What is an electrical framework contract?

An electrical framework contract is an agreement between a public sector or large private sector client (or a group of clients) and one or more electrical contractors, under which the contractor is pre-approved to carry out electrical work over a set period (typically two to four years). Rather than tendering for each job individually, framework contractors are called off through mini-competitions (where several framework contractors compete on price and/or quality for a specific job) or direct award (where one framework contractor is selected without competition, usually for smaller or urgent work). Framework contracts provide greater certainty of work volume and reduce the cost of tendering, but they require significant upfront investment in pre-qualification.

How do I get onto a local authority electrical framework?

The process typically involves: (1) finding the framework through Find a Tender Service (UK public procurement notices), Contracts Finder, or the purchasing consortium's own portal; (2) checking the pre-qualification requirements (CHAS or Constructionline Gold, insurance levels, financial standing, references); (3) completing the Selection Questionnaire (SQ) or Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ) by the deadline — this involves submitting your H&S credentials, financial accounts, relevant project references, and quality management evidence; (4) if shortlisted, submitting a tender response including your rates (day rates, schedule of rates for common items) and method statements; and (5) if successful, signing the framework agreement and attending any required briefings or site visits.

What is the difference between the Crown Commercial Service and regional purchasing consortia?

The Crown Commercial Service (CCS) is a central government purchasing body that procures framework agreements on behalf of central government departments and many public sector bodies. CCS frameworks cover a range of electrical and M&E services. Regional purchasing consortia — ESPO (East Midlands), YPO (Yorkshire and the Humber), Eastern Shires Purchasing Organisation (ESPO/Eastern), and others — procure frameworks specifically for local authorities, schools, and public sector bodies in their regions. ESPO and YPO frameworks are widely used by local authorities for electrical maintenance and installation. Housing association frameworks are typically procured directly by the association or through a housing consortium (LHC, Southern Construction Framework).

What are the procurement thresholds for electrical framework contracts post-Brexit?

Since the Procurement Act 2023 came into force in February 2025, public procurement in the UK is no longer governed by OJEU (Official Journal of the EU) rules. The new UK thresholds (as of 2026) for works contracts (which include electrical installation) are: central government bodies — £5.34m; sub-central authorities (local authorities, NHS, schools, and others) — £5.34m; utilities — £10.68m. Contracts below these thresholds are still subject to Procurement Act requirements but with lighter-touch procedures. All public contracts above £12,000 (central government) or £30,000 (sub-central) must be advertised on Find a Tender Service.

What financial standing is usually required for a public sector electrical framework?

Public sector frameworks typically require: two to three years of audited accounts; an annual turnover of at least two to three times the estimated annual contract value (some frameworks require more); a current ratio (current assets divided by current liabilities) of at least 1.0; and no adverse CCJ (County Court Judgement) or insolvency history. Frameworks targeted at smaller local contractors may have lower financial thresholds, while national frameworks (Crown Commercial Service, NHS Shared Business Services) typically require £2m+ annual turnover. If your turnover does not meet the threshold, consider forming a consortium with another contractor or applying for smaller, locally procured frameworks.

What is a mini-competition under a framework contract?

A mini-competition is a competitive process where all (or selected) framework contractors are invited to submit a bid for a specific call-off contract. Mini-competitions are typically used for larger or more complex jobs within the framework. All framework contractors in the relevant lot must be invited (unless the framework agreement specifies a shorter list for mini-competitions). The evaluation criteria are the same as or a subset of the framework criteria — usually a combination of price and quality. The framework contractor submitting the most economically advantageous tender (MEAT) wins the call-off. For smaller jobs, direct award (without a mini-competition) is permitted where the framework agreement allows it.

Can a small electrical contractor get onto a framework?

Yes. Many local authority and housing association frameworks include lots specifically designed for small and medium-sized electrical contractors (SMEs). The government has a policy objective of increasing SME access to public procurement, reflected in the Procurement Act 2023 and its associated guidance. When applying, look for: frameworks with regional lots (limiting competition to your geographic area); SME-specific lots with lower financial thresholds; and frameworks procured by smaller local authorities or housing associations where the competition is less intense. Forming a consortium with another electrical contractor can also increase your apparent capacity while maintaining SME status.

BUSINESS GUIDE

Electrical Framework Contracts UK: Getting on Local Authority and NHS Approved Lists

How to get onto local authority, NHS, and housing association electrical framework contracts — understanding pre-qualification questionnaires, getting CHAS and Constructionline accreditation, navigating UK procurement thresholds, and winning call-off contracts once you are on a framework.

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16 min readUpdated 2026-05-18Andrew Moore, Founder of Elec-Mate

Written and reviewed by Andrew Moore, founder of Elec-Mate, against BS 7671:2018+A4:2026, IET Guidance Note 3 and the IET On-Site Guide.

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Key Takeaways

1Framework contracts give electrical contractors guaranteed access to work from a client over a set period (typically two to four years) without the need to re-tender for each individual job. Once on a framework, work is awarded through mini-competitions or direct call-off.
2The UK Procurement Act 2023 (which replaced the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 from February 2025) governs how public sector bodies — including local authorities, NHS trusts, and housing associations with public funding — procure electrical framework contracts.
3A Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ) or Selection Questionnaire (SQ under the Procurement Act 2023) is the first stage of most framework procurement processes. It assesses your technical competence, financial standing, H&S credentials, and equality policies before you are invited to tender.
4Local authority electrical frameworks are typically procured through consortium purchasing organisations (Crown Commercial Service, ESPO, YPO, Eastern Shires Purchasing Organisation) and are open to electrical contractors meeting the required standards.
5Getting on an approved framework takes significant preparation — typically CHAS or Constructionline Gold, ISO 9001, two to three years of audited accounts, relevant project references, and current insurance evidence at higher limits than standard commercial work.

01 · Business Guide

What Are Electrical Framework Contracts?

A framework contract is a pre-agreed arrangement between a client (or group of clients) and one or more contractors, under which the contractor is approved to carry out work over a set period — typically two to four years — without tendering for each individual job. For electrical contractors, getting onto frameworks is one of the most effective ways to secure a reliable pipeline of public sector work.

Framework benefits — reduced tendering cost per job; greater certainty of work volume; established working relationships with clients; earlier involvement in project planning; and reputational credibility from being a named public sector framework contractor.
Framework structure — most frameworks are divided into lots by geography (regional or national), value (small works, medium works, major works), or activity (maintenance, installation, emergency works). Apply for the lots that match your capability and geography — applying for lots you cannot genuinely resource is wasted effort and can damage your credibility.
Call-off mechanisms — work is awarded either by direct award (for smaller jobs, where the client selects one framework contractor) or by mini-competition (where framework contractors compete for larger jobs). The framework agreement specifies which mechanism applies at which value thresholds.
No guaranteed volume — being on a framework does not guarantee work. The client is not obliged to call off any particular volume. Some frameworks include indicative volumes (not guaranteed); others are purely access-based. Build relationships with the client's works managers and project teams to maximise your call-off opportunities.

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02 · Business Guide

Local Authority Electrical Frameworks

Local authorities are major procurers of electrical services — maintenance of housing stock, schools, libraries, leisure centres, streetlighting, and corporate estate. Framework contracts are the standard route for councils to manage their electrical supply chains efficiently.

ESPO (Eastern Shires Purchasing Organisation) — one of the largest local authority purchasing consortia in England. Operates frameworks for electrical installation and maintenance covering local authorities, schools, and public sector bodies across the Midlands and East of England. Frameworks are open to other public bodies nationally.
YPO (Yorkshire Purchasing Organisation) — a major purchasing consortium for Yorkshire, Humber, and North East England local authorities. YPO electrical frameworks cover maintenance, installation, and specialist electrical works. Open to all public bodies nationally.
Crown Commercial Service (CCS) — central government's purchasing body. The CCS Facilities Management Marketplace and other CCS frameworks include electrical services. CCS frameworks can be used by all central government departments, many public bodies, and devolved administrations.
Direct council frameworks — larger local authorities (county councils, metropolitan boroughs, London boroughs) often procure their own electrical frameworks directly rather than using consortium routes. Watch Find a Tender Service and Contracts Finder for these opportunities.

03 · Business Guide

NHS Electrical Procurement

The NHS is one of the largest procurers of electrical services in the UK. NHS trust estates teams manage complex electrical infrastructure in demanding environments — theatres, ITUs, data centres, and patient areas — requiring contractors with demonstrable specialist competence.

NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) — procures frameworks on behalf of NHS trusts nationally. The NHS SBS Estates and Facilities Management frameworks include electrical installation and maintenance. Access is through the NHS SBS portal.
HTM (Health Technical Memoranda) — NHS electrical work must comply with relevant HTMs, particularly HTM 06-01 (Electrical Services Supply and Distribution) and HTM 06-02 (Electrical Safety Guidance for Low Voltage Systems). Demonstrating knowledge of HTM requirements in your tender response is essential for NHS framework opportunities.
Higher accreditation requirements — NHS frameworks typically require: ISO 45001 or equivalent; ISO 9001; public liability insurance of £10m or more; professional indemnity insurance; and specific references for healthcare electrical work. The Permit to Work requirements in NHS environments are also more stringent than standard commercial sites.

Contractors new to NHS electrical work should start with smaller trust frameworks or reactive maintenance frameworks before pursuing major installation work. Building a track record of NHS project references is essential for larger NHS framework opportunities.

04 · Business Guide

Housing Association Electrical Frameworks

Housing associations (registered providers of social housing) manage hundreds of thousands of homes and require regular electrical maintenance (EICR programmes, rewires, consumer unit upgrades) and installation work (EV chargers, solar PV, fire alarm upgrades). Framework contracts are the standard procurement route.

LHC (Local Housing Consortium) — procures frameworks for housing associations and local authorities covering planned and reactive maintenance, and new-build works. LHC frameworks include electrical installation and are widely used by housing associations in England, Scotland, and Wales.
Southern Construction Framework (SCF) — used by housing associations, local authorities, and NHS bodies in the South of England for construction and refurbishment works. SCF has lots for works contractors (including electrical) at various value bands.
Direct association frameworks — larger housing associations (Clarion, L&Q, Peabody, Sanctuary, Places for People) procure their own electrical frameworks directly. These are advertised on Find a Tender Service and Contracts Finder. Relationships with association asset managers and procurement teams are valuable for direct framework opportunities.
EICR programmes — the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 and social housing electrical safety standards have driven significant EICR demand from housing associations. Framework contracts for EICR programmes (testing thousands of properties over several years) are a significant opportunity for electrical contractors with the capacity to deliver at volume.

05 · Business Guide

Pre-Qualification Questionnaires (PQQ / SQ)

A Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ) — called a Selection Questionnaire (SQ) under the Procurement Act 2023 — is the first stage of a public sector framework procurement. It screens applicants before they are invited to tender. A poorly completed PQQ means you will not reach the tender stage regardless of your technical ability.

Technical and professional ability — provide two to three relevant project references of similar scale and type to the framework lots you are applying for. References should include the client's name and contact details, the contract value, the scope of electrical works, and the outcome. Strong references from public sector clients are most persuasive.
Financial standing — the SQ will ask for your annual turnover, current ratio, and may request audited accounts. The financial threshold is typically two to three times the estimated annual lot value. If your accounts show consecutive years of loss, you may be excluded regardless of other credentials.
H&S credentials — CHAS, Safe Contractor, or Constructionline Gold will usually satisfy the H&S section. Upload a current certificate. If you do not hold a recognised scheme, you will need to provide your full H&S policy, risk assessment procedures, accident records, and training records for assessment.
Equality and diversity — public sector frameworks require an equality and diversity policy. This must be a genuine policy, reviewed annually and applied in your recruitment, training, and subcontracting practices. It is also increasingly required to provide data on your workforce diversity for larger framework applications.
Environmental policy — a written environmental policy and evidence of carbon reduction commitments are increasingly required, particularly for NHS and larger local authority frameworks. At minimum, you need a policy covering waste management, vehicle emissions, and material sourcing.

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06 · Business Guide

How to Find and Register for Framework Opportunities

Finding framework opportunities requires monitoring several procurement portals regularly. Many electrical contractors miss framework opportunities simply because they are not watching the right channels.

Find a Tender Service (FTS) — the UK's official public procurement notice portal (replaced OJEU after Brexit). All public contracts above the relevant thresholds must be advertised here. Set up email alerts for "electrical" in your region. Find a Tender Service is at find-tender.service.gov.uk.
Contracts Finder — a UK government portal for contracts below the FTS threshold (above £12,000 for central government, £30,000 for sub-central bodies). All public sector contracts above these values should be advertised here. Set up alerts by category and region at contractsfinder.service.gov.uk.
Consortium portals — register directly with ESPO, YPO, LHC, and other purchasing consortia. These organisations maintain supplier registers and notify registered suppliers when relevant frameworks are being tendered. Registration is usually free and takes 30 minutes.
Constructionline and Achilles — main contractors and public sector clients use these databases to search for approved subcontractors when assembling bids. Registration ensures you appear in searches for electrical contractors in your region and value band.

07 · Business Guide

UK Procurement Thresholds After Brexit

The Procurement Act 2023 (in force from February 2025) replaced the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and the OJEU (Official Journal of the EU) procurement regime. UK procurement now operates under its own threshold framework.

Works contract thresholds (2026) — the threshold for works contracts (including electrical installation) is £5.34m for central government and sub-central authorities (local authorities, NHS, schools). Contracts above this value must be advertised on Find a Tender Service and follow the full Procurement Act procedure.
Light touch contracts — the Procurement Act 2023 introduces a Light Touch Regime for certain social, health, and education services. These have a higher threshold (£663,540) and a simpler procedure but still require transparency notices on Find a Tender Service.
Transparency notices — a new requirement under the Procurement Act is planned procurement notices and pipeline notices. Public bodies must publish a pipeline notice for contracts over £2m expected in the next 18 months. This gives suppliers advance warning to prepare bids. Watch Find a Tender Service for pipeline notices from your target clients.
Direct award provisions — the Procurement Act 2023 expands the grounds for direct award (without competition) in specific circumstances, including extreme urgency and where only one supplier can deliver. For electrical contractors, this creates opportunities for emergency and specialist work without a competitive tender.

08 · Business Guide

Winning Call-Off Contracts from Frameworks

Being on a framework is only the first step. Maximising the call-off work you receive from framework clients requires active relationship management and consistent delivery.

Relationship management — visit the client's works managers and estate teams after framework appointment. Build personal relationships with the people who decide which framework contractor to call off. Attend any client briefings, supply chain events, or framework review meetings.
Responsive service — public sector clients value reliable, responsive contractors above almost everything else. Respond to call-off enquiries quickly, hit your programme milestones, and communicate proactively if problems arise. Your KPI performance is often reviewed at framework renewal.
Mini-competition pricing — for mini-competitions, your framework day rates and schedule of rates form the basis of your price. Review your rates annually against market conditions. Being uncompetitive on day rates will cost you mini-competitions even on frameworks where you are well-regarded.
Social value — the Procurement Act 2023 requires contracting authorities to consider social value in all procurements. Offer apprenticeships, local supply chain commitments, or community engagement as part of your mini-competition quality submissions. Social value scoring is increasingly weighted at 10 to 20 per cent of the overall evaluation.

Framework contracts that are managed well become long-term relationships. When a framework is re-tendered after its term (typically two to four years), existing performing contractors have a significant advantage — they have proven track records and are the known, low-risk choice for the client.

09 · Business Guide

Tools for Electrical Framework Contractors

Winning and managing framework contracts requires systems for pricing, H&S documentation, performance tracking, and client reporting. The right tools make framework management efficient and professional.

Pre-Qualification Documentation

Prepare your PQQ/SQ documentation library in advance — H&S policy, equality policy, environmental policy, and project references. Keep these documents current so you can respond quickly when framework opportunities arise. See the H&S audit guide for the H&S documents you need, and the tender writing guide for pricing framework tenders.

Schedule of Rates and Quoting

Use the Elec-Mate quoting app to build and maintain a schedule of rates for framework mini-competitions. Quickly generate call-off quotes from your standard rates, with materials pricing built in and professional PDF export for submission.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Electrical Framework Contracts

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Electrical Framework Contracts UK: Getting on Local Authority and NHS Approved Lists

Key Takeaways

What Are Electrical Framework Contracts?

Get the BS 7671 A4:2026 Cheat Sheet — free

Local Authority Electrical Frameworks

NHS Electrical Procurement

Housing Association Electrical Frameworks

Pre-Qualification Questionnaires (PQQ / SQ)

Price the job in minutes, not evenings

How to Find and Register for Framework Opportunities

UK Procurement Thresholds After Brexit

Winning Call-Off Contracts from Frameworks

Tools for Electrical Framework Contractors

Pre-Qualification Documentation

Schedule of Rates and Quoting

Win and manage framework contracts with Elec-Mate

Frequently Asked Questions About Electrical Framework Contracts

What is an electrical framework contract?

How do I get onto a local authority electrical framework?

What is the difference between the Crown Commercial Service and regional purchasing consortia?

What are the procurement thresholds for electrical framework contracts post-Brexit?

What financial standing is usually required for a public sector electrical framework?

What is a mini-competition under a framework contract?

Can a small electrical contractor get onto a framework?

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H&S Audit Guide

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