In the latest milestone in the transformation of public sector procurement, local authorities and social housing providers nationwide are set to benefit from the Gold Standard verification of LHC Procurement Group (LHCPG), announced today
LHCPG is one of only six framework providers out of more than 2,000 to reach this standard and the only one to implement it nationwide across five regions.
The Constructing the Gold Standard Verification Scheme, endorsed by the UK government and rooted in the Construction Playbook recommendations, establishes benchmarks for frameworks that drive improved value, reduced risk, and support sustainable, safer project outcomes. The scheme evaluates public sector framework providers on a wide range of criteria, from planning and compliance to risk reduction and sustainable outcomes.
LHC’s gold standard is well earned
As a verified organisation, LHCPG frameworks have met the 24 rigorous recommendations set by the Gold Standard, confirming that its public sector clients experience enhanced project support, focused community impact, improved collaboration across supply chains and long-term cost savings, all underpinned by best practices in transparency, sustainability and social value.
Shane Hughes, Gold Standard independent verifier, said:
“It’s been a pleasure working with Lesley Anderson throughout the verification process. The Constructing Excellence Gold Standard Task Group agreed with my recommendation that the LHC Procurement Group has appropriate measures and activities in place across its entire operation as a national framework provider that complies with the requirements of ‘Constructing the Gold Standard’ at each of the key stages of strategy, procurement, contract and management. I’m delighted LHCPG is now Gold Standard verified – a worthy and fully deserved accolade in recognition of its wide range of impressive frameworks.”
LHCPG regularly trains its clients and contractors on what it refers to as the ‘Golden Blueprint’, being the Framework Gold Standard, the Construction Playbook and FAC-1 contract.
Clive Feeney, group CEO of LHCPG, said:
“This Gold Standard verification provides an independent endorsement of our high standards and reinforces our role as a compelling procurement partner for public sector clients. It recognises our market insight, commitment to knowledge sharing, and dedication to delivering continuous improvement for public sector clients.”
Lesley Anderson, regional director for the Scottish Procurement Alliance at LHCPG, who led the process to become verified, added:
“I’m thrilled we have achieved Gold Standard verification across all our frameworks with evidence and case studies from across all regional business units. It’s been a long and rigorous process to evidence everything we do and to prove our adherence to practices that support reliable, high-quality construction with social value embedded throughout. Today’s announcement is a fitting tribute to the dedication of the whole LHCPG team.”
A long journey
Long before achieving verification, LHCPG supported and implemented Gold Standard recommendations, consistently promoting these best practices both internally and within the wider sector. LHCPG was involved in the research that shaped the Gold Standard recommendations, and became an early adopter of the FAC-1 contract.
LHCPG relies exclusively on FAC-1 as the umbrella framework agreement for its operations, demonstrating its commitment to industry-leading contract management. These systems and processes were instrumental in achieving Gold Standard verification, as evidenced by the detailed case studies that provided a holistic view of LHCPG’s operations.
Through collaborative systems like Core Groups and strategic supply chain relationships, LHCPG has ensured that framework management includes accountable officers from both regional and central teams, representing technical and procurement expertise. The Independent Verifier also highlighted the work LHCPG has done to ensure its framework design, call-off processes and delivery models are robust and adaptive to clients requirements.
With a team of in-house technical managers dedicated to upholding health and safety, sustainability, and quality at both Group and local levels, LHCPG ensures that every framework is designed to meet the specific requirements and outcomes of their clients, engaging them through regional committees and supporting shared goals in net zero and social value.
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