Issue 17
Procurement Services
Education, Higher Education & Third Sector
Reviewing Procurement Plans Condition Improvement Fund Optimising Efficiency These priorities highlight the importance of structured, compliant, and outcome-focused procurement, helping education and third-sector organisations make every pound work harder.
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Contents Education and Higher Education Make your remaining budget go further Condition Improvement Fund opportunities Practical steps towards Net Zero Introducing our latest solution for Education: ProService ICT
Charities Enhancing efficiency to support service delivery
Latest News & Updates Commercial Services Group achieve Inclusive Employers Silver Accreditation
Back to school: why September is the perfect time to review your procurement plans September is an ideal time for schools to step back and review procurement priorities for the academic year. While the focus is often on pupils and staff returning, reviewing procurement plans early can help schools achieve better value, reduce pressure on teams, and make more strategic use of budgets. Why review procurement plans in September? Identify upcoming purchasing needs before they become urgent. Avoid last-minute buying decisions that can increase costs and administrative burden. Improve value for money through forward planning and competitive sourcing. Align spending with educational priorities and available budgets. Reduce workload pressures on school business and procurement teams later in the year. Remaining budget opportunities Schools should review any available or unallocated budget at the start of the academic year and consider how it can be invested in line with school priorities. This could include:
Financial funding options Our leasing solution offers education providers a flexible funding solution, enabling them to invest in priority projects and technology while managing budgets effectively through predictable payments. Visit for more information
Technology upgrades Classroom resources Facilities improvements Support services When budgets are aligned to priorities, every pound has the power to deliver better outcomes for pupils and greater value for schools. Read the full blog here
Supporting schools through PFI challenges and opportunities Many schools continue to operate under PFI arrangements established to provide modern educational facilities alongside long-term maintenance and support services. As these agreements mature, managing them effectively and planning ahead becomes increasingly important. Schools may need to consider areas such as compliance, asset condition, maintenance obligations, and budget planning, all of which can affect day-to-day operations and the educational experience. By taking a proactive approach, schools can better understand their options, mitigate risk, and ensure continuity of service for staff and students alike. Early preparation can support service continuity, informed decision making and a smoother transition to a successful outcome. Get in touch with us
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Condition Improvement Fund: what the latest results mean for schools The Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) is a key source of capital funding that helps schools maintain safe, compliant learning environments and deliver essential building projects. Recent CIF data shows that only 43.5% of eligible schools applied, with 40.1% of applications successfully securing funding. Participation and success rates vary across regions, highlighting differences in engagement and outcomes nationwide. While CIF can provide valuable support, applications are time-consuming and funding is never guaranteed. Schools remain responsible for maintaining safe and compliant facilities regardless of the outcome. For schools that secured funding, the focus now turns to delivering projects efficiently through the right procurement routes and suppliers. For those that were unsuccessful, projects do not have to be delayed. There are alternative, compliant solutions available to help schools progress essential works and investments without waiting for future funding opportunities.
How we can support your school Flexible leasing and funding options Our Financial Leasing Solutions framework provides compliant, competitively priced funding options, enabling schools to progress essential capital projects while managing budgets effectively.
Compliant procurement routes Access awarded suppliers through streamlined procurement routes covering a range of requirements, making procurement simpler and more efficient.
Contract and supplier management Get more value from your contracts through spend consolidation, rate benchmarking, supplier management, contract reviews and compliance support, with opportunities to reduce costs and improve performance. Whether you're delivering a CIF-funded project or exploring alternative funding options, Procurement Services can help you move forward with confidence. You don't need to pause your plans. There are compliant solutions available to help your school deliver the improvements it needs today.
Condition Improvement Fund Alternatives Unsuccessful bid? We can help!
Why Choose Us? DfE-approved solutions Compliant routes to market Expertise within the education sector Cost-effective alternatives Contact us today to find out more!
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If your school was unsuccessful in securing CIF funding, there are still compliant ways to progress essential projects.
If you’d like to find out more, feel free to contact Lucy Gunning, our education expert.
Our leasing solutions can help schools finance capital purchases through manageable payment arrangements, enabling urgent condition, compliance and improvement works to proceed without waiting for future funding rounds. The service supports schools by reviewing available funding options, comparing lease and purchase routes, providing capital planning advice, and conducting compliant procurement exercises to secure competitive terms. Whether you need to replace ageing infrastructure, invest in energy efficiency measures, upgrade facilities, or purchase specialist equipment, leasing may provide an alternative route to spread costs over time while maintaining a safe and compliant learning environment. We also offer expert guidance on leasing regulations, contract management and market benchmarking, helping schools make informed financial decisions with confidence. For schools that were successful in securing CIF funding, we can support the delivery stage through our established framework agreements, while also providing capital planning and financing expertise where projects extend beyond the scope of the awarded funding.
Financial Leasing Solutions Framework This framework provides the public sector with access to a range of competitively priced, high-quality, and fully compliant financial leasing solutions. For educational organisations, LOT 3 specifically covers the leasing of equipment and services for the education sector. This includes but is not limited to: Audio visual equipment Display panels Glass showcases Interactive boards Literature displays Classroom furniture
Outdoor play equipment Gymnasium equipment Office furniture Lockers Cloakroom furniture
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A smarter approach to digital procurement Schools, academies and universities can simplify the way they procure and manage their technology through our Multi-Functional Devices and Digital Solutions framework, designed specifically for the education sector. Access a wide range of digital solutions Our framework provides access to approved suppliers offering: Multi-functional devices (MFDs) ICT hardware and software Cloud and hosted services Cybersecurity solutions Network services and connectivity AI technologies Audio-visual and document management solutions Save time and reduce procurement complexity Institutions can benefit from: Multiple quotes from approved suppliers A compliant and efficient procurement route Expert advice to identify the right solution Reduced administrative burden Expert support throughout the contract lifecycle Dedicated support is available for: Procurement and supplier management Contract reviews and compliance Implementation and project management Ongoing account management and renewals Reliable solutions for long-term value Our framework helps organisations reduce risk and achieve value for money through robust contract support, service level agreements, and solutions that support day-to-day operations, including print and document management services.
Find out how our digital services can support your educational organisation
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Brand Spotlights Education Management Systems Our Education Management Systems framework (Y25012) provides education organisations with access to solutions designed to simplify the way they manage data, resources, reporting and communications. From individual establishments to larger multi-site organisations, education management systems can help streamline processes, making information easier to access, supporting more efficient day-to-day operations. The framework covers a broad range of solutions that enable education organisations to:
Contract support for education Our Lifecycle contract management team help educational organisations get greater value from their contracts and supplier relationships, with expert support throughout the contract lifecycle. From contract and supplier management, supplier performance monitoring, procurement support, further competitions, and KPI tracking, Lifecycle provides additional expertise and capacity where it's needed.
Manage and access data effectively Simplify reporting and administration Improve communication with key stakeholders Streamline processes and workflows Support individual and multi-establishment requirements
This helps schools, academies, and universities to maintain compliance and improve supplier performance, identify opportunities for better value and make informed procurement decisions.
Explore this framework
Discover Lifecycle
Flexible funding for energy efficiency
Minibus solutions for schools
Our Leasing solution can help schools and universities finance projects such as LED lighting and air conditioning upgrades without the need for significant upfront capital investment. By spreading costs through manageable payments, educational organisations can improve their facilities, reduce energy consumption, and support sustainability goals while preserving capital budgets for other priorities.
Our Used Minibus Solution provides schools and education organisations with a flexible, cost effective way to access the vehicles they need.
The solution provides compliant procurement and lease versus purchase analysis support with access to competitive financing terms to support the best value for money.
Schools can select a vehicle that meets their requirements and budget.
Explore funding options
We provide options to lease or purchase used minibuses, all of which are RAC approved, quality checked and wheelchair accessible for inclusion and safeguarding.
Get in touch with the team today to explore the options available!
Find your minibus
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During September this year, teams across Procurement Services got together for the annual Macmillan Coffee Morning to raise money and spread awareness of the cause. In 2025, Macmillan supported 476,000 people through its information and support services, while its cancer information and support webpages were viewed more than 12 million times, demonstrating both the scale of its impact and the ongoing need for its support.
Efficiency for charities Why efficiency matters
Key considerations
With growing demand and limited budgets, improving efficiency helps organisations maintain services, support staff, and make the most of available resources. Reducing unnecessary costs means more funding can be directed to the communities you support.
Establish clear governance structures to support effective decision-making, accountability, and oversight. Diversify funding sources to reduce reliance on a single income stream and strengthen financial resilience. Review and streamline processes to minimise duplication, improve consistency, and make better use of time and resources. Invest in digital tools and systems to enhance data quality, reporting, and service delivery. Support staff and volunteers through training, effective workload management, and retention initiatives to maintain organisational continuity.
Solutions to support your organisation Our Business Support Services framework can support your organisation to achieve a smooth workflow and overall efficiency in multiple ways, including the use of IT services and operational support. Our Digital Transformation Solutions and Enterprise Services framework can support by improving communication, coordination, and efficiency through digital tools that reduce administrative pressure.
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Creating greener schools for future generations The Department for Education set an expectation that all education settings would have a sustainability lead and climate action plan in place by 2025. This shift reflects the growing emphasis within government guidance on responsible energy use, carbon reduction, and long-term financial sustainability. For schools and trusts, this creates an opportunity to take a more strategic approach to sustainability and turn long-term ambitions into practical action.
Building stronger sustainability and climate‑action plans The sustainability and climate change strategy sets out clear expectations for how education settings should plan for decarbonisation, resilience and longterm sustainability. For schools and trusts, this provides an opportunity to consider how sustainability can be embedded in longer term planning. 1. Develop a clear climate action plan Set out how the school will reduce its environmental impact over time, taking account of its buildings, operations and available resources, and demonstrating progress aligned with national net zero ambitions. 2. Improve the efficiency and resilience of your estate Identify and implement measures that enhance the overall efficiency of your buildings and infrastructure. This may include improving insulation, upgrading heating and ventilation systems, optimising lighting, and using energy‑management technologies to monitor and reduce consumption.
We’re returning to the Education Forum event
3. Consider long-term operational impact Sustainability planning supports more predictable and efficient use of resources over time. By improving asset performance and reducing avoidable energy use, schools can limit exposure to variable utility costs and unplanned maintenance.
6th & 7th October
Radisson Conference Centre, Heathrow
4. Make informed investment decisions Consider sustainability investments using clear, evidence‑based criteria. This includes considering whole‑life costs, anticipated savings, carbon‑reduction potential, and alignment with strategic priorities.
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Introducing a smarter route to ICT procurement
ProService ICT Introducing a new procurement solution designed specifically for schools, academies and multiacademy trusts, our new Dynamic Market provides a compliant, flexible and efficient procurement route for a wide range of ICT products and services. With access to a broad range of approved ICT suppliers, greater flexibility to meet changing technology requirements, and support across key ICT categories, ProService ICT has been built to help educational organisations access the solutions they need with confidence.
Access to a broad range of approved ICT suppliers
Greater flexibility to meet changing technology requirements
A compliant route to procurement designed for education
Support across key ICT categories
ProService ICT, developed by Procurement Services, is designed to support your organisation's evolving ICT requirements. Watch this space to find out more about the Dynamic Market, and how it can benefit your organisation. Find out more
FREE LEASING & FUNDING REVIEW Invest in equipment today. Spread the cost over time. Whether you're upgrading classroom technology, replacing catering equipment, investing in sports facilities or delivering sustainability projects, leasing can help you achieve more without impacting valuable capital budgets.
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psleasing@csltd.org.uk
We're offering the first 10 education organisations a complimentary consultation to help you: Assess leasing suitability Compare leasing and purchasing options Identify potential budget efficiencies Understand available public sector funding routes Plan future equipment investments Get expert support for your next project.
Commercial Services Group Achieves Inclusive Employers Silver Accreditation We’re proud to share that Commercial Services Group (CSG) has achieved the Inclusive Employers Standard Silver Accreditation 2026 – an important milestone that recognises the progress we’ve made in embedding inclusion across our organisation. The accreditation is based on an independent external assessment of how effectively inclusion is integrated into areas such as leadership, people policies, culture, employee engagement and supplier relationships. The assessment highlighted particular strengths in empowering colleagues, leadership commitment, employee networks, communications and the growing use of diversity data to inform decision-making. For a first-time submission, achieving Silver is a significant accomplishment. CSG scored above the industry average in five of the six assessment areas and was among the 21% of organisations awarded Silver in 2026. Areas of particular strength included, the impact of our employee networks, colleague voice activities, inclusive communications and visible leadership support. For Procurement Services, this achievement reinforces the important role that inclusion plays in how we work with colleagues, customers, suppliers and communities. Inclusive practices help us make better decisions, build stronger relationships and ensure we continue creating environments where people feel valued, respected and able to contribute their best. The assessment also highlighted an opportunity to further strengthen how inclusion is embedded within procurement processes, helping ensure diversity, accessibility and fairness remain key considerations in our decision-making.
CSG-in is all about celebrating and supporting our colleagues. Our Employee Network Groups (ENGs) are employeeled communities that bring together colleagues who share a common identity or interest. They are a fantastic way to connect, learn, be an ally, and contribute to a more inclusive culture at CSG. Our ENGs consist of the five following networks; Disability, Parent & Carers, Race & Ethnicity, Wellbeing, and the Women's Network.
Commercial Services Group have signed! We have signed the Menopause Workplace Pledge with Wellbeing of Women. This pledge reinforces the work and commitment we have in place to ensure menopause is openly talked about and properly supported across CSG. This is about breaking down stigma, making it easier for people to access the help they need, and ensuring managers feel confident in having those conversations. By signing, we have committed to: Recognising that menopause can be a workplace issue and women need support. Talking openly, positively, and respectfully about menopause. Actively supporting employees who are experiencing menopause. Visit the website
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What We Covered IN THIS ISSUE Back to School: why September is the perfect time to review your procurement plans
A range of digital solutions, supported by our MultiFunctional Devices framework
Condition Improvement Fund: what the latest results mean for schools
Understanding the growing importance of environmental responsibility and sustainability in education
Maximising value from budgets and resources for charities
Commercial Services Group achieves Inclusive Employers Silver Accreditation
Introducing our new solution: ProService ICT
From education and higher education to charities, Procurement Services is here to enable you to do more with your budget. We understand the pressures you face - tightening budgets, increasing demand, and the need to deliver measurable social value. That’s why we provide compliant solutions that remove complexity and help you act with confidence. Built for your sector. Designed to enable success. More than frameworks and contract management — a partner in delivery: Faster, compliant routes to market Proven cost and time efficiencies Trusted, pre-qualified suppliers Dedicated support tailored to your organisation
Start achieving more today! Ready to achieve more from your procurement? Get in contact today 0808 281 9439 pscustomerenquiries@csltd.org.uk Please note, Procurement Services - Part of Commercial Services Group, is not liable for any informational, grammer, spelling, or other mistakes within this edition.
0808 281 9439
pscustomerenquiries@csltd.org.uk
procurementservices.co.uk