Management Consultancy Framework MCF
The Consultancy playbook, Government guidance on how to commission and engage with consultants more effectively, achieving better outcomes, better value for money and improved civil service capability through the transfer of knowledge and skills was published in May 2021. It was published at the same time as the Sourcing playbook, Government guidance on service delivery, including outsourcing, insourcing, mixed economy sourcing and contracting.
The Consultancy Playbook sets out to provide guidance about how central departments can maximise value for money when sourcing consultancy services. As part of its guidance, the playbook examines the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) routes to market that commercial teams should consider, including but not limited to Management Consultancy Frameworks, which ‘...are multi-lot frameworks with comprehensive customer guidance which should be applied alongside this playbook where appropriate. These frameworks provide buyers with access to a mix of functional lots (e.g. strategy, finance and HR) and sector specific lots (e.g. infrastructure and health and social care).’
In October 2021, CCS announced the replacement of MCF (RM3745) and MCF2 (RM6008) with Management Consultancy Framework Three (MCF3), which is scheduled to run for four years (with no option to extend beyond that period).
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Consultancy playbook.
- Crown Commercial Service CCS.
- Framework contract.
- Public procurement.
- Sourcing in the construction industry.
- Sourcing playbook.
- The Construction Playbook.
[edit] External resources
Featured articles and news
Guidance notes to prepare for April ERA changes
From the Electrical Contractors' Association Employee Relations team.
Significant changes to be seen from the new ERA in 2026 and 2027, starting on 6 April 2026.
First aid in the modern workplace with St John Ambulance.
Ireland's National Residential Retrofit Plan
Staged initiatives introduced step by step.
Solar panels, pitched roofs and risk of fire spread
60% increase in solar panel fires prompts tests and installation warnings.
Modernising heat networks with Heat interface unit
Why HIUs hold the key to efficiency upgrades.
Reflecting on the work of the CIOB Academy
Looking back on 2025 and where it's going next.
Procurement in construction: Knowledge hub
Brief, overview, key articles and over 1000 more covering procurement.
Sir John Betjeman’s love of Victorian church architecture.
Exchange for Change for UK deposit return scheme
The UK Deposit Management Organisation established to deliver Deposit Return Scheme unveils trading name.
A guide to integrating heat pumps
As the Future Homes Standard approaches Future Homes Hub publishes hints and tips for Architects and Architectural Technologists.
BSR as a standalone body; statements, key roles, context
Statements from key figures in key and changing roles.
ECA launches Welsh Election Manifesto
ECA calls on political parties at 100 day milestone to the Senedd elections.
Resident engagement as the key to successful retrofits
Retrofit is about people, not just buildings, from early starts to beyond handover.
Plastic, recycling and its symbol
Student competition winning, M.C.Esher inspired Möbius strip design symbolising continuity within a finite entity.
Do you take the lead in a circular construction economy?
Help us develop and expand this wiki as a resource for academia and industry alike.
Warm Homes Plan Workforce Taskforce
Risks of undermining UK’s energy transition due to lack of electrotechnical industry representation, says ECA.
Cost Optimal Domestic Electrification CODE
Modelling retrofits only on costs that directly impact the consumer: upfront cost of equipment, energy costs and maintenance costs.























