How to Win a Place on the YPO LGRP Framework with Thornton & Lowe's Bid Writing Support
YPO's Local Government Resourcing Partnership (LGRP) framework offers recruitment and HR suppliers a straightforward route to public sector contracts. With the current framework running until November 2025 and a new iteration expected in Q3 2025, now is the ideal time to prepare your bid strategy.
What is the LGRP Framework?
The LGRP framework was created in partnership with the London Borough of Waltham Forest and YPO to help public sector organisations buy HR and recruitment services. The framework covers four main areas:
Lot 1: Interim Recruitment - For all interim staff grades with 22 providers currently on the framework
Lot 2: Permanent Recruitment - For all permanent staff including fixed-term positions with 22 providers currently on the framework
Lot 3: HR Consultancy - For HR advisory services with 5 providers currently on the framework
Lot 4: HR Marketing and Advertising - For recruitment campaigns and job advertising with 2 providers currently on the framework
The LGRP framework is open to all UK public sector organisations, not just local government. This means suppliers on the framework can access a much wider market than the name suggests.
LGRP Framework Timeline and Opportunity
The current LGRP framework started on 10 November 2021 and runs until 9 November 2025. This timeline reflects a 24-month extension from the original end date of 9 November 2023.
Our market research shows the new LGRP framework will likely be released in Q3 2025. For suppliers wanting to win a place, this gives a clear timeline to prepare.
Historical Context of Public Sector Recruitment Frameworks
The LGRP framework has a strong history dating back to 2005 when London Boroughs evaluated their use of recruitment and resourcing services. Originally known as the London Boroughs' Recruitment Partnership, the framework began with eight London Boroughs working together to develop a joint specification for various recruitment services.
By 2011, the partnership had grown to 28 London Boroughs, collectively saving £1.5 million each year through leveraging better market prices and simplified systems. In 2017, the London Borough of Waltham Forest took the lead role, and the decision was made to expand the framework nationally to all public sector organisations.
The current LGRP iteration, procured by YPO and the London Borough of Waltham Forest in late 2020, launched in November 2021 and represents the continuation of this successful collaborative approach to procurement.
The newer Managing Recruitment and Resourcing framework builds on lessons learned from earlier frameworks, creating a comprehensive solution for recruitment and resourcing needs across the entire public sector with its eleven specialised lots.
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Click hereWho's Currently on the LGRP Framework?
Knowing who you're up against helps when planning your bid strategy. The current providers include:
Lot 1: Interim Recruitment Adecco UK Ltd, Allen Lane Ltd, Cedar Recruitment Ltd, Commercial Services Interim and Executive Search, Faerfield Ltd, Gatenby Sanderson Ltd, Green Park Interim & Executive Ltd, Hammond Clarke Ltd, Hays Specialist Recruitment Ltd, Interim Partners Ltd, Keystream Group Ltd, Law Morgan Ltd, Macildowie Associates Ltd, MLC Partners Ltd, Osbourne Thomas Ltd, Penna Plc, Pertemps Recruitment Partnership Ltd, Reed Specialist Recruitment, Roberston Bell Ltd, Tempest Resourcing Ltd, Tile Hill Interim & Executive Ltd, Venn Group Ltd
Lot 2: Permanent Recruitment Adecco UK Ltd, Allen Lane Ltd, Commercial Services Interim and Executive Search, Faerfield Ltd, Gatenby Sanderson Ltd, Green Park Interim & Executive Ltd, Hammond Clarke Ltd, Hays Specialist Recruitment Ltd, Interim Partners Ltd, Law Morgan Ltd, Macildowie Associates Ltd, MLC Partners Ltd, Omni Resource Management Solutions Ltd, Osbourne Thomas Ltd, Penna Plc, Pertemps Recruitment Partnership Ltd, Reed Specialist Recruitment, Roberston Bell Ltd, Service Care Solutions, Tile Hill Interim & Executive Recruitment, TMP (UK) Ltd, Venn Group Ltd
Lot 3: HR Consultancy Capita Business Services, Dearden HR Ltd, Gatenby Sanderson Ltd, Osbourne Thomas Ltd, Penna Plc
Lot 4: HR Marketing and Advertising Penna Plc, TMP UK Ltd
Managing Recruitment and Resourcing Framework Structure
This framework, procured by YPO, has been designed to meet the evolving needs of the public sector across eleven lots:
- Managed Service for Temporary Recruitment for Local Authorities
- Managed Service for Temporary Recruitment for Central Government
- Managed Service for Temporary Recruitment for Housing
- Managed Service for Temporary Recruitment for Higher Education
- Managed Service for Temporary Recruitment for Emergency Services
- Managed Service for Temporary Recruitment for all sectors
- Recruitment Process Outsourcing
- Recruit Train Deploy
- Emerging Talent Recruitment
- Total Talent Management
- Vendor Management Systems
The framework began on 26 February 2024 and runs until 25 February 2026, with a potential 24-month extension option.
Key Features of the Managing Recruitment and Resourcing Framework
- Flexible delivery models: Contracting authorities can choose between master vendor, neutral vendor, or bespoke managed service models
- Pricing structure: Based on annual spend thresholds (£0-0.99m, £1m-4.99m, £5m-9.99m, £10m-19.99m, £20m+)
- Optional services: Allows for additional HR services to be added to create bespoke solutions
- Access methods: Both direct award and further competition options available
- Further competition weightings: Cost (20-60%), Quality (20-60%), and Social Value/Sustainability (10-30%)
What You Need in Place to Win Recruitment Framework Bids
Successful framework bidding requires proper preparation. Here are the essential elements you need in place:
LGRP Framework Procurement Process
The LGRP framework was procured through an open procedure as outlined in the Public Contract Regulations 2015. Providers responded to pre-qualification questions and submitted specific quality and pricing responses for each lot they wished to bid for. The evaluation process weighted quality at 60% and price at 40%.
Key Framework Features
- Framework Duration: The current framework runs from 10 November 2021 to 9 November 2025
- Geographic Coverage: National
- Framework Management: Jointly managed by YPO and London Borough of Waltham Forest
- Customer Charges: No charge for customers to use the framework (suppliers pay relevant rebates)
- Provider Selection: New providers cannot join mid-framework as the tendering process is complete
- Specialisms: Providers identified job categories/specialisms they can deliver during the tender process
How Clients Purchase Through the Framework
Clients can engage suppliers through two main routes:
- Direct Award: Clients can select a provider that offers the most advantageous service in relation to quality and price, using the direct award criteria and fixed pricing available for all lots.
- Further Competition: Clients can create specific questions and pricing evaluations for providers to respond to. All providers on the relevant lot must be invited to participate with consistent deadlines.
You may also be interested in:
NHS Workforce Alliance - to discuss a full a list of recruitment frameworks, contact us - hello@thorntonandlowe.com
Bid Support with Thornton & Lowe
Thornton & Lowe specialises in bid support for recruitment frameworks, recognising that winning a place is just the start. Effective participation requires a clear strategy at every stage.
Pre-Framework Preparation - we support your preparation by helping you assess bid opportunities based on your strengths, addressing gaps in essential documentation and accreditations, and building a targeted bid content library. Additionally, we develop strong recruitment-focused case studies and pricing strategies that ensure competitiveness and profitability.
Expert Bid Writing and Framework Support - our skilled bid writers manage the entire recruitment tender process, ensuring compliance, clearly presenting your capabilities, and incorporating persuasive evidence that resonates with evaluators. We draft the responses to the quality and social value questions! Also, often developing and improving your submission with critical challenge, professional formatting and straightforward graphics.
After your appointment, we continue providing practical support, guiding you through framework processes, developing strategies for direct awards, and crafting tailored responses for mini-competitions. We actively monitor framework activities for new recruitment opportunities and regularly review your performance to drive continuous improvement.
Recruitment CCS Framework Testimonial
"We first contacted Thornton and Lowe to request support for our bid to supply non-clinical staff to the NHS. To make the most of the time available before the release of the tender, the team at Thornton and Lowe developed a tender template with responses to commonly asked questions. The team worked efficiently at all levels, using information gathered from face-to-face meetings, telephone conversations and email correspondence. In addition, they used their extensive knowledge of the public sector to ensure that our responses captured all relevant information to fulfil the requirements of commissioning bodies.
Providing a fully comprehensive service, the team also continually monitored the Crown Commercial Service procurement website to provide instant notification on the release of the tender documents. Once the tender was advertised, Thornton and Lowe worked swiftly to provide a range of assistance. This was a vital, must-win tender for us. Thornton and Lowe’s pre-bid support and advice regarding the quality elements of the tender ensured that we provided a response which fully outlined the benefits of our service. As a result, we scored 100% in this section and were successfully awarded onto the Framework.
Thornton and Lowe provide real added value and a strategic, targeted approach to bid writing. We would recommend their services to any business looking to improve their success with the tendering process. Public Sector Interim Recruiter, Axon Resourcing"
Framework Tips for Success
Drawing from the framework documentation, here are key insights for suppliers preparing for framework bids:
Understanding Framework Mechanisms
- Pre-market engagement: Engage with procurement bodies before opportunities are published to understand requirements and build relationships
- Delivery model flexibility: Consider how you can offer flexible delivery approaches (master vendor, neutral vendor, or bespoke models) to meet varied client needs
- Social value commitment: Frameworks increasingly emphasise social value and sustainability - develop convincing proposals that support client objectives in these areas
- Technology options: Some frameworks note that suppliers may offer discounts for clients who don't require technology as part of their solution - consider your pricing approach
Preparing for Further Competitions
- Flexible weightings: Be prepared for clients to adjust evaluation criteria within permitted ranges (e.g., cost 20-60%, quality 20-60%, social value 10-30%)
- Bespoke specifications: Clients may either provide detailed specifications or ask suppliers to present solutions based on requirements - prepare for both approaches
- Optional services: Develop a comprehensive portfolio of optional services that can be incorporated into your core offering
- Supply chain management: Be ready to demonstrate how you'll develop effective supply chains for clients, especially for neutral vendor models
Act Now: Prepare for Framework Success
With the new LGRP framework expected in Q3 2025 and the Managing Recruitment and Resourcing framework now active until at least February 2026, now is the time to begin preparations for both existing and upcoming opportunities.
The most successful suppliers will be those who develop their capabilities, evidence, and approach well in advance of the official notices.
Thornton & Lowe has extensive experience supporting suppliers to secure positions on frameworks across the public sector, with a proven track record of success in both framework appointments and subsequent call-off contracts.
Contact Thornton & Lowe today to arrange a no-obligation consultation about how our framework specialists can support your organisation's public sector framework applications and help maximise your opportunities.
Email: hello@thorntonandlowe.com
Phone: 01204 238 046
Web: www.thorntonandlowe.com/frameworks/
Thornton & Lowe: Your trusted partner for framework success.
"We are extremely happy with the service and Thornton & Lowe’s support has allowed us to grow considerably over the last 4 years, with goals to double in size during the course of 2023/2024 through a number of important NHS tenders” - Sales Director, Newcross Healthcare
