NWUPC

NWUPC are pleased to announce the launch of the new Residential Textiles Framework to NWUPC members. This new framework replaces the Residential Textiles, Student Starter Packs and Window Coverings Framework, providing a compliant and responsible route for universities to hire temporary and permanent staff. 

It will run for a 3 year period from 1st March 2026 to 28th February 2029 with a permissible extension through to the 28th February 2030 if invoked.

The Residential Textiles and Linen Services Framework has been established for the provision of the following goods:

Lot 1 – Residential Textiles and Student and Conferencing Packs

Lot 1 covers the supply of residential textiles and kitchen starter packs. The framework agreement is designed for the bulk supply of in scope products to member institution sites for use predominantly in student residential accommodation & conferencing settings.

This lot covers the supply of the following goods: Bedding Textiles, in a variety of fabrics and sizes, not limited to bedlinen & bedding packs; duvets, pillows, mattress and bedding protectors, blankets. Bathroom Textiles including towels, face cloths, bathmats, and shower curtains; along with other associated accommodation products. Kitchen starter packs and associated kitchenware and accommodation products, both in packs & individually to include but not be limited to: Cooking aids including but not limited to pans, boards, sheets, glassware, stoneware, ceramicware, knives, utensils. and storage. Dinnerware including but not limited to cutlery, crockery, glass and plastic tableware. Kitchen linens. This lot also covers the supply of the above in-scope goods, across the United Kingdom, directly to the student.

Lot 2 –  Window Coverings (National)

This lot covers supply only and supply & installation of a range of curtains, blinds and other window coverings including but not limited to manual and electric roller, venetian, & vertical blinds in a range of fabrics and materials; black out, dim out, lined & non-lined curtains in a range of fabrics; and window films. Products will be provided in both occupied and unoccupied areas of a member institution’s estate including but not limited to student, residential and commercial accommodation, teaching areas including lecture theatres, bathrooms, offices, storerooms, reception areas, corridors, and stairways. Installations may be required in buildings of historical interest or listings.

Direct Sales to Students

The agreement covers direct sales to students.  This refers to an express arrangement between the member institution and supplier through which the Member Institution signposts the student to a nominated supplier’s portal and the supplier manages the entirety of the transaction directly with the student.  Any such arrangements will be established between the member institution and the supplier at call-off.  This includes the pricing that will apply which may vary from that tendered at framework due to estimated volumes and the potential higher cost to serve of individual transactions.  Any such offering by a supplier under the agreement must include a portal that is customisable to reflect framework pricing and applicable terms, not merely an open website.  Direct sales to students will be governed by the terms and conditions contained in Appendix 10 – Student Sales Terms and Conditions (Lot 1 only) unless otherwise agreed with the institution. 

The benefits of using this Framework are: 

• Advantageous pricing based on economies of scale from aggregated spend which is fixed for 12 months.

• Access to services supporting the maintenance of assets and the compliant disposal of redundant assets through a variety of routes that maximise the higher tiers of the waste hierarchy.

• A single exercise to establish the overarching agreement and establish the Terms and Conditions of the Framework.

• Reduced administrative effort and associated cost savings.

• The development of a longer-term relationship with suppliers which is mutually beneficial.

• You have the ability to call off from the agreement as and when required rather than needing to undertake a full tender process.

• The Framework allows for the flexibility to determine specific requirements at the call off stage.

• Framework Agreements support longer term business planning as they span a period of typically four years and allow some stability from market fluctuations.

• NWUPC and your Consortium will provide contract management support to you.

How do I call-off from the framework?

Call-off from this framework is by means of:

• Direct Award
• Mini Competition
• Desktop Exercise

How has sustainability, equality and diversity been considered as part of the tender?

The NETpositive Supplier Engagement Tool will be used as part of contract management. The UKUPC Supply Chain Code of Conduct was issued to suppliers as part of this tender. At Selection Suppliers were assessed for: 

• Compliance with the requirements of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 

• Payment of the Real Living Wage  

• Carbon Reduction Plan 

• EDI Policy 

• Health and Safety (Lot 1 only) 

Further information:

Full framework details, including suppliers and a Quick Reference Guide can be found here on the NWUPC Framework Page.

For further questions or enquiries contact procurement@nwupc.ac.uk or call on 0161 234 8000.