Executive and Senior Specialist Search and Associated Recruitment Services
Framework Description
APUC's Executive and Senior Specialist Search and Associated Recruitment Services framework (reference PFB1048 AP) covers executive search and senior recruitment for universities and colleges. It has six lots: recruitment related services, executive search (North and South), senior specialist search (North and South), and a lot for chairs of court and members of governing committees and boards. It started on 30 August 2026 and runs to 29 August 2029, with an option to extend by 12 months to 29 August 2030. This framework is used by APUC, SUPC and NWUPC.
Context & Use Case
Institutions use it to recruit principals, vice-principals, directors and senior specialists, and to find chairs of court and lay members for governing bodies. North and South lots let buyers choose search firms with networks in their region. The recruitment related services lot covers support activity around these appointments. Searches are confidential and often run on tight timetables set by governing bodies.
Scope of Services
Recruitment related services Executive search: North Executive search: South Senior specialist search: North Senior specialist search: South Chairs of court and members of governing committees and boards
Lots
Recruitment related services; Executive Search – North; Executive Search - South; Senior Specialist Search – North; Senior Specialist Search – South; Chairs of Court and members of governing committees and boards
Who Can Apply
Suits executive search firms and specialist recruitment consultancies with higher education or public sector board experience. Applications for this framework are closed, so firms not already appointed cannot join until APUC re-tenders it, likely ahead of August 2029, or 2030 if extended.
Buyer Benefits
Senior appointments shape an institution's direction and are closely scrutinised, so governing bodies want search firms already vetted on process, diversity and confidentiality. A framework provides agreed fee structures and terms, and the governance lot reflects the specific needs of university court and board recruitment.
Next Steps
Appointed firms should make sure HR directors and university secretaries know which lots they hold. Others have time before 2029: read the Public Contracts Scotland notice (MAR551180), pick the lots where your network is strongest, and build evidence of diverse shortlists and successful senior placements in education.
How Athena Can Help
Search assignments are won on candidate reach, process and fees. Athena's proposal writing for search firms helps appointed consultancies set out a convincing approach for each assignment.
Firms aiming for the next round can use our framework readiness support to choose lots and build their evidence early. Our public sector fee strategy advice covers retained and fixed fee models that win and remain profitable, and how to evidence diversity in shortlists.
