Southern Universities Management Services (SUMS) is preparing to re-tender the Education Recruitment Advertising and Resourcing Services (NERARS) framework, supporting public sector organisations across the United Kingdom. The framework will cover education recruitment advertising, staff resourcing services and student recruitment marketing, including media buying, campaign management and creative services. The framework has an estimated total value of £120,000,000 including VAT and is expected to run from 1 March 2027 to 28 February 2030, with the option to extend to 28 February 2031.

Key Dates

• Market engagement deadline: 30 April 2026

• Estimated publication of tender notice: 16 June 2026

• Estimated start date: 1 March 2027

• Estimated completion date: 28 February 2030

• Possible extension to: 28 February 2031

• Contract duration: Up to 4 years

Scope of Works

• Establishment of a national framework for education recruitment advertising and resourcing services

• Lot 1: Education recruitment advertising and resourcing, including staff recruitment campaigns, advertisement creation and production, copywriting, media buying, art direction and brand management

• Lot 2: Student recruitment marketing, focused on media buying and advertisement placement to attract UK and overseas students

• Delivery of full advertising campaign services where required

• Provision of marketing, research and associated creative and print services

Ideal Contractor

• Experienced provider of recruitment advertising and marketing services within the education or public sector

• Strong capability in media buying, campaign management and creative development

• Proven track record in delivering large-scale recruitment and student marketing campaigns

• Ability to operate under a national framework arrangement

• Flexible commercial approach with clear pricing models and performance management processes