Clerk of Works Framework
Framework Description
The National Framework Partnership's Clerk of Works Framework is a four-year, single-lot framework running from 20 May 2024 to 19 May 2028. It gives public sector clients a ranked list of pre-qualified Clerk of Works suppliers for independent inspection and quality control on construction projects. Applications for this framework are closed (it is not a DPS), and access fees are tiered by project value.
Context & Use Case
Councils, housing providers, schools and other public bodies use it when they need an independent eye on site: checking workmanship, monitoring progress and flagging defects on new-build and refurbishment schemes. Clients can select directly from the ranked list or run a mini-competition, so they can appoint quickly once a contractor is on site.
Scope of Services
On-site inspection and quality control of construction works Progress monitoring and reporting Supervision of workmanship and compliance Advice on project standards and defects
Lots
Single lot
Who Can Apply
Suits Clerk of Works firms and construction consultancies with relevant professional qualifications, references and public sector project experience. The supplier list is fixed until the re-tender before 19 May 2028, so new firms cannot join now.
Buyer Benefits
Independent inspection protects public money on construction projects. Buyers value qualified clerks already vetted, quick appointment by direct selection, and access fees scaled to project value, which keeps the route affordable for smaller schemes as well as large ones, and gives them a defensible record of quality checks.
Next Steps
Appointed firms should build relationships with client project teams and deliver well on early commissions to earn repeat direct selections. Others should note the 19 May 2028 end, watch the National Framework Partnership site for the re-tender, and collect public sector inspection case studies and qualification evidence now.
How Athena Can Help
Athena works with consultancies on both sides of this framework. If you are on it, our consultancy bid writing helps you win mini-competitions with clear inspection methods and fees modelled against competitors.
If you are aiming at the 2028 re-tender, our framework application planning support builds your qualifications and case studies into a strong submission, written to the evaluation criteria. Our public sector proposal reviews check quality and compliance before you submit, so avoidable errors do not cost you a place.
