Framework for M&E Services
Framework Description
Unity Schools Partnership, a multi-academy trust, runs a framework for mechanical and electrical services and construction works across the schools in its estate. Its 21 lots, from electrical maintenance and emergency repairs to fire safety and life safety systems, let the trust match each job to specialists. The tender closed in May 2026, and the framework is expected to run from 1 September 2026 to 31 August 2031.
Context & Use Case
The trust needs M&E maintenance, repairs, improvements and building work across its schools, often during holidays or around the school day. Using a framework lets its estates team commission contractors already assessed for each lot, rather than tendering every project, and keeps standards consistent for staff, pupils, the community and visitors.
Scope of Services
Mechanical services Electrical services Construction and building works Estate maintenance and improvements Compliance and safety works
Lots
21 lots covering M&E Services and Construction Works (lot names not fully listed in public notice)
Who Can Apply
Suits M&E contractors, building contractors and specialist trades with school sector experience, including smaller firms targeting one or two of the 21 lots. The framework is live and applications are closed, so contractors not appointed cannot join until the trust re-tenders it, likely around August 2031.
Buyer Benefits
Twenty-one lots let the trust use specialists for each discipline rather than relying on one main contractor, which helps with cost and quality. Pre-checked contractors who understand safeguarding and working on occupied school sites reduce disruption to teaching. Buyers in a trust also value contractors who can work to tight holiday windows.
Next Steps
Appointed contractors should keep the trust's estates team updated on availability, especially ahead of summer works. Others should build school-sector M&E and construction references, secure safeguarding and DBS checks for staff, and watch tender listings such as The Construction Index for the trust's next procurement.
How Athena Can Help
For contractors already on a Unity lot, Athena's project bid support can help you win school jobs with clear methods for working around pupils and priced to win.
If you are not yet on it, our education framework registrations identify other academy trust and school frameworks open now, and our school tender advice prepares your safeguarding and social value evidence for the next round. We also run a Bid Health Check on any response before you submit.
