Managed Services Provider for Temporary Recruitment

The University of Southampton wish to appoint a Temporary Recruitment Managed Service Provider (MSP). The managed service will deliver IR35 compliance and ensure Public Contract Regulations are adhered to whilst also enabling efficiencies through one order process, one way of working and one invoicing procedure.

The University expects that recruitment agency expenditure is likely to be transferred to the managed service first. Followed by payments to individuals and then consultants and interims in accordance with the implementation plans agreed by the University.

There is an expectation that contract usage will remain the same but may increase should the University grow student numbers. The level of expenditure routed through the contract will depend heavily upon ease of use of the managed service and the level of engagement between the Managed Service Provider and end users.

The Managed Service Provider will provide, where possible, first tier agency staff directly. Where this cannot be achieved, the Managed Service Provider will source from second and third tier agencies and suppliers to fulfil the requirements. The Managed Service Provider will work with our current Managed Service Provider and their supplier list, where possible, for second and third tier agencies.

The University of Southampton no longer meets the criteria of a 'body governed by public law' and is therefore not considered a contracting authority for the purposes of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and/or any replacement legislation. This procurement process is not regulated by UK (or EU) public procurement law.

Where the University of Southampton advertises contracts, through any public sector tender portal, it does so on a voluntary basis by way of transparency and to encourage open competition, but it is not required to comply with the procurement legislation. For the purpose of procuring the goods/services described, the University is acting in accordance with its internal financial regulations and the procedure detailed in the Invitation to Tender document set.