NAVIGATE THE NEW PROCUREMENT ACT WITH CONFIDENCE
Procurement Support for Schools and Trusts
Since 24 February 2025, the Procurement Act 2023 has applied to nearly all public sector contracts – including those awarded by academy trusts.
At Warneford Consulting, we’ve always placed rigorous due diligence at the heart of our contractor and supplier selection processes. With the introduction of the Procurement Act 2023 and the heightened expectations from the Department for Education (DfE), we’ve taken further steps to ensure our approach remains fully compliant and future-ready.
Our enhanced procurement process includes:
Useful Resources
To explore official guidance and learn more about the changes, visit:
At the same time, the Department for Education (DfE) is actively reminding academy trusts of their duty to demonstrate robust due diligence when selecting and appointing contractors. In 2024 as part of the Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) post award process, funding was withdrawn from eligible trusts’ due to ‘procurement irregularities’. In short, non-compliance risks losing funding.
“The Procurement Act is a chance for schools to do more than just save money —
it’s about choosing suppliers that deliver lasting value.”
— Tim Warneford
Warneford’s Approach to Compliant Procurement
At Warneford Consulting, we’ve always placed rigorous due diligence at the heart of our contractor and supplier selection processes. With the introduction of the Procurement Act 2023 and the heightened expectations from the Department for Education (DfE), we’ve taken further steps to ensure our approach remains fully compliant and future-ready. Our enhanced procurement process includes:
Comprehensive Pre-Vetting
Contractors, consultants, and supply chains are assessed for quality, financial stability, and proven delivery.
Delta eSourcing Platform
Adopted to ensure transparent and fair tender management in line with public sector best practice.
Two-Stage Supplier Questionnaire
- SQ1: Pre-qualification (financials, insurance, experience)
- SQ2: Project-specific, weighted evaluation
These improvements enable us to deliver more accountable, transparent, and strategic procurement outcomes for our academy clients.
For Suppliers: Get Tender-Ready
Suppliers interested in future tender opportunities through Warneford Consulting must complete the following steps:
- Register with the Government’s Central Digital Platform
- Sign up with Delta eSourcing
- Request access to Warneford tender opportunities by emailing:
DMPadmin@warnefordconsulting.com
Only registered suppliers will be considered for upcoming contract opportunities.
Tender Support for Academy Trusts
The DfE is actively reminding academy trusts of their obligation to conduct robust, transparent, and defensible procurement. Failure to meet this standard has already resulted in the withdrawal of capital funding in several 2024 cases.
Warneford Consulting supports trusts through this complex and evolving landscape by:
- Scoping needs and developing clear procurement objectives
- Managing the full tendering process, from specification to supplier award
- Ensuring compliance with both the Procurement Act 2023 and the Academy Trust Handbook
Also of interest: TTN Webinar on Martyn’s Law — a valuable resource for schools reviewing safeguarding and security-related procurement.
Let us help your trust achieve compliant, strategic procurement that delivers long-term value — not just short-term savings.
Contact us today to learn how we can support your next procurement project.
Your Next Step
The Procurement Act has raised the bar — but it doesn’t have to raise your stress levels. With years of experience guiding schools and trusts through funding and compliance challenges, we combine sector insight with a hands-on approach that makes the complex feel manageable.
Whether you’re preparing your first tender under the new rules or reviewing your current processes, we’ll help you stay compliant, protect funding, and unlock long-term value for your trust.