Pre-Market Engagement – Contractor Recruitment Services Framework (CRSF)

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is considering the establishment of a corporate Contractor Recruitment Services Framework (CRSF) and is seeking to partner with recruitment agencies. The aim is to streamline the procurement of agency services at TfGM, addressing existing inefficiencies and inconsistencies. This initiative seeks to enhance operational efficiency, improve the quality of service delivery, and ensure compliance.

Currently, TfGM uses a Preferred Supplier List (PSL) of recruitment agencies to provide both permanent and contract personnel, covering positions from entry-level to management, roles such as IT, Project Management, Bus Services, Transport, Human Resources, and Facilities. The agencies on the PSL specialise in one or more professional areas.

TfGM is the local government body responsible for transport across Greater Manchester, dedicated to delivering an integrated transport network known as the Bee Network. Our mission is to improve lives by connecting people and places. We proudly oversee Metrolink, the UK's largest light rail network, and we plan to expand it in the future.

We are also bringing bus services back under local control, making us the first city region outside of London to franchise bus services. Additionally, we are committed to greening our network through the introduction of zero-emission vehicles. As of January 2025, all local bus services are under local control as part of the Bee Network, and we aim to incorporate local rail services into the Bee Network by 2030.

Alongside our Head Office in central Manchester, we own Greater Manchester's major bus depots, bus stations, stops and shelters. We invest in and manage modern transport interchanges and oversee a range of electric vehicle charging infrastructure across our estate and the wider Greater Manchester area.

Considering all of the above, there is a need for a new approach to recruitment services for contractors within our organisation. We propose to tender for contractor personnel services by establishing a framework agreement that encompasses all recruitment-related services needed by TfGM over a four-year period.

This proposed framework will be TfGM's preferred method for procuring contractor services; however, we reserve the right to engage non-framework suppliers if necessary.

It is important to note that TfGM cannot offer exclusive arrangements to any agencies and will not commit to retaining fees. Furthermore, we cannot guarantee the volume of business directed to framework suppliers.

The framework will be available for use across the entire organisation. Key departments, which are regular users and have contributed to specifying the new framework structure, are involved in this process.

Prior to commencement of a formal procurement exercise for a CRSF, we intend to engage with the market to understand capacity, capability and appetite for the requirement. Further information on the opportunity, can be found on TfGM’s procurement portal.

To find out more, TfGM is holding a virtual Supplier Day on 20 February 2025. You can book a place by sending a message on Pro-Contract with your contact details (full name, organisation, email and telephone number) by using this link procontract.due-north.com/register ↗. Please send your details by COB on 18th February 2025 and we will send you a calendar invite.

This notice does not constitute the commencement of a formal competitive procurement.