Accredited learning programmes across the policy profession

The Civil Service Policy Profession consists of around 38,500 civil servants making it the second largest profession in government. It has a presence across the regions and nations of the UK. The work of policy professionals has a profound impact on the lives of people across the country. Upskilling policy makers will mean they develop better policies that will deliver better outcomes for the public.

The Policy Profession Unit, which is part of the Department for Education but works on behalf of policy professionals across government, has responsibility for overseeing the development of the Policy Profession. This includes building the skills and capability of individual policy makers at different stages of their careers. We are seeking to partner with higher education institution(s) to develop and deliver, from September 2027, accredited programmes at postgraduate level that build the skills and capabilities of UK civil servants in line with the Policy Profession Standards.

This procurement consists of two lots: Lot 1 and Lot 2. Suppliers may bid for either or both lots, and we expect any bids covering both lots to include a proposed discount structure.

Lot 1 (itt_3995): The procurement of a contract for five cohorts for an accredited 180-credit Master’s course, with one cohort per academic year from AY 2027/28, designed for experienced civil service policy leaders. It will aim to strengthen advanced policy capability, enabling leaders to apply academic rigour and best practice to complex government policy challenges while continuing in their roles.

Lot 2 (itt_3999): Lot 2 is for a postgraduate accredited learning offer for civil service policy professionals, including standalone modules, a Postgraduate Award, Certificate and Diploma for experienced practitioners. It also includes a separate 30-credit Postgraduate Award for Government Policy Fast Streamers, delivered to an annual cohort on a structured three-year timetable.

The Department for Education will hold these contracts, however the programmes must be accessible to all civil service departments.

Funding estimates included within this notice are based off of historic student volumes and spending. Actual contract value will be determined by actual student volumes that will be funded by individual departments. The Department makes no commitment at this stage to the final funding envelope for contractual activity.

Please see the recording of the early market engagement event here: https://youtu.be/Buv5dtEd2_4

The closing date for this procurement is 13 July 2026 at 12:00, and the clarification window will remain open until 30 June 2026 at 15:00.

Please submit all clarification questions and your bid response through the Jaggaer system under project_10154, which is being used to manage this procurement.