Procurement - legal services framework: buyer's guide

Framework management

Scottish Procurement will manage this framework agreement at a strategic framework level. This incorporates a number of activities, including the strategic management of framework supplier performance issues, collating management information for the framework, coordinating feedback, framework supplier reviews, user groups and escalations.

Contract management

Framework public bodies must manage contracts awarded under this framework at a local level, dealing with day to day supplier issues, with a view to resolving these locally in the first instance. Scottish Procurement will act as an escalation point should local resolution prove unsuccessful.

Framework public bodies can request their own management information and hold regular meetings with the supplier as necessary. The format of the required information shall be agreed between the framework public body and the supplier. Framework public bodies can develop and agree specific requirements and format for tailored management information reports, further developing these reports where required. The framework supplier is aware of the need to provide management information to framework public bodies as part of the framework requirements.

Framework terms and conditions

Copies of the framework terms and conditions and standard terms of supply are available on the secure Knowledge Hub site (see above for access to Knowledge Hub).

Sustainability benefits achieved under the framework

• carbon reduction plans/Net zero targets
• greener offices/greener travel
• cycle to work schemes
• waste reduction and recycling initiatives including IT equipment and furniture being offered to local charities
• use of renewable energy suppliers
• identify talent and improve representation of lawyers from socially disadvantaged backgrounds
• paid internships to help increase the number of black professionals in the legal profession
• hybrid working models
• employees encouraged to use days for CSR, Net Zero, community benefit or pro bono activities
• hosting sector-focused national conferences where sustainability is a key topic
• commitments to Modern Apprenticeship Scheme and work experience students
• ongoing participation in the Homes for Ukraine Scheme

Workforce matters

As part of the technical evaluation process, each tenderer was asked to demonstrate their commitment to being a best practice employer in the delivery of this framework. Tenderers responded with a number of different measures, including:

• employee assistance programme
• all suppliers pay at least the Real Living Wage
• IIP accreditation
• wellbeing committees.
• no zero hours contracts
• in-house training academies and programmes
• apprenticeships, including Modern Apprentices
• school work experience opportunities
• support of work/life balance policies
• gender pay gap reports
• employee bonus, reward and recognition schemes

Fair work practices will be monitored through framework contract management.   

Community benefits

Tenderers were asked to provide details of their proposals to support Scottish Procurement to meet the Scottish Government’s overall community benefits policy through delivery of the framework agreements. Tenderers responded positively, proposing a number of different benefits including:

• work placements
• targeted recruitment/training for disadvantaged unemployed persons
• work experience training
• training/seminars for community groups
• pro-bono work for charities and third sector organisations
• support for charitable organisations and events
• staff volunteering