Procurement Hub is part of Places for People, which now not only becomes the first social enterprise and the first non-governmental organisation to receive the accreditation, but also the first UK housing provider to be recognised.

The scheme aims to ensure the public sector adopt urgent recommendations for improved value and reduce risks on all their construction projects. The Gold Standard has 24 robust recommendations for best-in-class construction frameworks, with principles around collaboration, net zero, value for money, fair payment, supply chain management, and much more.

Procurement Hub’s Major Projects Framework reflects the Gold Standard principles and was accredited by Constructing Excellence, Professor David Mosey CBE and a panel of procurement and construction experts from across the UK. The panel commended the framework for reflecting the high standards required for the accreditation as well as its strong position in being able to work collaboratively with their clients and supply chain members.

Professor David Mosey CBE, chair, Constructing Excellence Gold Standard Task Group, said: “I am very pleased that Procurement Hub/Places for People have achieved Gold Standard Full Verification of their MPF2 Major Projects Framework. Procurement Hub/Places for People and their Independent Verifier, Jason Russell of AtkinsRealis, have put enormous work into the verification process and have shown the power of Gold Standard frameworks and framework contracts to deliver significant benefits for public sector clients and the construction industry.

“Implementing the 24 Gold Standard recommendations will place Procurement Hub/Places for People in a strong position to work collaboratively with their clients and supply chain members through strategic planning, integrated teams and continuous improvement so as to deliver better, safer, faster and greener project outcomes.”

Speaking on the accreditation, Alan Heron, director of procurement at Places for People, added: “Procurement Hub is delighted to have been recognised as a Gold Standard framework provider. We are committed to continually improving public sector procurement and working alongside others who share the same values. The Public Sector, now more than ever, needs providers who truly believe in giving the sector robust frameworks, underpinned by professionalism, integrity, transparency, and a passion for both procurement and the public sector within which they operate.”

Greg Reed, CEO of Places for People, commented: “We are thrilled that Procurement Hub has received this accreditation for their Major Projects Framework (MPF2) which allows us to provide all types of construction work for a range of sectors including housing, health, transport and education, at a crucial time where we must deliver projects of lasting value.

“This recognition from Constructing Excellence solidifies the standards that Procurement Hub already hold themselves to and allows us to help drive continuous improvement in construction frameworks within the sector. We are proud to not only be the first social enterprise to be accredited but also the first non-governmental organisation and housing provider.”

Procurement Hub works closely with the three strategic partners on the framework, Willmott Dixon, Robertson Group, and Farrans to uphold the objectives of the Gold Standard and drive continuous improvement.