Executive Recruitment
Framework Description
NEPO525 Executive Recruitment is a single-lot, multi-supplier framework for sourcing and selecting executive and senior leadership candidates on a permanent or fixed-term basis. It is available to public sector organisations across the UK, with eight specialist suppliers appointed. Buyers can use flexible award criteria, including direct award. It started on 7 June 2022 and runs to 6 June 2027 with no extension listed.
Context & Use Case
Councils, health bodies, education providers and other public organisations use it when recruiting chief executives, directors and heads of service, on permanent or fixed-term contracts. Direct award suits urgent appointments, while competition between suppliers suits high-profile roles where buyers want to compare search approaches and fees. Candidate testing and targeted advertising can be added to a search.
Scope of Services
Executive search and selection Candidate shortlisting and vetting Permanent and fixed-term senior appointments Candidate testing Targeted advertising
Lots
Single lot
Who Can Apply
Suits executive search firms and specialist recruiters with public sector senior appointment experience. Applications for NEPO525 are closed, so firms not appointed cannot join it; with the framework ending on 6 June 2027, its re-tender is the next opportunity.
Buyer Benefits
Senior appointments are high-stakes and public. NEPO525 gives buyers a simple, transparent cost structure, with the activities and outputs included in the supplier's fee defined in advance, so there are fewer surprises. Competitive fees, the option of direct award when a post must be filled quickly, and add-on services such as candidate testing make it a practical route.
Next Steps
With the end date of 6 June 2027 approaching, watch NEPO's solution page and register on NEPO's portal for the replacement tender. Gather evidence of public sector placements, candidate diversity, retention and fee structures. Appointed firms should use remaining call-offs to strengthen case studies for the re-tender.
How Athena Can Help
The NEPO525 re-tender is likely within the next year. Athena's bid planning and writing can plan the bid now and write responses that show your public sector placements and diversity record clearly.
Our framework application team prepares the selection documents, policies and case studies, and our pricing strategy for tenders helps you set fees that stay competitive without undercutting the value of executive search. We can also check your draft against the evaluation criteria.
