Here's an update on the joint work underway with Jisc and UKUPC, as part of the UUK Transformation and Efficiency Taskforce, to improve value, resilience and outcomes in software procurement across the higher education sector. This communication also maps out the support needed from institutions.

Why this work is needed

Higher education institutions are facing increasing pressure in the software and IT space, driven by common challenges across the sector. These include unsustainable price increases, particularly in locally contracted SaaS solutions, inconsistent use of sector-wide spend, and the proliferation of institution-level agreements that weaken strategic vendor management and service outcomes.

The sector is also experiencing increasing dependency on a small number of suppliers, rising market concentration in key systems, and inconsistent use of existing procurement routes and frameworks. Although UKUPC and Jisc frameworks are specifically designed for UK education and research, inconsistent adoption means the sector is not fully realising their value or collective negotiating strength.

Our approach

Working collaboratively, Jisc and UKUPC will focus on maximising value through existing consortia agreements, identifying new opportunities and strengthening the sector’s collective buying power.

Key principles include:

• Contracting, where possible, with the vendor or rights owner, rather than relying solely on reseller-led models
• Evaluating resellers and partners for implementation, integration and professional services
• Addressing both high-cost incumbent systems (e.g. ERP, SRS/SIS) and emerging solution areas (e.g. AI, assessment and curriculum management)

Delivery and next steps

We are proposing to structure the work around three strands:

• Improving awareness and take-up of existing agreements;
• Developing a sector-led strategy informed by shared data and insight;
• Delivering targeted Proofs of Concept that combine negotiation and tendering to achieve cost reduction and improved outcomes.

This approach was presented to UCISA Board in January 2026, with consultation sought on priorities and a request for support in providing institutional data aligned to delivery against the UUK taskforce objectives. Further consultation will take place with the sector, the procurement community and National ICT group.

To enable delivery, we are asking Procurement teams to:

• Work closely with IT (or outside IT, if the decision makers/budget holders are elsewhere) within your institutions

• Support the provision of relevant data to inform priorities and strategy
• Encourage consistent and appropriate use of sector frameworks and agreements
• Help build institutional and senior-level support for collective engagement with key suppliers.

Your engagement is critical to ensuring this work delivers meaningful, sector-wide value. We look forward to sharing more information about the impact and opportunities this presents to UKUPC members as the partnership progresses.