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Communications supplier frameworks

The Communications supplier frameworks are lists of approved providers, authorised to supply their services to the University. They have passed a rigorous selection process, which assesses quality, cost and the robustness of their business, in line with University purchasing policy. Find out more on the Purchasing website.

Before starting any creative projects please check the University's creative supplier framework to find an approved supplier or service.

It is a legal requirement to commission our supplier framework for all projects where they can provide the necessary services. If you hire non-authorised suppliers your supplier may not be paid.

Our different supplier frameworks

There are three supplier frameworks for communications work:

How our supplier frameworks help you

  • Protect you from misspend.
  • Price ranges already agreed.
  • Quality assurance.
  • Suppliers already familiar with University communications standards and guidelines.
  • A process to help you if you run into problems.
  • Ensure that UoL control the rights of the work.

How our supplier frameworks help the University

  • Competitive pricing and value for money.
  • Coherence and consistency across our communications, maximising their impact. Following UoL Brand guidelines and positioning the UoL logo correctly.
  • Ensure we meet legal procurement requirements.
  • Adhere to University accessibility standards and Digital Accessibility needs.

Dispensation for creative projects

If you can thoroughly evidence that the creative supplier framework is unable to meet the needs your project, you may consult other suppliers for specialist work and a dispensation.

In all instances, commissioned creative work must follow the UoL Brand Guidelines and adhere to University accessibility standards and Digital Accessibility needs.

Creative projects budgeted at £10,000 and under

For projects under the value of £10,000, please follow the non-authorised supplier process on the Staff Intranet.

Creative projects budgeted at £10,001 and above

Please email the Creative team at Creative@leeds.ac.uk for dispensation guidance on projects above £10,001.

You will need to confirm:

  • your budget
  • why you believe you require a dispensation.

The Creative team will assess your request with Purchasing to ensure the project aligns with the University’s legal requirements.

Please retain all paperwork for auditing purposes.

For other instances requiring dispensation

Please email Ben Waters, Head of Purchasing, at A.B.Waters@leeds.ac.uk if your dispensation request falls within any of the following categories:

  • Retrospective dispensation (ie if your dispensation request is for a past project).
  • Continuation of work dispensation (ie if your non-authorised supplier needs to be recommissioned for an ongoing project).
  • Your supplier is located outside of the UK.
  • The creative supplier framework service you need is not offered in the Creative, Design and Video supplier Framework.
  • Your assets will be used on an external or non-University of Leeds channel.
  • The project is commissioned by NIHR, NHS England or Health Innovation Leeds.