Selling to Southwark

Help with the tender process

If you're considering applying for contracts with us, you'll most likely be asked to provide the information below. Whether you're responding to an advertisement for a specific contract or applying for an approved/select list for supplies, services or works, use our checklist below to help you prepare for all applications.

Approved list of contractors

For most of our construction-related contracts, you'll need to apply to join our approved list of contractors.

Technical and professional ability

References will be required from at least three organisations for whom you've already carried out a contract of a similar nature.
Where appropriate, evidence of qualifications relevant to the contract may also be requested (for example, CORGI, NICEIC, RICS etc).

Financial capacity and stability

Audited accounts for the last three years, where the most recent is less than ten months old.

For companies with a turnover below the threshold (£250,000), and therefore not required to have audited accounts, we'll usually require a statement of turnover and a profit and loss statement.

Insurance

  • employers insurance for at least £5,000,000
  • public liability for at least £5 million (may be more depending on the assessment of risk)
  • professional indemnity will only be required where appropriate (a minimum of £250,000 is generally expected, but may rise depending on the nature of the contract and risk assessment)
If you don't hold insurance of this size, you shouldn't obtain it unless notified that you've been awarded a contract - we don't reimburse contractors or suppliers for these expenses

Quality management

You must hold a recognised quality management accreditation, such as ISO9001:2000, or provide evidence that your systems and procedures:

  • use a systematic approach
  • involve people within the organisation
  • work with suppliers
  • encourage continued improvement
  • focus on customers
  • provide leadership
  • base decisions on facts

Equal opportunities

Local authorities are required to ensure that they take account of the need to eliminate racial discrimination and promote equality while carrying out their business.

We're committed to ensuring our employees and the people they serve aren't discriminated against on the basis of race, colour, ethnic origin, religion, disability, age, sexuality or gender. We understand that you expect money spent of your behalf on goods, works and services shouldn't promote discrimination in these areas. We expect our contractors and suppliers to demonstrate similar commitment. 

 The following legislation underpins our equalities policies:

  • Equal Pay Act 1970 (amended 1984)
  • Sex Discrimination Act 1975 (extended 1999)
  • Race Relations Act 1976
  • Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000
  • Disability Discrimination Act 1995
  • Human Rights Act 1998
  • Sex Discrimination (Gender re-assignment) Regulations 1999
  • Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003
  • Employment Equality (Religion or Belief ) Regulations 2003
  • Disability Discrimination Act 2005
  • Equality Act 2006 

Health and safety

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 requires that all companies employing five or more persons shall have a written statement on health and safety. However, companies with less than five employees must demonstrate that they operate within this law.

The Health and Safety Executive issues further advice and guidance on health and safety issues.

Environment and sustainable procurement

We're committed to improving our own environmental and sustainable performance through the use of best available materials, best practice and new technologies. We expect our contractors and suppliers to demonstrate similar levels of care and commitment.

If you need further information, contact procurement services.

Page last updated: 21 July 2023

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