Use this framework to buy loose and fitted school furniture and
bleacher seating from DfE approved suppliers and have it
delivered and installed.
Denbigh Alliance
The Denbigh Alliance is made up of two academies based in Milton
Keynes. Pupils are aged between 11-19. As part of a phased
approach for a new build, the Trust was looking to buy both loose
and fitted furniture.
Phase 1 of the tender process had proved complicated and time
consuming.
Having taken over as chief financial officer (CFO), Andy Squires
went directly to the find a framework service on GOV.UK to source
the next round of procurement. There were time constraints as
work had to be completed within the Easter break and COVID-19
restrictions were a consideration.
Andy spoke to Leanne, the DfE furniture framework category
manager, who provided advice and guidance, costs on loose
furniture and details of the suppliers on the framework. Leanne
also provided a comparison based on the specification Andy
provided and details of what was and was not included in the
framework.
On receipt of the five tenders, Andy went through the scoring
process and settled on a preferred supplier. He then worked with
Leanne on the contract template and a summary document to be
shared with the other supplier tenders, explaining where he felt
they hadn’t met the requirements.
“It was a godsend to be able to speak to Leanne and put together
a recommendation to go to the Board of Trustees with the
confidence that DfE were the guardians. The framework offered
value for money and a cost-effective process.”
Andy Squires, CFO, Denbigh Alliance
Based on Phase 1, costs were expected to be around £150k for
Phase 2 and 3, but the contract value was actually £110k – a
saving of £40k to invest in other areas. There was valuable time
saved from the support Leanne provided throughout the process.
Sustainability was also an important factor when considering this
tender exercise, so assistance was provided on environmental and
social value content. This included furniture made, or part-made,
from recycled materials, or refurbished. Consideration was also
given to packaging and a sustainable transport plan, for example
use of electric delivery vehicles, optimisation of software for
delivery routes to reduce fuel consumption and looking at goods
manufactured within the UK. This aspect of the procurement
was used to support the school curriculum, involving pupils and
increasing their knowledge and awareness of sustainability
through efficiencies in the new school.
Hope Academy
Hope Academy in Merseyside caters for secondary education with
pupils aged between 11 to 18.
The school was built around 2011 and was at the point where the
furniture needed replacing. COVID-19 had also brought about
changes in how/where the pupils ate, resulting in a need for
additional furniture.
After attending the Schools Commercial Team webinar about the DfE
furniture framework, the academy CFO looked into the details for
their school requirements.
“It was impressive because I didn’t have do anything. I sent
Leanne details of what we wanted, and she got four quotes for
us.”
Stephen Hughes, chief financial officer, Hope Academy
Stephen was pleased with the time it saved him. All requirements
were discussed with the chosen supplier and the school saved
around £4,000 which will be reinvested to buy new chairs.
You can access all of the DfE-approved frameworks at:
Find a DfE approved
framework for your school.
If you have any questions, you can contact the Schools Commercial Team.
