Procurement frameworks: A low-risk route to appointing lift consultants in the public sector

UK public procurement rules changed on February 24, 2025, with the Procurement Act 2023 introducing a more flexible, transparent, and streamlined system. The changes benefit housing associations, local authorities, and other public sector bodies, for whom appointing professional advisers is rarely straightforward. Procurement must be compliant, defensible, transparent, and auditable whilst still delivering value for money and the right technical expertise.

This challenge is particularly acute when procuring vertical transportation consultancy. Lift projects are often high-risk, safety critical, and technically complex, yet they arise relatively infrequently (but sometimes urgently) for many organisations.

Procurement frameworks offer a proven, lower risk‑ solution.

What is a procurement framework?

A procurement framework is a system which allows public sector organisations to appoint consultants without running a full tender process each time services are required.

Framework suppliers are pre‑qualified through a rigorous assessment process, typically covering:

• Technical competence and relevant experience.
• Quality management systems and governance.
• Financial standing and insurance.
• Health and safety arrangements.
• Compliance with public sector procurement regulations.
• Competitively tendered and benchmarked fee rates.

Only organisations that meet these standards are appointed, giving clients confidence that suppliers have already passed robust due diligence so they can speed up the tender process.

Why frameworks matter for public sector organisations

Housing associations and local authorities are required to demonstrate that appointments are:

• Compliant with procurement regulations.
• Transparent and auditable.
• Value driven, not just the cheapest option.
• Defensible in the event of scrutiny or legal challenge.

Frameworks are specifically designed to meet these requirements. By sourcing services through an established framework, organisations can demonstrate compliance while significantly reducing procurement risk and administrative burden.

Reducing risk for infrequent purchasers of lift consultancy

Lift consultancy services are not procured every day. Many organisations only require specialist advice when their lifts reach their end-of-life expectancy, at around 15-20 years depending on usage and environment. Lift consultants may also be required when the overall building has major refurbishment planned, or if there are concerns around performance, compliance or safety, or more thorough maintenance is required. Occasionally, a wider portfolio will prioritise investment in their planning, which may necessitate the replacement of several lifts.

In these situations, relying on the lift contractor, internet searches or informal recommendations offers limited assurance and can expose organisations to unnecessary risk. Frameworks remove that uncertainty by ensuring consultants have already been independently assessed and approved.

Faster procurement when time matters

Lift related issues are often urgent. Extended downtime, safety concerns, or loss of step‑free access can have serious consequences ‑ for residents and building users.

Procurement frameworks allow organisations to significantly cut down the lengthy tender processes, allowing consultants to be appointed quickly and as needed. This agility helps organisations  respond rapidly to issues which arise and keep projects moving, avoiding unnecessary delay. This is particularly important in social housing and public buildings, where lifts are critical to accessibility and the resident experience.

Flexibility across projects and business as usual

Frameworks are not limited only to major capital projects. They can be used to support:

• Condition surveys and asset assessment.
• Compliance and safety reviews.
• Maintenance contract advice and audits.
• Contractor performance troubleshooting.
• Repair, refurbishment and replacement design.
• Tendering and independent evaluation.
• Project monitoring and technical assurance.

This flexibility makes frameworks especially valuable for organisations managing large or diverse estates.

Frameworks and lift consultancy at Cundall

Cundall’s vertical transportation (lift consultancy) team is appointed to a number of established procurement frameworks that are fully compliant with public sector procurement regulations.  

These frameworks are widely used by housing associations, local authorities, schools, colleges, universities, NHS Trusts, public sector bodies and arm’s length organisations. In fact, anyone with a lift can use a framework!

Using a framework to appoint Cundall will provide you with:

• Assurance of clear, concise technical competence and independence.
• Compliance with procurement regulations.
• Competitively tendered fee rates.
• Simplified and auditable procurement.
• Rapid access to specialist independent lift advice.

Most importantly, our approach allows you to focus on improving safety, reliability, accessibility, and value across your lift portfolios - saving time, expenditure and minimising stress. Whether you are considering lift refurbishment, replacement, or maintenance, or simply require independent advice on a compliant, low-risk route to appointment, our team can provide the service you need. Please get in touch for an informal chat to discuss your lift portfolio or any upcoming projects.