Expression of Interest for National Curriculum - Oracy Framework Expert Sector Panel

The Department for Education (DfE) is seeking to appoint, via an expression of interest (EOI), expert panel members to support the development of the Primary Oracy Framework. Although this is a primary framework, this document will include secondary content and may require secondary expertise. The panel members will work with the lead drafter and DfE to produce a document that provides non-statutory guidance to support the effective teaching of oracy in schools.

Panel members will have strong theoretical oracy-expertise and/or extensive experience of delivering oracy across the curriculum, in programmes for schools and CPD for teachers and leaders in different education settings.

The role of panel member will include: i. providing expertise and experience to support the development of the framework, including on accuracy of content and deliverability of the content. ii. drafting sections/chapters of the framework and/or making contributions to sections/chapters. iii. attending regular meetings with the DfE & lead drafter to contribute to discussions on the scope and content of the document. The panel will provide advice and guidance and reach a consensus on the issues discussed. iv. advising on evidence and examples of best practice in England and internationally. v. providing regular reviews of content and comment on different iterations of the draft framework. vi. commenting on options for a sustainable approach to the delivery of the Primary-Oracy-Framework, taking account of relevant good practice and innovation from the wider sector. vii. supporting the launch of the Primary Oracy Framework, including using their own networks where appropriate.

All panel members will operate on a pro-bono basis. However, where travel expenses are incurred by panel members for in-person meetings, the DfE will reimburse panel members.

Governance and Quality Assurance

The Department will appoint a lead drafter to develop and drafter the Primary Oracy Framework. This will be a pro-bono agreement, & no fees or commercial consideration will be paid by the Department under this agreement. To support transparency and independent challenge, an Expert Panel will be established through an open Expression of Interest process.

How to Apply Applicants must review & comply with the requirements, eligibility criteria, and detailed application instructions set out in the attached documentation. Applications should include only the information and supporting evidence specifically requested within the application documents. Failure to follow the application instructions or provide the required information may result in the application not being considered. To be considered, applicants must:

1. Review attached Specification and supporting documents;

2. Complete the official EOI Application Form provided with this opportunity; 3. Submit the completed Application Form (and any requested supporting information) to [contact details removed] by 4pm 23-10-26

Open opportunity - This means that the contract is currently active, and the buying department is looking for potential suppliers to fulfil the contract. Contract summary Industry - Education and training services - 80000000 Location of contract Any region Value of contract £0 Procurement reference tender_551564/1614245 Published date 5 October 2026 Closing date 23 October 2026 Closing time 4pm Contract start date 9 November 2026 Contract end date 31 July 2027 Contract type Service contract Procedure type

Other: Open Expression of Interest

Contract is suitable for SMEs? Yes Contract is suitable for VCSEs? Yes Description The Department for Education (DfE) is seeking to appoint, via an expression of interest (EOI), expert panel members to support the development of the Primary Oracy Framework. Although this is a primary framework, this document will include secondary content and may require secondary expertise. The panel members will work with the lead drafter and DfE to produce a document that provides non-statutory guidance to support the effective teaching of oracy in schools. Panel members will have strong theoretical oracy-expertise and/or extensive experience of delivering oracy across the curriculum, in programmes for schools and CPD for teachers and leaders in different education settings. The role of panel member will include: i. providing expertise and experience to support the development of the framework, including on accuracy of content and deliverability of the content. ii. drafting sections/chapters of the framework and/or making contributions to sections/chapters. iii. attending regular meetings with the DfE & lead drafter to contribute to discussions on the scope and content of the document. The panel will provide advice and guidance and reach a consensus on the issues discussed. iv. advising on evidence and examples of best practice in England and internationally. v. providing regular reviews of content and comment on different iterations of the draft framework. vi. commenting on options for a sustainable approach to the delivery of the Primary-Oracy-Framework, taking account of relevant good practice and innovation from the wider sector. vii. supporting the launch of the Primary Oracy Framework, including using their own networks where appropriate. All panel members will operate on a pro-bono basis. However, where travel expenses are incurred by panel members for in-person meetings, the DfE will reimburse panel members. Governance and Quality Assurance The Department will appoint a lead drafter to develop and drafter the Primary Oracy Framework. This will be a pro-bono agreement, & no fees or commercial consideration will be paid by the Department under this agreement. To support transparency and independent challenge, an Expert Panel will be established through an open Expression of Interest process. How to Apply Applicants must review & comply with the requirements, eligibility criteria, a