Procurement Act compliance: how frameworks can simplify the process

The Procurement Act, effective from 24 February 2025, introduces significant changes focusing on transparency, sustainability, and social value. Although the shift may seem challenging, public sector organisations need to adapt.

The Act brings important changes, but there’s no need to face this transition alone. At Willmott Dixon, we are here to help you navigate this new landscape, whilst ensuring your projects remain on track. By leveraging Gold Standard verified frameworks, and other frameworks that are already closely aligned with the key goals of the Act, we can simplify procurement processes together.

How Gold Standard verified organisations align with the Procurement Act

Simplifying documentation and reporting to aid compliance

Navigating the compliance requirements of the Procurement Act may feel complex at first, but support is available to make the process smoother. The new regulations bring an increased need for notices, making attention to detail more important than ever. Gold Standard verified frameworks[1] can simplify this process with their centralised documentation and reporting systems, helping you issue and track the required notices efficiently.

Frameworks offer a layer of protection from the complexities of new procedures for the duration of the framework term. By using them, the public sector need not start from scratch with each procurement exercise. Their built-in compliance streamlines the process, reducing administrative burden and minimising the risk of legal challenges.

When paired with our expertise, all frameworks, particularly those verified as Gold Standard, become a powerful tool to simplify procurement, ensuring efficiency, compliance, and peace of mind. Why reinvent the wheel when a proven solution is ready and waiting?

Transparency and accountability

The Procurement Act places a strong emphasis on transparency throughout the procurement process. One of its key provisions is ensuring that procurement decisions are clear and accessible to the public and Gold Standard verified frameworks are designed with this principle in mind. They ensure that every project is carried out with clear, open processes that local authorities and any other public sector customer can easily access, making it easier to track decisions and ensure accountability. So, when the Procurement Act requires that you demonstrate transparency in how contracts are awarded, frameworks are already set up with some having digitised platforms for this.

Cost

A key shift under the new Procurement Act is the move away from the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) approach to the Most Advantageous Tender (MAT). This change places greater emphasis on social, environmental, and quality outcomes, alongside cost. It ensures that public sector projects deliver immediate results while also contributing to long-term social, environmental, and economic benefits.

Public sector frameworks are typically designed with a value-driven focus, aligning well with the MAT approach. They ensure projects are delivered with social value and sustainability at their core – reducing environmental impact and creating positive outcomes for local communities.

Risk management and collaboration

The Procurement Act requires public sector organisations to consider risk and collaboration at every stage of the procurement process. Gold Standard verified frameworks help mitigate risk by providing a structured approach that emphasises collaboration from the outset. They ensure that contractors and project teams are aligned on the project’s goals, timelines, and costs, helping to reduce the likelihood of delays or unforeseen expenses.

By facilitating early contractor involvement, frameworks encourage collaboration among all project stakeholders, which is vital for managing risk effectively. The Act encourages preliminary market engagement, which helps to set realistic budgets and timeframes. This approach supports the Act’s emphasis on transparency, risk management, and fostering better collaboration across the supply chain.

Stay ahead of the Procurement Act changes

The Procurement Act brings important changes to public sector procurement, and we’re here to help you navigate the shift. Together with our framework partners we can ensure your projects are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with the Act’s value-driven approach.

To guide you through the transition, download our Simplified Guide to the Procurement Act - a clear, practical resource on the key changes and how to manage them.

Download our Simplified Guide to the Procurement Act 2023 here.

Keep an eye out for more content to help you stay ahead, and feel free to contact me for further support. We’re here to help you unlock the full potential of these frameworks and drive lasting, positive change.

[1] A list of Gold Standard verified frameworks can be found here