II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
79341200
79341400
79342200
II.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS code:
UK
II.2.4) Description of the procurement
Introduction
Please note, there is no commitment or guarantee that procurement activity will go ahead, this procurement is subject to internal approvals. This note is therefore intended for information purposes.
The purpose of this note is to alert potential suppliers of a possible opportunity that may be of interest.
Government Recruitment Service (GRS) falls within the Government People Group (GPG) which is hosted by the Cabinet Office. GRS is delivering a centralised recruitment service across the core UK Civil Service and some wider public sector organisations.
We may seek a contract which can provide standard advertising and media buying services, whilst retaining some small elements of creative execution to further drive and enhance talent attraction optimising our centralised recruitment service.
Scope of the requirement:
The contract value is anticipated to be just under £5 million with a potential contract duration of *36 months (3 years) with an additional 12 months (1 year) contract extension. We will be seeking a contract which can provide advertising, media buying with some aspects of creative design services for Government Recruitment Service and Civil Service Fast Stream and Emerging Talent.
*To note, timescales are subject to change.
There are 4 main areas within scope which include but are not limited to:
Media planning, negotiating and buying
Offering attraction strategy advice
Media advertising such as print, digital, social
Offering market insight
A broad reach is required, therefore the supplier is expected to have the ability to access more than 140+ different media options.
Requirements may include, but are not limited to the following:
-Print press
-Recruitment directory online and print (to support job posting onto sites, an example being for Times Top 100)
-Television advertisements
-Radio commercials or podcasts
-Digital and social media posting
-Digital and Social media content creation
-Billboards and poster boards
-Job Board posting
-Promotional materials - this includes flyers, brochures and posters (excludes all merchandise/memorabilia such as mugs/pens etc)
Promotional event advertising
-Research / market insight - specifically linked to advertising (eg offering geographical insight or research to aid media buying)
-Creative development - such as photoshoots, videos
-Create content for the Civil Service Fast Stream website, hosted on the Civil Service Careers website.
-An understanding and ability to ensure all content (including creative aspects) conform to Government Accessibility Standards.
-Branding (EVP) development for Fast Stream specifically.
As well as:
- Providing tailored campaign planning and media buying advice (inc tailored market analysis) for all new commissions, incorporating digital, social, print and online media and other specialist channels, job boards, job aggregators, Search Engines, programmatic advertising and channels
- Providing expert advice on the most suitable forms/types of media/messaging to include or utilise
- Provide in-campaign performance reporting
- Providing bespoke copy production, copy-writing, copy editing and creative input, as required
- Working with media providers to ensure that advertising campaigns are delivering
- Working with other third-parties is permissible for the sole purpose of meeting advertising requirements
Volume:
It's not possible to predict the volume of work that the supplier can expect to receive. However, it is not uncommon for workflow to follow a trend of peaks and troughs, sometimes with rapid and significant changes in volume. We can say that historically the average number of campaigns commissioned per annum is circa 200 (averaging 17 per month). It is not unusual for a number of large and complex campaigns to be commissioned at the same time, therefore the ability for a supplier to be adaptable and flexible is essential.
The contract awarded will include no obligation on the buyer regarding minimum spend or work volume.
Potential Route to Market & how to register:
Should the procurement go ahead, the potential route to market may be via the RM6124 Communications Marketplace, which is a Dynamic Purchasing System framework. Crown Commercial Services or Cabinet Office & HM Treasury Commercial Team may coordinate the procurement on behalf of Government Recruitment Service.
What you need to do:
If you are not already registered you will need to visit the following webpage to register as a new supplier:
https://supplierregistration.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/dps
Register to increase your visibility to thousands of government buyers.
Indicative timeline:
Dates are subject to change, therefore this timeline is for indicative purposes only
ITT launch; mid April 2026 (inc. period open for clarification questions)
ITT close; early May 2026
Evaluation & internal approvals: Mid May to early June 2026
Contract award early June 2026
Other information:
Potential suppliers will not be prejudiced by any response to this PIN and a response is not expected. This PIN does not formally signify the beginning of a procurement and does not constitute a commitment by the Government Recruitment Service to undertake any procurement exercise.