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
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.
Skills England publishes Sector skills needs assessments
Priority areas relating to the built environment highlighted and described in brief.
BSRIA HVAC Market Watch - May 2025 Edition
Heat Pump Market Outlook: Policy, Performance & Refrigerant Trends for 2025–2028.
Committing to EDI in construction with CIOB
Built Environment professional bodies deepen commitment to EDI with two new signatories: CIAT and CICES.
Government Grenfell progress report at a glance
Line by line recomendation overview, with links to more details.
An engaging and lively review of his professional life.
Sustainable heating for listed buildings
A problem that needs to be approached intelligently.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.
Licensing construction in the UK
As the latest report and proposal to licence builders reaches Parliament.
Building Safety Alliance golden thread guidance
Extensive excel checklist of information with guidance document freely accessible.
Fair Payment Code and other payment initiatives
For fair and late payments, need to work together to add value.
Pre-planning delivery programmes and delay penalties
Proposed for housebuilders in government reform: Speeding Up Build Out.
High street health: converting a building for healthcare uses
The benefits of health centres acting as new anchor sites in the high street.