Global Mobility Services
Framework Description
Global Mobility Services (PFB3160 NW) is a framework agreement tendered by NWUPC (North Western Universities Purchasing Consortium) for universities. Its three lots cover overseas taxation, payroll, immigration and advisory services; employee relocation; and employer of record services. It runs from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2027, with an option to extend by 24 months to 30 June 2029, and replaced the earlier Global Workforce Mobility Services framework. This framework is used by APUC and SUPC.
Context & Use Case
HR and international teams use it when recruiting overseas academics and researchers, sending staff abroad, or employing staff in countries where the institution has no legal entity, which the employer of record lot covers. Lot 1 provides tax, payroll and immigration advice, and Lot 2 handles physical relocation. Visa sponsorship rules change often, which increases demand for specialist advice.
Scope of Services
Lot 1: Overseas taxation, payroll, immigration and advisory services Lot 2: Employee relocation services Lot 3: Employer of record services
Lots
Lot 01 - Overseas Taxation, Payroll, Immigration and Advisory Services; Lot 02 - Employee Relocation Services; Lot 03 - Employer of Record Services
Who Can Apply
Suits international tax and payroll advisers, immigration specialists, relocation companies and employer of record providers with higher education clients. Applications for this framework are closed, so new suppliers cannot join until NWUPC re-tenders it, likely ahead of 30 June 2027 or, if extended, June 2029.
Buyer Benefits
International staff moves involve immigration compliance and tight timescales, so HR teams want suppliers already vetted on expertise and data protection. A framework gives them agreed terms and quick access, without tendering each time they hire from abroad. The framework is shared with NWUPC members in England.
Next Steps
Appointed suppliers should make sure HR teams at APUC member institutions know which lots they hold. Others should watch NWUPC's tender notices and the extension decision, and prepare evidence on visa outcomes, relocation support, overseas employment compliance and higher education experience. Data protection and service level evidence will also matter.
How Athena Can Help
For appointed suppliers, Athena's bid writing for HR services helps win mini-competitions with clear evidence on compliance and service. Ahead of NWUPC's re-tender, our framework registration and evidence service prepares your application, including case studies and policies.
Our public sector bid support team can also help price immigration and relocation services that win and stay profitable. If you have not bid for university work before, we start with a bid/no-bid review so you put effort where you can realistically win.
