Group Messaging Framework
Framework Description
Jisc's Group Messaging Framework provides bulk SMS (text messaging) services to UK universities and other higher education institutions, so they can message students and staff at scale. It runs to 1 May 2030, and Jisc can extend it at its discretion. Institutions access the service through Jisc rather than tendering for SMS themselves.
Context & Use Case
Universities use it to send time-sensitive messages to students and staff at scale. Buying through Jisc saves each institution running its own procurement for a standard but business-critical service, and gives it a supplier set up for API links, scheduled sends and delivery reporting. Jisc has signalled intent to procure the service again, with timelines subject to its approval.
Scope of Services
Bulk SMS delivery API integration with institutional systems Message scheduling and automation Delivery reporting and analytics Sender ID management Support and service levels for high-volume sends
Lots
See framework link
Who Can Apply
Suits SMS aggregators and messaging platforms with UK network reach, API integration and the capacity to handle high-volume peaks. The framework is awarded and applications are closed, so new suppliers cannot join; the next opening is a re-tender near 1 May 2030, or later if Jisc uses its extension option.
Buyer Benefits
Universities get a pre-tendered SMS service with agreed rates, delivery standards and data protection terms, so they can switch messaging on quickly. For a service that must work on high-pressure days, they value proven throughput, clear delivery reporting and API links into their student and communications systems.
Next Steps
Appointed suppliers should focus on onboarding institutions and keeping service levels high at peak times. Others should plan for the re-tender: watch Jisc's procurement announcements on jisc.ac.uk, and build evidence now, such as university references, uptime figures, API documentation and UK GDPR compliance. Jisc's extension option means the new procurement could start later than May 2030.
How Athena Can Help
As applications for the framework are closed until re-tender, Athena's role is to get you ready for the next round. A bid audit and win themes exercise tests your evidence on uptime, integration and data protection against what Jisc is likely to score, and we draft the core content early.
We can also add other education and public sector messaging opportunities to a framework pipeline plan, and give bid/no-bid guidance on which ones are worth your time.
