Learn about buying

There is DfE guidance and tools available to support you to buy goods and services.

We have useful procurement guidance available on:

  • how to buy what you need, explaining when to buy from a framework agreement, when to get bids or quotes and when to run a public contracts regulations (PCR) compliant buying process
  • what to think about and be aware of before you buy specific goods or services for your school or trust, as each has a different set of considerations

We have digital procurement tools available to help you:

  • find a DfE approved framework – there are over sixty to choose from, offering a wide variety of goods and services
  • create a specification – a detailed list of your requirements which suppliers will need in order to be able to bid for your contract

How to buy

Read about compliant ways to buy and the regulations you need to follow

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What to consider

What you might need to think about before buying specific goods and services

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Create a specification

For catering or multi-functional devices like printers and scanners, you can you use our online tool to help you write your specification

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Find a DfE approved framework

Learn how framework agreements work and get access to suppliers

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