Banking services framework (SP-21-037)
Framework Description
The Scottish Government's Banking Services Framework (SP-21-037) is a single-supplier national framework with the Royal Bank of Scotland as the appointed bank. It provides day-to-day banking for Scottish public sector and third sector organisations, from current and project bank accounts to payments, cash processing and online banking. It began on 1 August 2022 and ends on 30 October 2026.
Context & Use Case
Any Scottish public sector body, including third sector organisations, can use it once it has signed the framework's Schedule 5 call-off contract with the bank. Because there is one supplier, there is no further competition: bodies move their banking onto agreed terms and service levels. Merchant acquiring and credit or purchasing cards are outside its scope and are bought through other routes.
Scope of Services
Bank accounts and project bank accounts Direct debits, Faster Payments, BACS and CHAPS Bulk cash processing Cheques and digital imaging Foreign currency and debit cards Electronic and internet banking
Lots
See framework link
Who Can Apply
Only banks able to provide full local banking services across Scotland would suit a framework like this. Applications are closed, with the Royal Bank of Scotland as sole supplier, and it ends on 30 October 2026. Banks interested in this business should check whether the Scottish Government has re-procured it and on what timetable.
Buyer Benefits
Public bodies get competitive market rates and pre-agreed terms without each running its own banking tender, which is a demanding procurement for a small finance team. Dedicated framework management, shared best practice and a supplier committed to paying the real Living Wage to staff on the framework are also part of the offer.
Next Steps
With the framework ending on 30 October 2026, the opportunity has moved to whatever replaces it. Check the Scottish Government's banking services framework page for a successor arrangement or contract notice. Payment providers interested in public sector work should also look at the services this framework excludes, such as merchant acquiring and purchasing cards.
How Athena Can Help
Few suppliers can bid for a national banking contract, but those that can face a demanding specification. Athena's bid managers can plan the response, write to the evaluation criteria and model pricing for a replacement banking competition.
Payment and card providers can use our framework targeting service to find Scottish and UK frameworks covering the services this framework excludes, and our compliant public sector bids support keeps submissions in line with Scottish procurement rules and social value expectations.
