--- title: "Chester Diocesan Learning Trust (CDLT) Catering Framework Tender 2026" ocid: "ocds-h6vhtk-060db4" canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-060db4" markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-060db4.md" json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-060db4.json" source: "Find A Tender Service" current_stage: "Tender" buyer: "RPJ3 GROUP" published: "2026-01-23" --- # Chester Diocesan Learning Trust (CDLT) Catering Framework Tender 2026 Buyer: RPJ3 GROUP Current stage: Tender OCID: ocds-h6vhtk-060db4 [View canonical contract page](https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-060db4) [Download OCDS JSON](https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-060db4.json) ## Summary The public procurement process detailed here concerns the Chester Diocesan Learning Trust's (CDLT) Catering Framework Tender 2026, facilitated by RPJ3 Group. This tender falls under the industry category of school catering services and is geographically focused on the United Kingdom, particularly in the UKD6 region. The tender process is currently at the "tender" stage, with a participation stage beginning in early March 2026. Deadlines include an expression of interest by 17 February 2026, a tender response deadline in early April 2026, and a planned contract start on 1 August 2026. The process employs a selective procurement method utilizing a competitive flexible procedure. This tender offers significant opportunities for businesses in the catering sector, particularly those with a robust local infrastructure capable of supporting the needs of the Chester Diocesan Learning Trust's schools. The framework seeks up to three contractors, inviting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to participate, especially those proficient in providing flexible catering solutions that align with school ethos. The contract, valued at up to £4,800,000 gross, spans an initial three-year term with options to extend for an additional two years, presenting a lucrative prospect for businesses keen on expanding in the educational services sector. ## Notice The Chester Diocesan Learning Trust are seeking to procure a number of providers for a multi-supplier framework for catering services. The main objective of this procurement exercise is to deliver the procurement of a framework that will enable the Trust to source catering services for its schools. There are initially 6 schools in this framework, however, other schools may call off later. It should be noted that it is not mandatory for schools to use this framework. Schools will only call off from this agreement if they have a requirement to do so. It is envisaged the number of contractors on the framework will be between 1 and 3 The provision of the service must demonstrate the best value approach and be flexible in its delivery and operation to ensure that the needs and ethos of individual schools are supported. This framework process is targeted to have a catering contract in place to commence in August 2026 for the initial direct award schools. Please note that this process covers all catering services within the Trust schools with full tender costings and proposals for the schools for a contract start in in August 2026 for the initial direct award schools. These details will be further explained in the ITT documents. The process will be through a competitive flexible procedure commencing with a participation stage to create a select bidder list following analysis of a PSQ document (within which the scoring criteria will be included). The nature of the contract demands a good local infrastructure to provide and maintain the level and standard of catering services and support required by the Trust. Labour resource/relief cover is very important. We have set a minimum Employer's (compulsory) liability insurance of 10,000,000 GBP). Following the analysis of PSQ's the selected bidders will be invited to attend site surveys and tender briefing initially planned for early March 2026. Tender response deadline is planned as early April 2026 and it is envisaged that interviews will take place in early May 2026. The contract will be for a 3 +1 +1 period (5 years in total including the option to extend for 1 + 1years after the initial 3 year term). ### Lot Information Lot 1 Renewal: The contract is for 3 years with the option to extend for a further 1 +1 years therefore 5 years in total ## Key Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Publication source | Find A Tender Service | | Latest notice | https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/006347-2026 | | Notice type | UK4 - Tender Notice | | Procurement type | Framework | | Procurement category | Services | | Procurement method | Selective | | Procurement method details | Competitive flexible procedure | | Tender suitability | SME | | Awardee scale | Not specified | | All stages | Tender | ## Dates | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Publication date | 23 Jan 2026 | | Submission deadline | Not specified | | Future notice date | Not specified | | Award date | Not specified | | Contract period | 31 Jul 2026 - 31 Jul 2029 | | Recurrence | Not specified | ## Values | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Tender value | £4,000,000 | | Lots value | £4,000,000 | | Awards value | Not specified | | Contracts value | Not specified | ## Status | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Tender status | Active | | Lots status | Active | | Awards status | Not specified | | Contracts status | Not specified | ## Buyer | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Main buyer | RPJ3 GROUP | | Locality | WIRRAL | | Post town | Chester | | Postcode | CH46 3SA | | Country | England | | ITL 1 | TLD North West (England) | | ITL 2 | TLD7 Merseyside | | ITL 3 | TLD74 Wirral | | Local authority | Wirral | | Electoral ward | Leasowe and Moreton East | | Westminster constituency | Wallasey | | Delivery location | TLD6 Cheshire | ## CPV Codes ### Divisions - 55 - Hotel, restaurant and retail trade services ### Codes - 55524000 - School catering services ## Release History - 23 Jan 2026 at 16:19 - Tender - UK4 - Tender Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/006347-2026 ## Documents - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/006347-2026 23rd January 2026 - Tender notice on Find a Tender ## Notice URLs - https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents ## Provenance This Markdown file is an alternate public rendering of the D3 Tenders contract record. The canonical page is https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-060db4. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-060db4.json.