for a competitive tendering process. The framework agreement, adjusted under the exemptions found in the Procurement Act 2023, will commence from 4th April 2026 and may continue until 3rd April 2034, contingent upon potential extensions. Suppliers must submit their proposals by 12:00 on 3rd December 2025, via the electronic platform, Open.

This tender represents a unique opportunity for businesses specialising in legal services to expand their portfolio through a long-term framework agreement. SMEs are particularly encouraged to participate, as the framework is open to such entities and will remain flexible to allow for new entrants during its lifecycle. The substantial estimated value of up to £96 million provides a lucrative incentive for firms with capabilities in providing barrister services focused on children's and adult's legal proceedings. The strategic nature of this procurement, with its flexibility and extensive term, makes it an attractive option for established legal firms seeking sustained growth and collaboration with North East Member Authorities and their partners.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

NEPO515 - Children's and Adult's Barristers

Notice 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.

Planning Information

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.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05d686
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/069491-2025
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

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

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

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

CPV Codes

79100000 - Legal services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£80,000,000 £10M-£100M
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
29 Oct 20251 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
3 Apr 2026 - 3 Apr 2034 Over 5 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
THE ASSOCIATION OF NORTH EAST COUNCILS LIMITED
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
cdpnepoteam@nepo.org
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
GATESHEAD
Postcode
NE8 3DF
Post Town
Newcastle upon Tyne
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLC North East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLC4 Northumberland, Durham and Tyne & Wear
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLC43 Tyneside
Delivery Location
TLC North East (England)
Local Authority
Gateshead
Electoral Ward
Bridges
Westminster Constituency
Gateshead Central and Whickham

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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