What's in this edition of the National LGPS Frameworks Bulletin?
The Spring 2026 Bulletin contains the following news and updates:
- Welcome to the National LGPS Frameworks Spring Bulletin!
- Actuarial, Benefits and Governance Consultancy Services Framework Launches
- Independent Governance Reviews
- Independent Person
- Global Custody Services Framework
- Stewardship Services Framework
- Call for Founders: Legal Services Framework
- Framework Updates
- Legal Services Framework Price Increase
- National LGPS Frameworks on LinkedIn
- Thank you Jo!
Welcome to the National LGPS Frameworks Spring Bulletin!
Welcome to the latest edition of the National LGPS Frameworks News Bulletin.
We appreciate just how busy everyone across the LGPS is at the moment, with so much change underway. The National LGPS Frameworks team is committed to supporting Pools and Funds in any way we can.
If you need any assistance, or if you have suggestions for how the Frameworks could offer further support, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
We hope you find this bulletin informative and useful. We are always keen to improve the content to ensure it provides the information you need, so please let us know if there are any areas or topics you would like us to focus on in future editions.
Actuarial, Benefits and Governance Consultancy Services Framework Launches
We are very excited to launch the fourth iteration of the National LGPS Framework for Actuarial, Benefits and Governance Consultancy Services.
This is the first of our Frameworks to be launched under the Procurement Act 2023 and we have taken advantage of the new regulations to let an eight-year Framework. This means that services let via this Framework will be available until January 2034, although contracts awarded via the Framework can still only be for a maximum of 10 years.
The Framework can be used by all LGPS Funds and Investment Pools, as well as any other public sector organisations requiring pensions-related services.
For more information, to sign up to view the full suite of documentation, or to join the Framework, please visit the Actuarial, Benefits and Governance Consultancy Services Framework page on our website or use the button below.
Fit for the Future: Independent Governance Reviews
The Actuarial, Benefits and Governance Consultancy Services Framework provides a compliant and efficient route to procure Independent Governance Reviews. This requirement is expressly included within the scope of the Framework.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss your needs further, please don’t hesitate to contact us at NationalLGPSFrameworks@norfolk.gov.uk.
Fit for the Future: Independent Person
We have received a number of queries regarding whether a Framework could support the appointment of an Independent Person.
Until recently, it has been difficult to determine whether a Framework was appropriate because there was limited clarity on whether the appointment should follow, for example:
- a recruitment process (e.g., an HR-led appointment), in which case a procurement Framework would not be suitable; or
- could the appointment of an Independent Person via a company (for example, a professional trustee company), where a procurement exercise, and specifically a Framework, would be suitable.
We now understand that both routes are acceptable.
However, given that these appointments must be in place by October, we would be unable to establish a Framework in sufficient time for Funds to conduct a call-off and complete their appointment processes before the deadline.
That said, we remain committed to supporting the LGPS in this area and would be very pleased to work with Funds to explore whether a Framework would be helpful in the future, and to develop appropriate timescales should this be required.
We would welcome any thoughts you may have. Please do get in touch with Leon at: leon.thorpe@norfolk.gov.uk
Global Custody Services Framework
With so much change in the LGPS currently and uncertainty of exactly what custody arrangements will be required in the future, we have extended the Global Custody Services Framework by a further 6 Months to August 2026.
We are working with a number of Funds and Pools to discuss the future of this framework and the specific requirements going forward. If you would like to join this group or provide your thoughts, we would be most grateful for any contributions.
Stewardship Services Framework
We are currently looking to extend the Stewardship Services Framework by 12 months taking the expiry of this Framework to March 2027. We are in the process of agreeing the contract variation with all the Providers on the Framework and hope to have confirmation of this soon.
Call for Founders: Legal Services Framework
The Legal Services Framework is due to expire in January 2027.
We are looking to re-let this Framework and are very grateful to the Funds and Pools who have already offered to be Founders on this Framework. If you would be interested in helping to shape the new version of this Framework and act as Founder please do get in touch, it would be very much appreciated.
Framework Updates
Pensions Administration Operational Support Services
The current Framework expires on 30 April 2026. Joining documentation for this Framework and all call-offs including signed Order Forms will need to be completed prior to this date. If you’re unsure about what’s needed or have any questions, please get in touch.
Working with a number of Funds, work has commenced on the replacement for this Framework, and we plan to begin market engagement with interested parties soon. If you would be interested in working with us and helping us shape this Framework we would be delighted to hear from you.
Benchmarking and Cost Transparency Framework
Bids have now been received from prospective Providers for the Benchmarking and Cost Transparency Services Framework. The Founders are currently evaluating the bids ahead of moderation in mid-March. We are working towards a launch of this Framework in Spring 2026.
If you have any questions about this Framework, or if you would like to be kept in touch regarding its progress, please contact us at NationalLGPSFrameworks@norfolk.gov.uk.
Legal Services Framework Price Increase
As part of the Framework Agreement for the National LGPS Framework for Legal Services, the ceiling prices have received a 3.2% CPI increase. The new prices took effect from 17th January 2026.
The ceiling price increase only applies to work awarded from the Framework after this date and does not apply to call-off contracts already in place at the time of the increase. All Provider's Pricing Schedules have been updated to reflect the increase.
If you haven't already, please log in to your user account to access the updated Pricing Schedules.
National LGPS Frameworks on LinkedIn
A reminder that you can follow and connect with the National LGPS Frameworks on LinkedIn, where we're posting all our latest news and updates.
You can follow us on LinkedIn by clicking here.
Explore the National LGPS Frameworks
Click the button below to explore all of our currently-live Frameworks:
Thank you Jo!
As many of you will now know Jo Quarterman will be retiring as Director of the National LGPS Frameworks and Head of Governance at Norfolk Pension Fund at the end of March.
Jo was involved in the inception of the National LGPS Frameworks in 2011 and has been fundamental to their ongoing success since.
We will all miss Jo but wish her all the best in her very well-deserved retirement!
Thank you for reading!
If there is any information you would like included in the next edition of the National LGPS Frameworks Bulletin, or if there are any questions you would like answered, please don't hesitate to contact a member of the team at NationalLGPSFrameworks@norfolk.gov.uk or call 01603 306846.
