Laura Megson, Category Buyer for Social Care & Emergency Services at YPO, explains the Control and Restraint Equipment framework (ref: 1073)
Financial and staffing challenges within the public sector are resulting in continued pressure to be more efficient in everything we do. Procurement and operational teams are tasked with delivering value for money while responding to social value and net zero demands with limited resources, making this a complex and challenging process.
YPO has supported the emergency sector for several years by developing innovative solutions that provide compliant routes to market. This enables our customers to quickly access a diverse market in a quick and user-friendly way.
YPO are pleased to announce the launch of the new Control and Restraint Equipment framework (ref: 1073), which is a new solution, replacing the previous framework (ref: 798). The YPO team have worked closely with the market and customers through extensive engagement to develop and reshape the framework in a way that meets their needs from a commercial and operational perspective.
The framework has been developed with a focus on the blue light sector and in particular police forces; however, like other YPO frameworks, it can also be utilised by healthcare professionals, central government, and the wider public sector.
The Control and Restraint Equipment framework is a national framework, comprising six lots, covering essential equipment such as batons, handcuffs, straps and restraint equipment, irritant spray, method of entry – door breaching equipment, shields, guards, helmets and road policing equipment. Accessories, such as equipment holders, can also be compliantly procured via the framework. The framework also now includes an optional repair and disposal service on selected lots.
Dedicated suppliers
The framework has 13 dedicated suppliers who specialise in their area and collectively cover all customer requirements. Awarded suppliers are: Clad Safety Ltd, Deenside Ltd, DMS Protective Equipment Ltd, GMK Ltd, Head2Toe Workwear, Level Peaks Associates Ltd, Michael Lupton Associates Ltd, Niton Equipment Ltd, Peter Jones (ILG) Ltd, Point South Ltd, Price Western Leather Co Ltd, TCH (UK) Ltd and Try & Lilly Ltd. During the market engagement phase, the team saw a large amount of innovation across suppliers and a keenness to work with customers to demonstrate this.
The framework operates via further competition only as this enables the customer to set out their exact requirements and specify any required standards. Customers can freely procure items/garments that fall within the lot structure.
YPO is extremely customer focused and the dedicated team are available to provide a range of support and add value to customers. They can support with supplier pre-engagement and/or the running of their tender.
All YPO solutions comply with The Public Contracts Regulations 2015, giving customers a compliant, efficient route to market. YPO, one of the largest public sector buying organisation in the UK, is publicly owned and governed by 13 local authorities and are a not-for-profit organisation.
