The Officer Executive Decisions meeting scheduled for Thursday 7 May 2026 was set to discuss the award of a framework contract for cleaning services for Hackney schools and children's centres. The meeting's agenda was solely focused on this single item, with detailed reports outlining the procurement process, financial implications, and social value considerations.

Hackney Schools Cleaning Services Framework Contract Award

The primary item scheduled for discussion was the proposed award of a framework contract for cleaning services for Hackney's schools and children's centres. This framework, intended to run for a maximum of four years, aims to provide a streamlined and cost-effective procurement route for educational institutions.

The report pack detailed the extensive procurement process undertaken, which included a pipeline notice, planned procurement notice, and the publication of a tender. Eighty-four organisations initially expressed interest, with seventeen submitting proposals at the initial stage. Following further evaluation, five organisations were invited to submit full tenders, and ultimately, three submitted final bids.

The recommended supplier, referred to as Supplier B, was identified as the Most Advantageous Tenderer (MAT). This decision was based on a combination of quality, price, and social value, with Supplier B reportedly meeting or exceeding all required criteria. The total estimated value of the framework over its four-year term is between £5 million and £6 million, with individual schools making call-off contracts from the framework.

A key aspect of the proposed framework is its commitment to social value and sustainability. Supplier B has committed to creating new roles, targeting Hackney residents, and offering apprenticeships and work placements. A minimum of one apprenticeship is to be created for every £2 million of contract value. Furthermore, all staff will be paid at least the London Living Wage, a commitment that aligns with the council's manifesto pledge for a bright future for every child and young person by ensuring clean and safe learning environments.

The framework also includes specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to ensure service quality and sustainability. These mandatory KPIs cover cleaning standards, human resources, costs, and health and safety. Additionally, a Payment by Results (PbR) system is incorporated, where a portion of the contract price is contingent on achieving specific KPI scores, incentivising high performance.

The report also outlined alternative options that were considered and rejected, including individual school procurements, using existing public sector frameworks, and a multi-supplier framework. The single-supplier framework was deemed the most effective approach for achieving economies of scale and providing a compliant, low-risk route for schools.

The financial implications indicate that no additional central council budget is required, as costs will be met by individual schools from their delegated budgets. The council will generate income through a 1.5% annual fee paid by the successful supplier on the value of each call-off contract, intended to cover procurement and contract management support.

The report also addressed HR/OD implications, noting that the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 (TUPE) would apply to staff transferring to Supplier B. The report highlighted the importance of ensuring staff pension benefits remain protected and that dialogue with local unions would be maintained. Legal implications confirmed that the procurement process adhered to the Procurement Act 2023 and the Council's Contract Standing Orders, with an approved exemption for awarding the contract via delegated powers.