As the public sector grapples with limited budgets, ageing assets and tougher regulation and oversight, procurement frameworks can play a key role in navigating the challenges ahead, writes Graham Collie of LHC Procurement Group
Public sector bodies are operating in one of the toughest delivery environments in recent years. They must do more with limited budgets and ageing assets, while meeting higher expectations on building safety, energy performance and social value. They are also still adjusting to new procurement oversight under the Procurement Act. In this environment, procurement is more than a route to market. Used well, it can improve certainty, quality and value across the project lifecycle.
Clients need procurement frameworks that help manage risk, demonstrate compliance, secure capable delivery partners and maintain programme confidence. That’s where frameworks come in. Properly structured and aligned with current priorities, they can help public bodies respond more effectively to complex operational, regulatory and financial pressures.
A new era of support
This year, we are preparing to bring several new frameworks to market.
As with all our frameworks, these will be exclusively available to all publicly funded and part-funded organisations, including central government departments and their agencies – such as the Ministry of Defence, the Home Office and the Department of Health & Social Care – as well as local authorities, the NHS, emergency services, housing associations, educational institutions and other public sector bodies.
Social value requirements are baked into all LHCPG frameworks to ensure projects leave a legacy that improves the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of individuals and communities.
The new frameworks will also be submitted via the Constructing the Gold Standard Verification Scheme to gain the same recognition as LHCPG’s current portfolio. Clients accessing the free-to-use frameworks will be supported by our regional teams, who can provide technical support and localised knowledge throughout project lifecycles.
Public Buildings Construction and Infrastructure (PB4)
As the fourth iteration of our Public Buildings Construction & Infrastructure framework, PB4 covers public building construction, refurbishment and associated civil infrastructure works across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
We are also adding a dedicated workstream for hard facilities management services. Eligibility for PB4 will extend to community organisations and other groups in receipt of any type of public or charitable funding.
Fire Doors (FD9)
Our Fire Doors (FD9) framework will replace our Doorsets, Fire Doors & Communal Entrance Doors (C8) framework.
It will support the installation, renewal, and maintenance of fire doors and security doors in timber composite and steel, as well as access control and maintenance services. By offering streamlined and safety-focused options, this framework ensures that public buildings remain secure, compliant and protected for all users.
Supply & Installation of Windows & Doors (WD3)
We are working towards launching the next iteration of our popular Window & Doors framework in the autumn.
Innovation in this framework includes new metal options in addition to our traditional timber and uPVC material choices. To ensure clients receive an end-to-end service for our products, we are including a repairs and maintenance option to guarantee quality throughout the lifecycle of the installations.
Housing, Regeneration & Demolition (H3)
This framework is aimed at supporting affordable housing and regeneration across the UK.
It covers traditional and panellised MMC housing, with lot structures intended to suit SMEs and national housebuilders. It also includes enabling works such as demolition, remediation and infrastructure, plus a workstream for new Ministry of Defence housing under the Defence Housing Strategy 2025.
Pre-tender engagement has been completed, and we expect the framework to be launched in the late autumn.
Refurbishment & Modernisation (RM4)
Our RM3 framework has delivered strongly across refurbishment, improvement and modernisation works.
It covers compliance-led planned works, kitchens and bathrooms, electrical and plumbing works, painting and decorating, void works and other multidisciplinary services.
In Scotland, high demand has driven an early renewal as the framework nears capacity. The renewed offer – due by early 2027 – is expected to expand into reactive maintenance, landscaping, damp and mould, aids and adaptations, and stone works.
Consultancy Services (CS2)
The next version of our Consultancy Services framework will provide a broad consultant offer, including architects, quantity surveyors, building surveyors, project managers and other specialists.
The current iteration is one of our most popular frameworks, with a mix of SMEs and larger multidisciplinary practices. Pre-tender engagement is due to begin in early summer to test improvements and possible service additions.
Asset Safety and Compliance (ASC2)
ASC2 combines several compliance-related offers within one framework, including water safety, property protection and asbestos services, with added electrical testing, gas safety and heating maintenance for residential and commercial settings.
Future innovation could include MVHR, background gas monitoring and lift servicing. Together with our Fire Safety framework, ASC2 is intended to support clients’ “Big Six” compliance requirements. Pre-tender engagement begins in Autumn 2026.
Fire Safety (FS3)
This framework will cover consultancy, risk management, passive and active fire protection, suppression, testing and maintenance of fire systems, cladding remediation and multidisciplinary services for complex buildings.
It is being developed to help clients meet dutyholder obligations under the Building Safety Act 2022. Pre-tender work begins in Spring 2027.
Modern Methods of Construction New Homes (NH4)
As part of more than a decade of support for MMC, this framework focuses on factory-built housing systems, from panelised products to volumetric homes, with the aim of improving speed and quality of delivery. It also covers related products such as pods, room-in-the-roof solutions and care homes.
Pre-tender engagement is expected to begin this winter.
*Please note, this is a commercial profile.
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