Public sector procurement officers are no strangers to administrative pressure. Sourcing essential security services the traditional way means running a full, open tender process – one that demands considerable time, detailed compliance checks, and rigorous vetting before a contract is even agreed. Fortunately, public sector frameworks offer an alternative approach.
The changing landscape
The use of frameworks is on the rise. In 2025, Tussell notes, a record £60 billion worth of public sector contracts were awarded through framework agreements.
The Procurement Act 2023 has played a significant role in this shift. Public sector organisations now have genuine targets for SME spend, with a set percentage of contracts required to go to smaller suppliers. This change has levelled the playing field, opening up public sector work beyond the handful of large national providers that have historically dominated the field.
At the same time, social value commitments have moved from being aspirational to contractually binding. Any community or environmental promises made during the bidding process are now locked into the final contract as strict obligations, making it more important than ever to choose partners with a demonstrable record of turning their commitments into actions.
So, what frameworks are The Keyholding Company on?
TKC is listed on five public sector procurement frameworks, giving organisations a straightforward, compliant, and fully auditable route to working with us:
ESPO 347_22 – Security Services: The Security Services framework (347) is ESPO’s national arrangement for site-related security across the UK public sector. Eligible buyers can place a direct call-off with TKC for keyholding, locks and unlocks, guarding and mobile patrols. TKC holds a place across all twelve regional lots (1A–12A), giving buyers compliant nationwide access through a single supplier.
ESPO 628B_23 – Security & Surveillance Equipment & Services (Lot 5): This ESPO framework covers integrated security solutions across the UK public sector, including CCTV, access control, intruder detection and associated services. The same broad public sector eligibility as ESPO 347 applies, with both direct call-off and further competition available as procurement routes.
NHS SBS10502 – Security Services, CCTV & VSS: NHS Shared Business Services’ Security Services, CCTV and VSS framework is the principal procurement route for NHS trusts and approved public sector organisations sourcing security in healthcare environments. It gives NHS buyers a compliant, pre-vetted route to security services in an environment that demands the highest safeguarding and operational standards. TKC hold a place on Lot 3, encompassing the supply, installation and maintenance of CCTV and VSS.
Commercial Services Group – Y24007 (Lot 3 – Total Security Solutions): This framework, run by Commercial Services Group (CSG) – the trading arm of Kent County Council – gives UK public sector buyers a single route to procure CCTV, access solutions and security services. TKC is approved on Lot 3 (Total Security Solutions), which combines staffed and technology services in one direct-award or further-competition route. Because CSG is wholly owned by Kent County Council, framework surpluses are reinvested in public services – adding a social value dimension to procurement that goes beyond the supplier.
Durham County Council – DN707656: Durham County Council’s framework covers keyholding, alarm response and mobile patrol services across the council’s property estate, divided into geographical lots: North Durham, South Durham, cross-boundary sites and out-of-county locations.
Delivering tangible local social value
Being listed on a framework confirms legal compliance. But for public sector buyers with social value targets to meet, the more important question is what a supplier can actually demonstrate against that criteria. That is where our delivery model sets us apart.
Our services are delivered through a nationwide network of local security partners, predominantly SMEs operating in the specific areas we serve, covering 99.8% of UK postcodes. Our commitment to fair pay and working conditions runs throughout the network. Every officer is paid via PAYE, and we operate a zero-tolerance policy on subcontracting.
As a B Corp certified business, we set high standards for ourselves and our partners and are committed to operating with transparency and accountability. In an industry that is often slow to take ethics, sustainability and community impact seriously, we want to demonstrate that operational excellence and high ethical standards are not mutually exclusive. We also hold ISO 14001 certification and undergo independent carbon auditing every year.
Connect with TKC at Procurex England
Whether you want to explore how these frameworks can benefit your upcoming projects or discuss what working with TKC looks like in practice, you can find us at Stand 41.
If you cannot make it to the event, you can reach us directly: for direct award enquiries, contact our Sales Team at sales@keyholding.com, and for tender invitations, please contact our dedicated Tenders Team at tenders@keyholding.com.
Want to find out more?
Want to find out more?
Interested in working with us through a framework? Get in touch.
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