Washroom Services & Period Dignity Solutions Framework is now live!

Date
13th May 2025

The agreement will run from the 1^st May 2025 to the 30th April 2027 with a possible extension option for two 12-month extensions up to a maximum contract term of 30th April 2029. 

The framework is open to members of: NWUPC, APUC, HEPCW, LUPC, NEUPC, SUPC and CPC.

The new framework means all suppliers can provide the following products and services under Lots 1 – 13:

All suppliers can provide the following products and services under Lots 1 – 13. The list is not exhaustive so please read the full user guide available on the Hunter CRM Portal.

• Hygiene Waste Collection and Disposal Services – The provision of bins and other appropriate containers for the safe and hygienic collection and disposal of categories of non-hazardous offensive waste.
• Air Care Products & Replenishment Services
• Hand Care and Drying Products and Services
• Vending Solutions

The following may be requested at Call-Off under Lots 1 – 13 but it is not a mandatory requirement that the Supplier can provide them:

• Water Management Products and Services     
• Clinical Waste and Sharps Disposal    
• Hygiene Matting options including fitted and loose lay indoor and outdoor mats.
• First Aid Products & Replenishment Services 

The following products are covered under Lot 14 of the Framework Agreement:

The list is not exhaustive so please read the full user guide available on the Hunter CRM Portal. Reusable Period Products: to be safe, sustainably sourced, with a low environmental impact. 

• Menstrual Cups
• Period Pants
• Pads
• Panty Liners

Non-reusable Period Products: to be safe, sustainably sourced, with a low environmental impact.  Pads / Tampons / Panty Liner.

Key benefits of using the Framework:

• Lot 14 covers both product supply and educational support for period dignity initiatives.  The lot focuses on products which are safe, sustainably sourced, and with a low environmental impact.  Access to the lot is broad covering students, staff, and the wider community where the community is engaged in a period dignity scheme led by a Member Institution.  Sales may be through the institution or direct from the end user and may include product delivery to the premises of the Member Institution or, where required, delivery to a personal address.
• Custom period dignity offerings available to members via lot 14 and can be tailored to what the information the member would like as part of the campaign.
• More advantageous pricing based on economies of scale from aggregated spend from members, with new suppliers entering the framework keeping pricing competitive.
• A detailed Specification of Requirements is provided with detailed service standards and reporting requirements establishing a process for performance monitoring. 
• The call-off Terms and Conditions have been established at framework.  These incorporate elements such as: service frequency/volume variation, disruption to service delivery, consolidation of contracts and exit planning.           
• Reduced administrative effort and associated cost savings.
• Multiple methods of call-off including direct via ranking, desktop exercise and full mini-competition including permitted variation of weightings
• Supporting call-off documentation is provided in the form of a mini-competition template and a direct award template to ensure that agreement users ensure that call off contracts are brought within the terms of the agreement. 
• Added value services are incorporated including online account portals, ‘greener’ waste disposal routes e.g. RDF and waste to energy offerings
• The development of a longer-term relationship with suppliers which is mutually beneficial.
• The Framework allows for the flexibility to determine specific requirements at the call off stage.
• Framework Agreements support longer term business planning as they span a period of typically four years and allow some stability from market fluctuations.
• NWUPC and your Consortium will provide contract management support to you should you experience any issues with suppliers and will act in your best interests.

How do I buy from the framework?

This Framework Agreement allows you to buy through three options. Direct award, desktop exercise or mini competition. You should choose the option most appropriate to your purchase taking into consideration; your Organisational Procurement Guidance and Financial Regulations, the products you wish to purchase and the specific requirements of your organisation.

How has Responsible Procurement been considered as part of the tender?

The NETpositive Supplier Engagement Tool will be used as part of our contract management for this framework.

The UKUPC Supply Chain Code of Conduct was issued to suppliers as part of this tender. 

At Selection Suppliers were assessed for:

• Compliance with the requirements of the Modern Slavery Act 2015
• Payment of the Real Living Wage
• Carbon Reduction Plan
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity

Recognising both the environmental and social risks associated with products, with the award criteria, suppliers were asked questions on the following topics:

• Packaging Utilised
• Supply Chain Transparency & Labour Conditions
• Waste Management
• Reduction in Carbon in Transportation
• Delivering Social Value

This framework agreement focused more on responsible procurement than the previous agreement and some details on what suppliers responded to the above areas can be seen below;

• Suppliers will aim to divert 95%-100% of waste from landfill from member institutions on Lots 1 – 13
• Suppliers are able to offering fully recycled and recyclable packaging made from up to 100% recycled material and able to be fully recycled when used on all lots.
• Products supplied through the agreement are also made up to 80% recycled material and sourced from sustainable sources on all lots.
• Use waste to energy solutions where possible, allowing waste to become a sustainable power source on Lots 1 – 13.
• Suppliers are working towards net Zero targets of circa 2040 and continuous improvement of carbon optimisation on all lots.
• Use of Electric Vehicles and self-propelled vehicles for end deliveries on all lots.
• EcoVadis Medal awarded Social Value policy and offerings available from suppliers on all lots.
• Social Value consultation with members to have a fit for purpose offering by fully understanding your requirements on all lots.
• All suppliers are dedicated to our cause of promoting period dignity education through the agreement. Suppliers will be able to work with members to create programmes and educational pieces to help promote period dignity education in establishments via lot 14.

Further information:

Full agreement details, including suppliers by Lot and a Quick Reference Guide can be found here on the NWUPC Agreements Page. For further questions or enquiries contact procurement@nwupc.ac.uk or call on 0161 234 8000.