NWUPC announces the launch of the new Global Mobility Services Framework (PFB3160 NW). This framework provides a route to market for procuring specialist service providers to support your organisation’s global employee movements from overseas tax, payroll, immigration and advice (e.g. pensions, employment law, feasibility assessments) to services for employee relocation and expense management, and a new specialism for employer of record services.

The framework will run from 1st July 2025 to 30th June 2027 with two 12-month extension options until 30th June 2029. The framework is open to APUC, HEPCW, LUPC, NEUPC, NWUPC and SUPC members.

The Global Mobility Services Framework has been divided into the following service specific lots:

• Lot 1 – Overseas Taxation, Payroll, Immigration and Advisory Services.
• Lot 2 – Employee Relocation Services.
• Lot 3 – Employer of Record Services.

The scope of services will ensure the Customer and their Global Employees are provided with the necessary advice, support, assessment, and management to fulfil a legally compliant route for international global workforce movement requirements.

The following services are covered under the framework:

The full list of services provided for each lot is extensive. A brief overview is available below but for a full listing please visit the Global Mobility Services Framework User Guide which can be found on the NWUPC Framework Page.

Lot 1 – Overseas Taxation, Payroll, Immigration and Advisory Services covers advice and support to Members (Customers) on the management of their Global Employees’ working or travelling arrangements in an overseas host country for the following aspects – international taxation, international payroll, immigration services and advisory services.  The Suppliers will provide legally compliant advice, support and management of overseas activities in a host country.  Advisory Services are available on a non-mandatory supplier basis to assist Members with its global workforce requirements such as international employment law, pensions, feasibility assessments/costs, business traveller and remote working, permanent establishment and an employer of record model.

Lot 2 – Employee Relocation Services comprises advice and support to Members and their Global Employees relocating inbound & outbound of UK or moving within the UK only (domestic relocation).  The range of services includes a Managed Service for Relocation Support or an Expense Management Service (with or without relocation support). Domestic relocations and moves from one overseas country to another are provided on a non-mandatory supplier basis.  The support to Customers and their Global Employees is for both permanent and temporary assignments, which may be for a single relocation event or a long-term arrangement, depending on the Customer’s requirements.   Advice and support is also available to Customers on the compliant management of Global Employee lump-sum allowances.

Lot 3 – Employer of Record Services is a new provision under the framework and is available where a Member is seeking a global employment outsourcing provider, to operate overseas on its behalf as a legal employer of record.  The Supplier will fulfil the employer responsibilities in an overseas host country location on behalf of the Customer for its Global Employees, to prevent any unintended compliance risks or host authority sanctions around its global workforce arrangements for immigration, local labour laws, social security, payroll administration and tax regulations etc.  Its aim is to also remove the risk of a Member Institution creating a Permanent Establishment, or having to establish a local legal entity that can be time consuming, costly, or not possible due to its constitutional set-up (e.g. charitable status) or not being compliant with the host country’s legal entity requirements.

Key benefits of using the Framework:

• Advantageous pricing and service discounts.
• Established Terms and Conditions.
• Reduced admin effort and access to pre-agreed terms.
• Access to a broader range of professional advice and specialist services.
• Supplier relationships.
• Simplified compliant process.
• Flexibility to develop service model with supplier expertise.
• Access to secure digital global platforms, tools & systems.
• Support longer term business planning.
• Contract management support.

How do I buy from the framework?

This Framework allows you to buy through three options. Direct award, desktop exercise or mini competition. You should choose the option most appropriate to your purchase taking into consideration; your Organisational Procurement Guidance and Financial Regulations, the products you wish to purchase and the specific requirements of your organisation.

How has Responsible Procurement been considered as part of the tender?

All Suppliers are expected to comply with the Sustainability requirements as set out in Clause 27 of the Framework.  This includes a commitment for the Supplier to sign up to the NETpositive Supplier Engagement Tool which will be used as part of contract management processes.

The UKUPC Supply Chain Code of Conduct was issued to suppliers as part of this tender. 

At selection, suppliers were assessed for:

• Compliance with the requirements of the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
• Payment of the Real Living Wage.
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity.
• NetZero Commitment.
• Carbon Reduction Plan.
• Data Protection and compliance with GDPR.

At Selection, Suppliers were asked to provide details of any accreditations or certifications relevant to the framework for Global Mobility Services such as ISO 9001 for managing quality systems, ISO 27001 for managing information security and/or other industry standards.

Further information:

Full framework details, including suppliers by Lot and a Quick Reference Guide can be found here on the NWUPC Framework Page.

For further questions or enquiries contact Roy Dennis R.Dennis@lupc.ac.uk.