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Central government & non-departmental public bodies

We advise central government departments, agencies and non-departmental public bodies on major public sector projects and services.

Our team’s understanding of the economic and political challenges facing government bodies make us uniquely placed to advise on the legal implications of major projects, achieving practical solutions and minimising risk.

We work with organisations across the UK and are appointed on all the key panels, including (as part of a consortium of firms) the CCS legal services framework, under which we provide a wide range of legal services to government departments and agencies.

Whether our clients are embarking on a major restructuring or technology project, seeking economies via shared services, developing a major infrastructure project, or undertaking an outsourcing or procurement project, our team members are known for their innovative approach and ability to deliver.

As agencies become more innovative in designing new ways of working, it is vital to ensure that all activities are in line with employment law regulations, good corporate governance and human rights legislation. We have significant experience of advising on all these aspects.

We also participate in the Government Legal Service training programme.

Key Contacts

Work highlights

  • Advising a central government department on state aid – Very high profile scheme with a value of c. £150 million including advice on the extent to which the state aid rules were engaged, the exemptions available and how to use them.
  • Advising a central government department on the state aid compliance of a multi-million-pound grant to a number of Scottish local authorities for services of general economic interest (SGEIs).
  • Legal advisers to the Delivery Authority on the Palace of Westminster’s Restoration and Renewal programme.
  • Non-levy procurement for DfE – Provided advice about how best to reframe the new procurement, drafted the procurement documents and the contract and provided ongoing advice on the responses to clarifications and the standstill letters.
  • Contract Simplification Project – Instructed to advise on how best to update and harmonise terms across the ESFA’s contract suite. This involved considering operational issues which were not reflected appropriately in the contracts and current best practices in the market.

Sharpe Pritchard LLP acted on behalf of East Sussex County Council in progressing a Compulsory Purchase Order (“CPO”), Side Roads Order and Bridge Scheme to enable the delivery of the Exceat Bridge Replacement Scheme, as confirmed by the Secretary of State for Transport on 7 October 2025. The confirmation of the CPO, together with the…

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Solar farm construction contracts are in focus following fascinating insights into the continuing global uptake and expansion of renewables, and particularly solar, within the 2025 mid-year report of Ember, a global energy think tank. Headlines include renewables overtaking coal,  for the first time ever,  to be the leading source of global electricity production and solar…

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Sharpe Pritchard LLP, one of the UK’s leading public law firms, has once again achieved outstanding recognition in the Chambers and Partners UK 2026 Guide, securing top rankings across multiple practice areas and for several individual lawyers. Sharpe Pritchard’s 2026 Chambers Rankings In the latest Chambers results, Sharpe Pritchard: Maintains Band 1 rankings in Electoral…

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To find out how we can help you, please contact us today