Debt Recovery Services
Framework Description
Debt Recovery Services (PFB5062 LU) is a framework let by LUPC (London Universities Purchasing Consortium) that gives member institutions access to agencies and legal providers that recover money owed to them. It is a fixed-term agreement, not a DPS, running from 12 June 2023 to 11 June 2027, with two lots: one focused on student debt and one on commercial debt. It saves universities running a procurement of their own. This framework is used by NWUPC, SUPC and APUC.
Context & Use Case
Universities use debt recovery providers when internal credit control has run its course, moving from pre-litigation advice and negotiated settlements to court action where needed. Because debtors can include students and former students, institutions want providers that act fairly and protect their reputation while still improving recovery rates and keeping clear records of every action taken.
Scope of Services
Lot 1: Debt recovery (student focused) Lot 2: Debt recovery (commercial focused) Pre-litigation advice, negotiated settlements and litigation, including court representation Reporting and analytics on recovery progress
Lots
Lot 1: Debt Recovery (Student Focused); Lot 2: Debt Recovery (Commercial Focused)
Who Can Apply
It suits debt collection agencies and solicitors offering recovery and litigation services to public sector or education clients, with separate lots for student and commercial debt. Applications for this framework are closed, so firms not appointed cannot join until LUPC re-tenders it, likely around 11 June 2027.
Buyer Benefits
Members get providers already checked for legal and ethical compliance, with a clear route from early contact through to litigation. Reporting on recovery progress helps finance teams improve their own credit control, and the framework saves them the cost of procuring a specialist service each time.
Next Steps
Appointed providers should share recovery performance data with members and be ready for further competitions. Others should watch LUPC's notices and prepare for the re-tender ahead of 11 June 2027 with recovery rate evidence, complaint handling and vulnerable customer procedures, data protection controls and sector references.
How Athena Can Help
Debt recovery tenders reward providers who can prove both results and fair treatment. Ahead of the re-tender, Athena's framework application consultants can prepare your compliance policies, data protection evidence and case studies, and answer the selection questions.
Our persuasive bid writing presents your recovery rates and ethical approach against the evaluation criteria, and our public sector fee modelling helps you price commission and fixed fees so they win and stay profitable.
