Maintained schools: contractual issues
Using framework agreements
Many organisations (including some local authorities) have set up large multi-user framework agreements. These allow schools to join (sometimes for a fee) and place orders for goods, works or services using pre-agreed terms and conditions and rates. Where there's more than one potential provider for the work required, the providers may have quoted different rates and may estimate the time to carry out the work differently. Therefore, it's usual to carry out a mini procurement between those providers to check which one will provide best value.
Calling off from a framework agreement is often quicker and cheaper than negotiating individual contracts every time you want to do business with a provider. Some maintained schools in Southwark are already using framework agreements and we encourage all maintained schools to consider whether there are existing frameworks which could be used for future procurements.
We don't endorse or support any particular arrangements. Schools should consider carefully whether a particular framework meets their needs in terms of price, range of provider, levels of insurance, terms and conditions offered and costs to join. Below are useful links to frameworks which schools might find useful.
|
The frameworks are numerous, fully EU compliant and organisations are not charged to use them (apart from managed services arrangements); photocopier contract. |
|
|
This is an online search service that has been developed to link education establishments to good deals and help simplify the buying process. Over 300 legally compliant contracts across key areas such as ICT, stationery, facilities management and energy can be accessed on the site, which also contains practical procurement guidance and case studies to help identify savings and efficiency opportunities. |
|
|
Pro5 |
This is a group of 4 organisations who collaborate to procure a wide range of goods and services, which are then available to local authorities and schools. These range from fleet, facilities to social care and waste services. |
|
From purchased, rental/operating leased or remanufactured copier equipment, to digital duplicators and other print room equipment. |
Page last updated: 07 January 2020
