Buying Solutions - Managed Services

• What is a framework agreement?
• Why should I use it?
• If I am in a local authority or a health authority, which contracts can I use?
• How do I hire staff from the framework agreement?
• Can I use a local supplier?
• Who manages the framework agreement?
• What if I want to take on a temporary worker permanently?
• What if I have a problem with a temporary worker who is hired?

What is a framework agreement?

A framework agreement is a general term for agreements with suppliers that set out terms and conditions under which specific purchases (call-offs) can be made throughout the term of the agreement. A framework agreement itself is not a contract, but is subject to the same EU procurement rules as a contract.

The key is that you can award contracts under the framework agreement without the need to re-advertise the requirement and undertake a full procurement exercise.

Why should I use it?

Using pre-existing contracts and framework agreements can deliver significant efficiency savings for your organisation.  By aggregating your demand with that of other public sector organisations, you can achieve extremely competitive prices and the benefits of standardised conditions that comply with the latest legislation. 

As all the agreements on the framework agreement have already been competitively tendered and are open to other public sector organisations, you can make further savings on procurement tendering time and costs.

If I am in a local authority or a health authority, which contracts can I use?

You can use all framework agreements/contracts open to your organisation by virtue of inclusion in the procurement scope of the original OJEU advertisement. The OJEU for this framework agreement included these organisations as potential users:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Dl1/Directories/index.htm

http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/ministerial_responsibilities/executive_agencies.aspx

http://www.civilservice.gov.uk/about/resources/public-bodies.aspx

http://www.connectingforhealth.nhs.uk/systemsandservices/data/ods/data-files

http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Aboutus/OrganisationsthatworkwithDH/Armslengthbodies/index.htm

http://www.nhs.uk/servicedirectories/Pages/PrimaryCareTrustListing.aspx

 [refer to all tabs on this web page]

http://www.general-practitioners-uk.co.uk/

http://www.hauraki.co.uk/hospice_uk/

http://beta.civilservice.gov.uk/jobs/Departments-NDPBs-AtoL/A-to-L.aspx

http://www.fireservice.co.uk/information/ukfrs.php

http://www.edubase.gov.uk/search.xhtml;jsessionid="4767F89630A039E98FE593093D577013?clear="true

http://www.police-information.co.uk/police-directory/index.php?cat="6&subcat="29

http://www.assemblywales.org/abthome/abt-links.htm

http://new.wales.gov.uk/?lang="en

https://www.sell2wales.co.uk/help/2158.html

http://www.wales.nhs.uk/catorgs.cfm#1

http://www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk/small/en/home/healthinformation/usefulpatientinformation/localhealthboards

How do I hire staff from the framework agreement?

You firstly need to decide whether you need to hire a temporary work-seeker or whether you want to employment a work-seeker on a fixed term employment contract (i.e. you take become the employer). Hire is available from Employment Businesses, candidates for employment from Employment Agencies. Tell the supplier you want to use the framework agreement and give the details of your requirement, preferably using the supplied Temporary staff request form.

You must obviously comply with your organisation’s procurement and booking processes (which may not give you authority to book!).

Please visit How to call off services, and Suppliers and their details.    

Can I use a local supplier?

Yes, there are many local suppliers on the framework agreement, divided into Employment Businesses and Employment Agencies (some operate as both). The numbers vary from region to region and job segment to job segment. Buying Solutions was careful to include many small agencies on the framework agreement, consistent with them performing well in the tender. Lower Pay Bands often involve a more localised supply. For higher pay ranges, the work-seekers are normally more mobile and the supplier’s location is less significant.  

Who manages the framework agreement?

The framework agreement is managed by Buying Solutions. Buying Solutions works to ensure that suppliers (Employment Businesses and Employment Agencies) deliver services as contracted and supports organisations having any difficulties.

Your organisation has primary responsibility for managing, ideally through a limited number of people, the day to day operational relationships with your chosen suppliers.   

What if I want to take on a temporary worker permanently?

You can normally avoid paying any extra fee to a supplier if you take on one of their workers permanently. Before you make such an appointment you need to read the guidance on placement fees.   

What if I have a problem with a temporary worker who is hired?

Remember that the temporary worker who is hired is not your employee and therefore problems should be taken up with the supplier (Employment Business). Unresolved problems should be taken up with whoever manages your day to day operational relationships and then with Buying Solutions if still unresolved.