Yorkshire Forward unveils panels, makes them available to other public sector bodies

Yorkshire Forward has this month launched two legal panels that have been made available to other regional development agencies (RDAs) and a range of local authorities.

The first panel relates to complex and specialist work across 15 areas of law. Ten offers were received and the successful firms were:

• Addleshaw Goddard
• Cobbetts
• Eversheds
• Hammonds
• Pinsent Masons
• Walker Morris

Three firms – Clarion Solicitors, Taylor & Emmet and Wake Smith and Tofields – were chosen for the second panel, which covers “general and ad hoc work” and attracted seven offers.

Tim Riordan, chief executive of Yorkshire Forward, said: "The growth of the legal community in Yorkshire and Humber is a real regional success story and we wanted to ensure that the two new panels were open to all firms in the region, whether large or small.

"This new procurement process has allowed Yorkshire Forward to redefine its relationship with its panel firms, in readiness for a period of change in the public sector. The end result will ensure a strong working relationship between the panels and Yorkshire Forward and its partners, and will ensure value for money is at the heart of the service."

The award criteria were value for money (35 marks out of 100), openness (10), teamwork (10), excellence (35) and diversity (10). An electronic auction was used as part of the selection process.

The framework agreement can be used by other RDAs such as the North West Regional Development Agency, One North East, Advantage West Midlands and the London Development Agency.

Some 22 local authorities – including York City Council, Barnsley MBC, Doncaster MBC, Leeds City Council and a number of district councils – are also able to use the agreement.

The contracts will last for three years, with an option to renew for a further 12 months.