Higher education procurement and contracting during COVID-19
What can and should universities do to set up contracts for September when there is uncertainty about how education will be delivered, or when staff have been furloughed or otherwise engaged?
This webinar took place on 20 May 2020 and is now available on-demand.
Universities, along with other education providers, are planning for a very different new academic year from September 2020, an academic year which will challenge existing delivery models and demand greater flexibility of people and resources. What can and should universities be doing to set up contracts for September in a climate where it is not possible to follow the usual process for running tender exercises, when there is so much uncertainty about how education will need to be delivered from September, or when staff on both sides of the tendering process have been furloughed or are otherwise engaged?
Join us for 45 minutes of legal commentary followed by Q&A, looking at the following:
- How feasible is it just now to run a tender process and engage with suppliers?
- What are the options for either extending current contracts or awarding new ones without a full tender process?
- Does the guidance issued by government about using provisions in the Public Contracts Regulations to vary or award contracts cover forward planning for contracts required after “normal life” resumes?
- How risky would variations or direct awards be and what can be done to mitigate that risk?
- What terms could you include in any extended or new contracts to provide additional flexibility and protection should your needs change in the new academic year?
- When awarding new contracts, what has Coronavirus taught us about what else a contract should provide for?
Your speakers are Anja Beriro, a Partner experienced in advising higher education and wider public sector clients in relation to procurement and commercial issues and, Paula Dumbill, a Partner in our Commercial team and specialist in complex public sector outsourcing contracts.
We look forward to speaking with you and are happy to take questions in advance to respond to on the day.
Speakers
Anja Beriro
Partner
Anja is a partner in Browne Jacobson’s government and infrastructure team and is a trusted advisor to numerous public sector clients. Anja is recognised for her experience in public procurement (litigious and non-litigious), outsourcing arrangements, complex governance structures, alternative service delivery models, and joint working between health and local government.
anja.beriro@brownejacobson.com
+44 (0)115 976 6589
Contact
Anja Beriro
Partner
anja.beriro@brownejacobson.com
+44 (0)115 976 6589
Related expertise
You may be interested in...
Opinion
Court refuses group litigation order in student group COVID claims
Legal Update - Be Connected (schools)
Be Connected (schools and academy trusts): July 2024
Press Release
King’s Speech 2024: Reaction from Browne Jacobson lawyers
On-Demand - Procurement Act
How should academy trusts be preparing for procurement reform?
Guide
School INSET days: preparing staff for the 24/25 academic year
Guide
Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSiE) 2024: The main changes and what to do next
Legal Update - Procurement Act
Brookhouse case: Court of Appeal decision in respect of time limits for procurement challenges
Podcast - #EdInfluence
#EdInfluence podcast (series 3) - in conversation with inspiring leaders
Press Release
General election reaction from Browne Jacobson’s education team
Press Release
School trusts are breaking barriers to find new solutions for their local communities
Opinion
Settling future claims: Insights from Clifford v IBM 2024
Press Release
New resource will support university innovation
In Person Event
MATs Summit 2024
On-Demand
Understanding the changing role of company secretary for academy trusts
Legal Update
SEND support a major issue in education ahead of General Election, say school leaders in Browne Jacobson survey
On-Demand
School complaints: handling problem parent behaviour
Legal Update - Be Connected (schools)
Be Connected (schools and academy trusts) - May 2024
Press Release
A review by the Migration Advisory Committee into the UK’s graduate visa route for international students
Press Release
The Department for Education’s review of the relationships, sex and health education (RSHE) statutory guidance
Press Release - Firm news
Browne Jacobson appoints new Head of Education Employment
Legal Update
SEND capacity issues leading to non-compliance
Legal Update - Be Connected (higher education)
Be Connected – Higher education Spring 2024
Press Release
Browne Jacobson’s school leaders survey illustrates rising volume of parental complaints and impact on teachers
Legal Update
High Court dismisses school prayer ban challenge
Legal Update
Changes to the fixed recoverable costs regime
Legal Update
School leaders survey Spring 2024 - the results are in
Legal Update
OFS Consultation on freedom of speech guidance
Legal Update
Understanding the ICO's new fining guidance
Legal Update
7 ways academy trusts can prepare for the new Corporate Transparency Act
Press Release - Firm news
Three newly-qualified solicitors join Browne Jacobson’s education team
Opinion
Can teachers personal and political views amount to misconduct?
Legal Update
New leadership for our education team
Press Release - Firm news
Browne Jacobson announces Nick MacKenzie to succeed Mark Blois as head of Browne Jacobson’s education team
Legal Update
Changes to academy conversion funding
Legal Update
Holiday pay: Government change clarifies treatment of term time only workers
Legal Update
All change at Companies House - Corporate Transparency Act
Legal Update
Cyber-attacks in UK universities: Why failing to prepare is no longer an option
Opinion
School attendance matters
Legal Update
Charity law update – March 2024
