Supporting schools and academies across the UK: Recommended by the DfE
NEPRO is the fast, compliant, cost effective way for schools and academies to buy and manage professional services, recommended by the Department for Education.
Advisors for schools
We understand that effective schools and academies make the best use of resources, ensuring that every pound is used efficiently to improve standards and have maximum impact for their pupils. NEPRO is the only professional services deal recommended for schools and academies by the DfE.
NEPRO provides a cost-effective and compliant route for the procurement of professional services. School Buyers can choose from thousands of providers via a pre-accredited supply chain.
With 19 categories of spend available, Bloom helps school management focus on business services including transformation, finance, ICT, HR and provides advisors specifically for schools to help with:
- Curriculum Advice
- Facilities Management
- Health and Wellbeing
- Marketing
- Organisational and Change Management
- Safeguarding
- School management and improvement support
Benefits for schools
In addition to providing full control and visibility, risk management and value for money, Schools and academies can access:
- Best Practice: School-driven development of specifications that can be used by the whole schools’ population.
- Management Information: The regular provision of a tailored dashboard providing data relating to usage, project categories, contract awards and savings
- Cashable Savings
- These benefits are all delivered through a web-based platform that is easy to use for non-procurement professionals within the school administration.
Managing risk
NEPRO is fully compliant, which means that School Buyers can choose from thousands of providers via a pre-accredited supply chain. All contractual obligations are defined and agreed upfront, providing peace of mind, an audit trail and full transparency. That means risk is mitigated and quality assured.
School Buyers are helped to define a robust specification for the required outcome. Procurement specialists then manage the invitation to bid, proposal, receipt, evaluation and selection providing a completely independent approach.
Testimonials
The pilot in 2014 showed that NEPRO could assist the Council to achieve our aims of supporting local business while freeing up valuable time for us to concentrate on high value strategic projects.
Working with Bloom to access NEPRO has ensured we realise all the expected benefits from a neutral vendor approach in procuring and managing specialist professional services. They are a true partner and are continually looking to improve the way we work and ultimately the services provided by the suppliers.
Bloom was essential in the recent hiring of a consultant for a governance project within oneSource. Through NEPRO, I was able to hire a consultant within 2 weeks of posting my project requirements. I was provided with proposals from a range of experienced and relevant suppliers and received valued support from Bloom throughout the process.
The Association of North East Councils Limited trading as the North East Procurement Organisation (NEPO) Company number 05014821. © 2019 NEPO.