Ward Hadaway wins place on Lots 1 – 5 of the Government Commercial Agency’s £500m Legal Panel for the Public Sector Framework (RM6374)
8th September, 2026
The Legal Panel for the Public Sector (RM6374) is a procurement framework managed by the Government Commercial Agency that provides UK public sector organisations, including Central Government, Local Government and Devolved Administrations with a quick and compliant route to engage specialist legal services.
Ward Hadaway LLP has been appointed to Lots 1a, 1b, 1c, 2, 3, 4 and 5 by the Government Commercial Agency and can therefore accept instructions under the framework from this time until 29 July 2029 (noting that the Government Commercial Agency has the option to extend this date).
What is the Government Commercial Agency’s Legal Panel for the Public Sector (RM6374)?
The Legal Panel for the Public Sector is a multi-supplier commercial framework that has been established by the Government Commercial Agency in Summer 2026 and which has been made available for use by all public sector and non-profit organisations across the United Kingdom, including Central Government departments, local authorities, NHS bodies, education providers, emergency services, infrastructure organisations and third sector bodies. Call-off contracts can be of any value or length.
The framework went live on 13 August 2026 for a duration of three years, replacing older procurement routes such as Crown Commercial Service Frameworks RM6240 and RM6284. The Government Commercial Agency has the right to extend Framework RM6374.
What legal services can Ward Hadaway LLP provide to public authorities and non-profit organisations under Framework RM6374?
Ward Hadaway has been selected to provide expert legal advice under the following lots:
- Lot 1 a: Full Legal Service Provision for all Public Sector
- Lot 1 b: Full Legal Service Provision for Local Government and Local Communities
- Lot 1 c: Full Legal Service Provision for Health and Social Care
- Lot 2: Focused Legal Support
- Lot 3: Litigation and Disputes
- Lot 4: Projects and Complex Advice (including major commercial and infrastructure work, public-private partnerships and private finance initiatives)
- Lot 5: Transport and Rail
How can public authorities instruct Ward Hadaway using the Government Commercial Agency’s Legal Panel for the Public Sector (RM6374)?
The Government Commercial Agency states that the framework “offers quick, flexible call-off award mechanisms to help buyers purchase the support they need“. Public authorities can instruct Ward Hadaway (and other law firms) using the GCA Legal Panel for Public Sector (RM6374) in three ways:
- Direct award (for requirements under light touch threshold £663,540, including VAT)
- Mini-competition
- Rapid award
Having settled on a preferred procurement method, initial queries from instructing authorities should be directed to bids@wardhadaway.com; our team responsible for manging all communications, enquiries and onboarding in relation to the Framework. For further information, the GCA’s ‘Buyer Guide’ explains how each route applies in more detail. The RM6374 Order form can be downloaded here.
What is the significance of Ward Hadaway’s appointment to Framework RM6374?
Damien Charlton, Head of the Commercial Department at Ward Hadaway, said: “I am delighted that Ward Hadaway has been appointed to this panel, which cements our position as a leading provider of legal services to public authorities. It enables public sector bodies from across the country to access advice from our specialist lawyers – whether the requirement is for advice about real estate, procurement, subsidy control, or disputes, our highly experienced team will be able to assist”
Alexander Rose, Head of Public Funding at Ward Hadaway, said: “The decision by the Government Commercial Agency to appoint Ward Hadaway to seven lots under Framework RM6374 is a ringing endorsement of the firm’s growing public sector practice.
Ward Hadaway is a highly ambitious firm. One of our ambitions is to become the first choice law firm for public authorities. Joining Framework RM6374 helps us achieve this by making it easier for public sector lawyers to hire us. Once chosen, we stand out through our deep technical expertise, knowledge of public sector issues, and personable approach. By delivering great service, we win repeat work and become trusted advisers for major projects and complex challenges. That is why appointment to Framework RM6374 matters so much to our firm”..
Alex Welton, Tender Manager, also added: “The GCA Legal Panel for Public Sector is a really key appointment, not just for the growth of Ward Hadaway, but also our ability to support public sector clients. We take immense pride in partnering with authorities delivering services that elevate communities at both a national and regional level, and our place on this Framework rubber stamps our role as the go-to legal provider.”
Please note that this briefing is designed to be informative, not advisory and represents our understanding of English law and practice as at the date indicated. We would always recommend that you should seek specific guidance on any particular legal issue.
This page may contain links that direct you to third party websites. We have no control over and are not responsible for the content, use by you or availability of those third party websites, for any products or services you buy through those sites or for the treatment of any personal information you provide to the third party.
Contact a specialist
Follow us on LinkedIn
Keep up to date with all the latest updates and insights from our expert team
