New centralised agreement changes adult education and training procurement in the UK

An initiative aimed at facilitating adult education and training services across the UK has officially launched, promising significant efficiencies and broader access to crucial skills development programs

The Adult Skills and Learning Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS), introduced by the Crown Commercial Service (CCS), marks a key shift towards centralising the procurement of publicly funded training services for adults under a single commercial agreement.

This new system is designed to empower public sector bodies, including central government departments, local authorities, and educational institutions like colleges, by simplifying the process of sourcing essential training services.

Adult Skills and Learning DPS

By consolidating various training offerings, from foundational subjects like English and math to specialised courses in areas such as project management and artificial intelligence, the DPS aims to cater comprehensively to the diverse needs of adult learners seeking employment readiness or further educational advancement.

One of the key advantages of the Adult Skills and Learning DPS is its ability to drastically reduce procurement times compared to traditional methods.

Whereas conventional procurement processes often span several months, this dynamic system enables swift initiation of procurements in just a matter of days. This efficiency not only saves valuable time but also optimises resource allocation for public sector organisations, allowing them to focus more on delivering impactful educational outcomes rather than administrative hurdles.

Learning priorities and funding opportunities

The DPS supports a wide spectrum of educational funding initiatives, including the Adult Skills Fund and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, ensuring flexibility and adaptability to future funding schemes. This future-proofing feature is crucial in an evolving educational landscape, where new learning priorities and funding opportunities continually emerge.

The system also prioritises inclusivity and accessibility by welcoming a majority of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) as suppliers. This strategic move fosters innovation and diversity among service providers and also supports local economies by empowering smaller businesses to participate in national educational initiatives.

Innovative features of the Adult Skills and Learning DPS include a sophisticated filtering system that allows public sector buyers to pinpoint suppliers based on specific criteria such as geographic location, subject expertise, and qualification levels. This tailored approach ensures that procurement decisions are aligned closely with the educational goals and regional needs of communities across the UK.

Launching the plan

The Adult Skills and Learning DPS is scheduled to operate for four years, during which it will remain compliant with Public Contract Regulations 2015, accommodating future regulatory updates under the Procurement Regulations 2024. This longevity and compliance ensure stability and continuity in service delivery, fostering a reliable framework for ongoing educational development across the UK.

The launch of the Adult Skills and Learning DPS signifies a transformative step towards a more efficient, inclusive, and responsive adult education system in the UK. By harnessing the power of centralised procurement and supporting diverse educational providers, the initiative is poised to make significant strides in preparing individuals for success in an increasingly competitive global economy.