The 12 Frameworks of Christmas

 
 
 
Over the last 2 weeks we have been showing you just a small part of how NWUPC can help with your procurement needs for the upcoming year with our NWUPC 12 Frameworks of Christmas.
 
 
On the 12th Day of Christmas NWUPC gave to me.....Can you match all 12 objects to the Frameworks they're related to?  Answers below! 
 
 
For more information about the Electrical Materials and Associated Products and Services Framework including buyers guides and contact details for suppliers go to our agreements page here.
 
If you have further questions or queries regarding this framework, please contact Natasha Peacock, NWUPC's Estates & Facilities Management Category Manager at natasha.peacock@nwupc.ac.uk.
 
For more information about the Audio Visual Equipment and Installation Services Framework including buyers guides and contact details for suppliers go to our agreements page here.
 
If you have further questions or queries regarding this framework, please contact Natasha Peacock, NWUPC's Audio Visual Category Manager at natasha.peacock@nwupc.ac.uk.
 
For more information about the Air Filters, Associated Products and Services Framework including buyers guides and contact details for suppliers go to our agreements page here.
 
If you have further questions or queries regarding this framework, please contact Natasha Peacock, NWUPC's Estates & Facilities Management Category Manager at natasha.peacock@nwupc.ac.uk.
 
For more information about the Window Cleaning Services Framework including buyers guides and contact details for suppliers go to our agreements page here.
 
If you have further questions or queries regarding this framework, please contact Sarah Dye, NWUPC's Domestics Category Manager at sarah.dye@nwupc.ac.uk.
 
For more information about the Fixed Wire Testing (FWT) Framework including buyers guides and contact details for suppliers go to our agreements page here.
 
If you have further questions or queries regarding this framework, please contact Natasha Peacock, NWUPC's Estates & Facilities Management Category Manager at natasha.peacock@nwupc.ac.uk.
 
For more information about the Books, E-books, Standing Orders and Related Material Framework including buyers guides and contact details for suppliers go to our agreements page here.
 
If you have further questions or queries regarding this framework, please contact Dave Yates, NWUPC's Libraries Category Manager at david.yates@nwupc.ac.uk.
 
For more information about the Apple Equipment & Services (National) Framework including buyers guides and contact details for suppliers go to our agreements page here.
 
If you have further questions or queries regarding this framework, please contact contact Dave Yates, NWUPC's Computing Category Manager at david.yates@nwupc.ac.uk.
 
For more information about the Fire Alarms, Detection & Suppression Systems Framework including buyers guides and contact details for suppliers go to our agreements page here.
 
If you have further questions or queries regarding this framework, please contact Natasha Peacock, NWUPC's Estates & Facilities Management Category Manager at natasha.peacock@nwupc.ac.uk.
 
For more information about the Promotional Merchandise Framework including buyers guides and contact details for suppliers go to our agreements page here.
 
If you have further questions or queries regarding this framework, please contact Dave Yates, NWUPC's Libraries Category Manager at david.yates@nwupc.ac.uk.
 
For more information about the Furniture Framework including buyers guides and contact details for suppliers go to our agreements page here.
 
If you have further questions or queries regarding this framework, please contact Sarah Dye, NWUPC's Furniture Category Manager at sarah.dye@nwupc.ac.uk.
 
For more information about the Flooring Coverings Framework including buyers guides and contact details for suppliers go to our agreements page here.
 
If you have further questions or queries regarding this framework, please contact Natasha Peacock, NWUPC's Estates & Facilities Management Category Manager at natasha.peacock@nwupc.ac.uk.
 
For more information about the Cleaning and Janatorial Supplies Framework including buyers guides and contact details for suppliers go to our agreements page here.
 
If you have further questions or queries regarding this framework, please contact Sarah Dye, NWUPC's Domestics Category Manager at sarah.dye@nwupc.ac.uk.

 

 
On the 11th day of Christmas,
NWUPC gave to me....
 
THE AMAZING NWUPC TEAM!
 
The last 12 months have been very different to previous years, with challenges never seen before, but the whole NWUPC Team have stepped up and been hard at work throughout. We are always available to help with any queries or questions you may have.
Over the course of 2020 there has been a general restructuring of team roles at NWUPC to better streamline the service that we offer, if you wish to discuss anything with a member of NWUPC please contact us using the details below;
  
  
  
       
 
Throughout the year our full team and contact details can be found at the Meet the Team section of our website.

 
10 things to consider in time for the new term…
There are many considerations for Institutions to make when students and staff are making a return to campus for the new term, these considerations are now heightened due to the Covid-19 pandemic. 
NWUPC have therefore put together a quick ‘go to’ list of areas to be considered to get your Estate prepared for the new term:
 
1. Is your lighting in working order?
- With reduced capacity before the Christmas break and an extended period away for students some areas may not have been used for a while, there is therefore potential for some lighting to no longer be working. The Electrical Materials agreement offers a range of lighting products including those that can improve your energy usage that may help with these requirements. 
 
2. Are there any upcoming testing requirements on any Electrical Items or Wiring to be tested before Students return?
- With smaller footfall during the Christmas break, could you use this time to have any electrical items or wiring to be tested in order to cause less disruption but receive the benefits of normal daytime pricing rather than having this done out of hours? The Portable Appliance Testing and Fixed Wire Testing Agreements have Suppliers who can help with this. 
 
3. Are there any covid-19 related signage that need to be replaced or added to campus?
- The Christmas break is an opportunity to assess the current signage that your Institution has and to see how well this has worked during the previous term and if it is in line with current government advice. Institutions can look to the Signs and Signage Suppliers to source any additional signage, advice on the best signage to have and help on replacing previous signs. 
 
4. Are there any grounds maintenance required to prepare the Estate?
- Weather permitting there may be requirement for grounds maintenance activities to be conducted over the break such as grass cutting, leaf collecting and hedge and tree work as well as general winter services. The newly awarded CPC Grounds Maintenance Agreement has a number of Suppliers awarded and has been split regionally to give local coverage. 
 
5. Are your PPE stocks replenished in time for the return to campus?
- With PPE items in high demand over this past year it may be time to check that sufficient stocks are held to cover the next term. Due to the current volatility of the PPE market and the demands being felt it is important to plan future PPE requirements and source with sufficient time to counteract any potential delays. The new CPC PPE agreement holds a number of Suppliers who can meets these requirements, a weekly stock and lead time document is also available to help Members to better plan the sourcing of these items. Further information can be seen at the following link. 
 
6. Are there any fire alarm systems to be tested before Students return?
- As with PAT and FWT testing, are there any fire systems that are due to be tested soon and can be conducted whilst footfall is low? The Fire Alarms, Detection & Suppression Systems Suppliers can help Members with this requirement which again has been regionally lotted. 
 
7. Are there any areas that require deep cleaning?
- With some areas having low usage over the past year or even constant usage do you require any general or deep cleaning before a return by Students and Staff? There are several agreements available to Members here to cover these requirements including the Deep and Specialist Cleaning and Building Cleaning agreements. 
 
8. Do you require further outdoor sheltered space to enable social distancing?
- With continued social distancing and reduced numbers permitted indoors, it may be a requirement that students and staff are needed to queue or wait outside for longer periods. With the winter weather it may be time to consider outdoor furniture options. The Recycling Bins and Street Furniture agreement has coverage for external furniture such as seating, shelters and small structures and may be one to consider. 
 
9. Are your Hand Sanitiser stations stocked?
- With the increased frequency of hand washing required following government advice, Institutions are ensuring that hand sanitiser is made readily available for its students, staff and visitors. The Christmas break is therefore the opportunity to ensure that stocks are replenished and can meet the demands of the next term. The Cleaning and Janitorial Supplies agreement has scope for hand sanitiser and would be recommended for any requirements here. 
 
10. Are there any Gas Equipment units that require maintenance?
- As with PAT and FWT, with smaller footfall during the Christmas break, could you use this time to have any planned or urgent maintenance carried out on any gas equipment on campus?  This could be carried out over the Christmas break as there will be less disruption. Through the Gas Equipment Maintenance and Repairs Framework suppliers can help with this and this agreement has been regionally lotted to provide a local response. 
 
For more details on NWUPC’s Estates agreements use the links above, or for any questions or queries contact Natasha Peacock, NWUPC’s Estates Category Manager at Natasha.Peacock@nwupc.ac.uk.
 
Day 9 - NWUPC Domestics and Estates Frameworks For Cleaning
With students preparing to return home over December this is the perfect time to use NWUPC’s frameworks covering a variety of specialist areas. 
 
We understand the health, safety and wellbeing of staff, students and visitors is your main concern, and you are busy planning on how this can be achieved in line with guidance from the Government. We have a range of Framework Agreements available to fulfil your requirements including;
 
Cleaning and Janitorial Supplies Framework
For the quickest and easiest route to the broadest range of; Cleaning chemicals Janitorial supplies and equipment Refuse sacks Paper hygiene products there is the NWUPC Cleaning and Janitorial Supplies Framework. For further questions or queries regarding this framework, please contact Sarah Dye, at sarah.dye@nwupc.ac.uk, NWUPC's Domestic Supplies and Services Category Manager.
Deep and Specialist Cleaning Services Framework
For a deep clean of your institution whilst gaining the best possible savings you can access the Deep and Specialist Cleaning Services Framework through NWUPC Ltd. Covering areas such as; Accommodation Offices Sports Facilities Graffiti removal Biological waste This framework can also be used for scheduled regular office cleaning This Framework can also be used for COVID-19 cleans and more specifically, COVID positive cleans on a short turnaround For further questions or queries regarding this framework, please contact Sarah Dye, at sarah.dye@nwupc.ac.uk, NWUPC's Domestic Supplies and Services Category Manager.
Building Cleaning Framework
For cleaning services at your institution there is the Building Cleaning Framework which can be accessed through NWUPC. Term and non-term time cleaning Deep / periodic cleaning One off cleaning High-level cleaning Janitorial services Caretaking services If you have further questions or queries regarding this framework, please contact Natasha Peacock at natasha.peacock@nwupc.ac.uk, NWUPC's Estates & Facilities Management Category Manager.

To find all the agreements on our Domestics or Estates Frameworks go to our Framework Agreements section.
If you are interested in learning more about the NWUPC Category Groups or would like to join a group please contact Membership Services Coordinator Ayo Onireti on Ayoade.Onireti@nwupc.ac.uk.
 
8 UKUPC Members
The UKUPC (UK Universities Purchasing Consortia) is the evolved convergence of eight UK Consortia; APUC, HEPCW, LUPC, NEUPC, NWUPC, SUPC, TEC and TUCO who created a formal partnership to support collaborative procurement within Higher Education.
 
UKUPC’s key objectives are to:
  • Provide an overarching strategic framework, to guide the development and support the delivery of consortia plans
  • Coordinate and align activities, where and as appropriate, of the consortia
  • Ensure the delivery of compliant framework agreements that add value for our members.
  • Share knowledge, information and resources, to benefit the sector
  • Identify and explore opportunities to add-value for our members and improve their membership experience.
  • To achieve these aims effectively, we need to ensure that we have an appropriate communications strategy, to raise awareness and share information with our stakeholders. We also need to adopt effective systems and resources, which support service delivery to our members. We are working together to ensure that, where appropriate, our practices are aligned and deliver what our members need, when they need it. UKUPC provides strategic leadership to its working groups: 
Joint Contracting Group, Communications Group and the Consortia Information Systems Strategy Group. For more details about our the UKUPC working groups go to our website.
 
UKUPC Website
The new UKUPC website was launched on the 19th of October 2020, hosting the latest news and resources from UKUPC as a whole, the UKUPC Strategy 2020-2025, responsible procurement updates, and up-to-date contact details. The site can be found here.
 
7 Library Framework Agreements
The Seven Library Frameworks can provide you with everything your facility needs to function at its optimum and to service the wants and needs of your internal customers. 
 
Just like the books themselves, from on-line resources, publications, self-service equipment, library furniture consumables subscriptions, WE’VE GOT IT COVERED!
 
The key reasons and benefits that you will gain from utilising any of these frameworks would be most, if not all of the following:
  1. Standard Licenses for library e-books, separated for both Subscriptions and Perpetual Access
  2. Specific lot for e-textbooks and PDA Books
  3. Opportunity for income generation through Lot 7 Staff and Student Sales
  4. Favourable call off conditions for all printed books
  5. An agreed service standard for processed and shelf ready materials
  6. Minimum Accessibility Standards for e-book requirements
  7. A pre-competed and compliant route to market providing a vehicle to centralise procurement spend
  8. OJEU compliant Framework Agreement with robust Terms & Conditions
  9. Direct Call-Off option is available, leading to an easy to use and compliant Framework Agreement
  10. Supply chain transparency
  11. Mitigation of Procurement risk surrounding EU Procurement
  12. Reduction in administrative costs and efforts
  13. Provides flexibility to Institutions to determine specific requirements at Call-off Contract in line with the Framework Agreement specification
  14. Capped rates/maximum pricing defined and agreed for the duration of the Framework Agreement. This pricing can be reduced further at time of mini competition
  15. Effective reporting mechanism to obtain accurate, timely and relevant management information
  16. Corporate Social Responsibility – adherence to minimum standards
  17. Pre-defined and agreed Terms and Conditions
  18. Shared risk and management of Contractors
For more details on NWUPC’s Library agreements use the following links below, or for any questions or queries contact David Yates, NWUPC’s Library Category Manager at David.yates@nwupc.ac.uk.
 
6 Awesome New Frameworks
In the last academic year (August 1st 2019 to July 31st 2020) the NWUPC team awarded six framework agreements covering the Estates, Domestics, Laboratories and Audio Visual categories.
 
The Frameworks have a combined annual value of £40 million and will deliver an average saving of 10% or £4 million to the HE Sector. For more information on each framework and how to access it please click on the agreement below.
There are two savings figures; BT1 (Cash Savings) and BT2 (Non Cash Savings). These have been taken from the UKUPC Procurement Benefits Reporting Guidance which is a standardised methodology throughout the HE Sector. Every BT1 and BT2 savings figure for NWUPC led Framework has a methodology sheet available that we can provide should you need more granular detail.
 
5 Fabulous Furniture Framework Agreements
 
Naughty or Nice:
How NWUPC Furniture Framework Agreements Can Support the Transition Towards a Circular Economy
 
From a Linear to a Circular economy
You will have heard more and more people talking about the circular economy, particularly as a post-COVID-19 recovery strategy, but what does it all mean?
 
What you may not know is that NWUPC furniture suppliers are already committed to supply models that deliver economic, environmental, and social advantages.  Here is a little more information:
 
Sustainable Product Design and Sourcing
  • Our suppliers design for durability, products meet stringent standards and come with lengthy warranties.
  • Our suppliers design for ease of maintenance and repair, disassembly, and reassembly; and to facilitate updating for different uses.  Framework furniture is designed with modular and replaceable components, metal to metal fixings, using standard components and easily interchangeable parts. 
  • Our suppliers offer ranges which are reconfigurable and optimise modular design to support re-freshed looks and remanufacturing.
  • Our suppliers can produce data sheets on the environmental impact of new products detailing the percentage weight of recycled content and/or remanufactured and reused components, and the percentage recyclability.
  • Our suppliers seek to achieve the highest levels of recycled and recyclable content.
  • Our suppliers commit to purchasing timber from sustainable sources
Supporting Repair and Refurbishment
 
Our suppliers are able to provide repair, refurbishment and remanufacturing services, at a minimum for their products but often for products from other manufacturers, to give your existing furniture a new lease of life and reduce the consumption of new products.
 
 
Optimising Repurposing, Reallocation and Reuse
 
Our suppliers support a strategy of reuse, committing to identify opportunities for reuse or repair before supplying new furniture.  This starts as an assessment of opportunities for re-use on campus, sometimes through the use of online platforms to facilitate visibility of products available for redistribution.  Where internal opportunities are not available, our suppliers will support you to identify external opportunities for commercial resale and community donations.  Members even enjoy access to an agreement for Furniture Reuse and Recycling Services.
Facilitating Recycling
 
Our suppliers maximise the re-use and recycling of materials and component parts of the furniture they supply through sector agreements at end of life.
 
In Summary
 
The 5 furniture framework agreements available to NWUPC members can support your Institution in re-thinking your furniture requirements by understanding and managing the life-cycle impact of products and reducing furniture waste in the transition towards a circular economy.
 

*please note available products and services may vary by supplier

5 Framework Agreements for “Nice” Furniture Buying
 
 
For more details on NWUPC’s Furniture agreements use the following links below, or for any questions or queries contact Sarah Dye, NWUPC’s Furniture Category Manager at sarah.dye@nwupc.ac.uk.
 
CIPS LEVEL 4
Employing suitably qualified procurement staff is vital for NWUPC and our members to deliver efficiencies and value for money. 
With the introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy in 2017, many people already working in Procurement roles are able to study as part of their full-time role, with the full course fees paid for by your institutions Apprenticeship levy. NWUPC Category Officer Todd Jefferies has recently passed his CIPS level 4 whilst working at NWUPC having started from a non-procurement background. 
Since September 2016 North Eastern Universities Purchasing Consortium (NEUPC) have offered the opportunity to study for CIPS qualifications at levels 3, 4, 5 and 6 and procurement apprenticeships through their study centre with excellent achievement results above the CIPS UK average. For more information on CIPS through the NEUPC and how to access it please click on the link.  https://www.nwupc.ac.uk/neupc-cips-study-centre.
 
"I have gained a platform to continue to develop on my procurement path. It has been an excellent learning curve attending all our varied category groups and operating in the higher education sector, and a pleasure to learn from peers operating in many different institutions" 
Todd Jefferies, Category Officer at NWUPC.
 
 
3 Member Inductions
NWUPC Ltd want to ensure that all stakeholders are given the opportunity to understand our company, our values and our strategic aims. We achieve this through a range of induction sessions, events and information packs.
 
 
  • Every new Board member is invited to spend time meeting the team and getting a chance to see the operations working in practice, this then in turn enables them to undertake their Directors duties in promoting the success of the company. 
  • All new Heads of Procurement are also invited to spend time meeting the team and being shown the wide range of services, knowledge, expertise and support available to them and their institution.
  • All new staff teams/members are invited to meet with key individuals within the team relevant to their area/interest and given an overview of the services and support available to members.
  • All new Category Group members are invited to meet with our Membership Services Coordinator prior to their first Category Group meeting to ensure that they are fully prepared and informed at the meeting. 
We also offer any of our members the opportunity to join our general induction/refresher sessions, this provides an overview of our company, the services available and provides an opportunity to ask questions. Our next Induction session is 12th January 2021, for more details and how to join please go to our News Section. 
 
If you would like a one to one session please contact ayoade.onireti.@nwupc.ac.uk.
If you would like a team induction session please contact jane.billows@nwupc.ac.uk.
 
2 Great Service Achievements!
Whilst this year has been difficult and challenging at times there have also been reasons to celebrate. Although we are now working from home we have still been working to give our members and our people the best service possible and we have had some great achievements this year.
NWUPC Receive Platinum Accreditation through Investors in People
We were delighted in April to receive, for a second term, Investors in People, We invest in people, Platinum accreditation. Platinum is the highest level of accreditation possible to achieve on our We invest in people accreditation and is something only 2% of organisations achieve.
It means policies and practices at NWUPC around supporting people are embedded in every corner of NWUPC Ltd and in a platinum company, everyone knows they have a part to play in the company doing well, whilst also always looking for ways to improve and make NWUPC even better as a company.
 
NWUPC shortlisted in Employer of the Year: Platinum two-49 in The Investors in People Awards 2020!
Then in September we found out that NWUPC had been shortlisted in Employer of the Year: Platinum two-49 in The Investors in People Awards 2020! Being shortlisted for this Award showed that NWUPC Ltd understand that it is people that make the difference and we are always striving to improve. It means policies and practices around supporting people are embedded in every corner of NWUPC Ltd and in a platinum company, everyone knows they have a part to play in the company doing well, whilst also always looking for ways to improve. Although we did not win we are still very proud to have been nominated and we know that we are on the right path.
Use the links to find out more about Investors in People and the The Investors in People Awards 2020.
 
Customer Service Excellence
In June we were delighted that NWUPC had received, for a third term, the Customer Services Excellence award. Despite the challenge of an online assessment the team worked hard to prepare and were able to present a wide range of evidence to demonstrate the commitment and priority given to developing and improving the services to our members, partners and suppliers. Our members and partners also assisted and were an integral part of the day. They met with our assessor, albeit online, and provided the required and necessary information.  NWUPC can be found at the Customer Service Excellence websites holders directory.
 
One Amazing Consortia!
We may be ONE Consortium but we are much more than that.  NWUPC has 24 full members, 6 associate and 19 affiliate members and with that membership NWUPC brings about a wide range of benefits and savings opportunities for its members.
 
Over the past four decades the Consortium has delivered value for money contracts, training, conferences and other cost saving initiatives to and for its members whilst playing a leading part in the development of collaborative procurement across the HE sector. 
  • For more information about NWUPC go to our About Us page.
  • For information on over 100 Framework Agreements that NWUPC Members have access to go to our Framework Agreements page.
  • If you wish to read more about the benefits of being an NWUPC Member go to our Members Benefits page.
  • For a full list of our current members go to the Our Members page.
  • To become a member of NWUPC please go to our How to Join page.