The Government has launched a new technology framework to help education bodies to procure ICT goods and services
The Education Technology framework, designed by Crown Commercial Service (CCS) in collaboration with the Department for Education, helps schools, colleges and universities to buy ICT equipment and services.
40 suppliers have been awarded places on the agreement, 78% of them small and medium-sized enterprises (SME). The deal runs for 3 years with the potential for a further 12-month extension.
46% of a total £44 million of spend through its predecessor, ICT Services for Education, went to SMEs.
Niall Quinn, Director of Crown Commercial Service’s Technology Pillar, said: “Guided by the feedback we have gathered by engaging with schools and the Department for Education, we are proud to offer a practical solution for schools to be able to procure all of their technology needs through one single agreement.”
Joskos Solutions were awarded a place on CCS’s ICT Services for Education agreement and Nick Madhavj, the company’s founder and CEO, says it helped them to compete at a national level with some of EdTech’s biggest players.
Nick Madhavj says: “To a great degree the ICT Services for Education agreement levelled the playing field, and our results over the last 4 years are a testament to that. As a result, we’ve scaled the company from being a local London business to now having trusted relationships with multi-academy trusts and schools across the UK.
“This has created over 75 new job opportunities and £40m of contract awards, leading to new partnerships with local suppliers across the UK and meaning Joskos ultimately has a greater impact in delivering our core purpose. That enables better outcomes for our learners through confident use of technology in the classroom and beyond.”
