Network Homes announces its first bespoke legal services framework

We've launched our first personalised legal services framework enabling us access to specialist solicitors at competitive fixed and hourly rates.

The new framework came into effect on 1 September 2018 and will run for four years. A pool of eight solicitors has been appointed to the framework after a rigorous procurement process:

• Bevan Brittan
• Capsticks Solicitors
• Clarke Willmott
• Devonshires Solicitors
• Pennington Manches
• TLT
• Trowers & Hamlins
• Winckworth Sherwood.

The framework covers legal activity in all areas that social housing providers could require, including Corporate, Governance and Finance; Housing and Asset Management; and Property and Development. This will support Network Homes to achieve its strategic objectives, saving time and improving cost efficiency.

To enable seamless operation of the new framework, Network Homes is creating a centralised digital portal where all instructed solicitors will be able to safely and securely share files in compliance with new Data Protection legislation. Instructions will go direct to solicitors with access to a data room; the portal is being designed with input from the framework solicitors to ensure it meets all needs.

As part of the procurement process, the firms have also agreed to support Network Homes’ corporate social responsibility aims by providing placements, mentoring, workshops, and careers training and guidance to Network Homes’ staff and residents.

Network Homes hopes that this framework will be shared with other social housing providers across the sector to enable efficient and improved provision of legal services to housing associations.

We’re pleased to be able to launch our first legal services framework that will help us to achieve our strategic objectives. We’ve selected some of the best firms in the sector and I am looking forward to working with them in the coming years. We hope that in the future we will be able to share our framework with other housing associations and I would be happy to discuss this opportunity with colleagues if of interest.

Tabitha Kassem, Director of Governance, Compliance and Legal at Network Homes