Compliance Consultancy Framework - Audit Services
Framework Description
Audit Services is a lot within South East Consortium's Compliance Consultancy framework. It provides independent consultants to audit buyers' compliance activity, checking documents, reports, certificates, policies and procedures across heating, lifts, fire risk, electrical, radon and water hygiene. Awarded on 1 October 2024 (reference 2024/S 000-000612), it runs until 30 September 2028.
Context & Use Case
Public sector landlords, housing providers, education trusts and other contracting authorities use it for independent assurance that their compliance contractors are doing what they report. Audits may form part of a routine assurance programme or follow a specific incident. Buyers commission auditors through direct award or mini-competition among the consultants on the lot.
Scope of Services
Heating compliance documentation and site works audits Lift compliance and maintenance record audits Fire risk assessment audits Electrical compliance (EICR) audits Radon management audits Water hygiene regime and documentation audits
Lots
Single lot (Audit Services, within the Compliance Consultancy framework)
Who Can Apply
Suits independent compliance consultancies with technical expertise in one or more of the six areas and no ties to installation or servicing contractors. Applications for this lot are closed; the next chance to join is SEC's re-tender, likely around 30 September 2028.
Buyer Benefits
Boards and regulators expect landlords to prove compliance, not just report it. Independent audit across six technical areas gives buyers evidence they can take to their board, and one route lets them test all their compliance contractors without a separate tender for each discipline.
Next Steps
Appointed auditors should share sample audit reports and quick mobilisation times with SEC members. Firms outside the lot should prepare for the re-tender around September 2028: document audit programmes delivered, show independence from installers, and evidence accreditations in heating, lifts, fire, electrical, radon or water hygiene.
How Athena Can Help
Assurance work goes to consultancies that can show rigour and independence. If you are already on the Audit Services lot, Athena's mini-competition bid writing support sets out your audit method, sampling approach and reporting so evaluators can score it highly.
If you are targeting SEC's 2028 re-tender, our compliance framework applications service prepares your evidence and policies early, and our bid/no-bid reviews help you choose between this lot and the other compliance consultancy lots.
