CHIC, a leading and procurement consortium, has launched its new Consultancy Framework 2026–2030, giving social landlords a compliant and efficient route to specialist professional services.
The framework has been developed around how social landlords access consultancy support. From an integrated multidisciplinary team supporting a major programme to a single commission for a specific requirement. Members can also bring in specialist expertise at different points in a project, whether they are exploring feasibility, developing a design, overseeing works, or seeking advice on an issue. With 146 consultants appointed across 13 specialist Lots, the framework gives members significant choice in who they work with. It includes local and regional consultants that bring good area knowledge and are closer to members’ homes.
This breadth is particularly important given the range of decisions social landlords are making about their properties. Members complete stock condition surveys to improve their understanding of existing homes, and require fire safety advice on a particular building, structural engineering expertise or support with Building Safety Act Principal Designer duties. At other times, the requirement may be for feasibility advice before committing significant investment or professional support throughout a larger programme. Current regulatory requirements are also making access to appropriate expertise increasingly important.
Under Awaab’s Law phase one and two, landlords have defined timescales for investigating hazards and taking action. When an issue affecting a resident arises, landlords need to understand what is happening within the property and determine an appropriate response, sometimes requiring specialist professional input.
The framework is divided into thirteen specialist Lots, covering:
Lot 1: Integrated Consultancy Team (ICT)
Lot 2: Contract Administrator / Project Management
Lot 3: Architectural Services
Lot 4: Fire Safety Consultancy
Lot 5: Building & Party Wall Surveying
Lot 6: Quantity Surveying Consultancy
Lot 7: Building Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing (MEP) Services
Lot 8: Structural & Civil Engineering
Lot 9: Clerk of Works, Inspections Regime
Lot 10: Heritage & Conservation
Lot 11: Stock Monitoring & Appraisal
Lot 12: BSA Principal Designer Duties & Building Control
Lot 13: Housing & Asset Management
Access to the right advice can also help landlords make better use of limited investment. Feasibility work can help determine whether an approach is right before significant money is committed, while appropriate design and specification can improve long term performance. Professional oversight can help members ensure they receive the quality they are investing in.
This is ultimately about the quality of residents’ homes. Whether expertise is being used to resolve animmediate issue or inform future investment, good professional advice can help landlords make decisions based on a better understanding of their properties and the outcomes they need to achieve for residents.
Luke Hurd, Chief Executive at CHIC, said:
“Our members need tailored consultancy support and getting the right advice can make a real difference to the decisions landlords make about their homes. It could help resolve an issue affecting a resident today or inform an investment that needs to function well for many years. We want to help members use their resources effectively and deliver better homes for residents.”
Members can access services through mini competitions or direct awards, subject to the relevant requirements and an approved business case. The CHIC Consultancy Framework 2026–2030 is now live and available to CHIC members. Further details about the framework, including the full scope of the 13 Lots and appointed supply chain partners, can be found on the CHIC website.