It’s Gold for South West Framework Team
- South West Procurement Alliance achieves Gold Standard verification for all its public sector frameworks
- Local councils and housing associations in the region can now benefit from the highest quality and most well-run procurement frameworks in the country
Against a backdrop of increasing scrutiny of cash-strapped local councils and housing providers in the South West to ensure they are achieving true value for money, regional public sector groups are set to benefit from the Gold Standard verification of the South West Procurement Alliance (SWPA), announced today.
SWPA is the South West regional hub of LHC Procurement Group, the first public sector procurement organisation in the UK, and one of only six so far to reach this standard.
Based in Exeter, SWPA is a not-for-profit procurement partner helping to deliver high-quality, sustainable and socially responsible construction, refurbishment, and maintenance projects for social housing, schools and public buildings in the region.
The Constructing the Gold Standard Verification Scheme, endorsed by the UK government, establishes benchmarks for frameworks that drive improved value, reduced risk, and support sustainable, safer project outcomes. The scheme has evaluated SWPA on a wide range of criteria, from planning and compliance to risk reduction and sustainable outcomes.
As a Gold Standard verified organisation, SWPA has proven that its local council and housing association clients experience enhanced project support, focused community impact, improved collaboration across supply chains and long-term cost savings, all underpinned by best practices in transparency, sustainability and social value.
Penny Searson, Regional Manager of SWPA, said:
“This Gold Standard verification provides an independent endorsement of our high standards and reinforces our role as a compelling procurement partner for public sector clients in the South West. It recognises our market insight, commitment to knowledge sharing, and dedication to delivering continuous improvement for public sector clients.”
With an all-female technical support team dedicated to upholding health and safety, sustainability and quality, SWPA ensures that every framework is designed to meet the specific requirements and outcomes of its clients, engaging them through the SW regional committee and supporting shared goals in net zero and social value.
