Managed Learning Services
Framework Description
ESPO's Managed Learning Services framework (reference 383_25) gives public bodies two ways to buy staff training: a managed service provider that sources, books and administers training for them, or a learning management system for organisations that prefer to run training in-house. It was procured under the Procurement Act 2023 and is not a DPS. The term began on 2 January 2026 and runs to 1 January 2028, with an option to extend to 1 January 2030.
Context & Use Case
Public sector employers turn to 383_25 when they want to hand the sourcing and administration of workforce training to a single provider, or replace an ageing learning platform, without running their own tender. Under the Procurement Act 2023 terms, a buyer can place a call-off without competition when the framework terms already fit, or run a further competitive selection process when the requirement needs suppliers to compete on quality and price.
Scope of Services
Lot 1: Managed Service Provider (sourcing, administering and managing training) Lot 2: Learning Management System (for organisations managing training in-house)
Lots
Lot 1 Managed Service Provider; Lot 2 Learning Management System
Who Can Apply
Suits training management companies and LMS vendors with public sector clients. Applications for 383_25 are closed: the supplier list was fixed when it was awarded, so a business not already appointed cannot join until ESPO re-tenders, most likely around 1 January 2028 or, if the extension is used, 1 January 2030.
Buyer Benefits
Buyers can choose between outsourcing the whole training supply chain to one managed provider and licensing a platform while keeping control in-house, under one set of pre-agreed terms. The direct call-off option lets a training contract be placed quickly when the specification is clear.
Next Steps
Appointed suppliers should keep their lot offer current and be ready for further competitive selection processes, where quality and price are re-scored against each buyer's needs. Everyone else should plan for the re-tender: check the 383_25 page on espo.org and Find a Tender during 2027, and build case studies of managed learning or LMS contracts delivered for public sector clients.
How Athena Can Help
If you hold a place on 383_25, Athena can help you win the further competitions that follow. Our bid management team builds win themes around learner outcomes and cost control, models how your score is likely to compare with rival providers and sets pricing for each call-off.
If you missed the 2026 award, we can start preparing you for the re-tender now through our framework registration service, gathering evidence and case studies early, and give bid/no-bid advice on standalone learning and training tenders in the meantime.
