A Simpler, Smarter Cleaning Framework – Built with Customers in Mind
The Cleaning Supplies, Equipment and Associated Products framework has now been launched by our NHS Supply Chain: Facilities and Office Solutions team, and with it comes a series of important improvements designed to make procurement easier, more consistent, and better aligned to customer needs.
Over the past several months, our team has worked closely with product data, suppliers and customer feedback to reshape the framework. The result is a more structured, streamlined approach that helps NHS trusts navigate cleaning procurement with greater confidence and clarity.
A key feature of the new framework is its simplified lotting structure. Product categories that previously caused confusion — such as mop heads being spread across multiple lots — have now been consolidated into clearly defined areas. This includes updates such as all mop types now being grouped under a single lot, regardless of material, whether they are reusable or single-use.
In addition, several lots have been strategically expanded to reflect growing customer needs:
- Lot 2 (non-chemical cleaning products) now offers a broader selection of items particularly suited for mental health and community trust environments
- Lot 3 has been enhanced with an extended range of cleaning trolleys
- Lot 7 now includes robotic equipment, washing machines, and a wider selection of cleaning equipment
- Lot 10 introduces cleaning software and audit tools to support digital tracking and alignment with the National Standards of Healthcare Cleanliness
Standardised product descriptions and revised naming conventions have also been introduced across the framework, making it easier for customers to search, compare, and select items confidently. Descriptions now include consistent information around size, colour, and material, removing inconsistencies that previously created confusion or required manual comparison.
To further support procurement decision-making, tools such as price-ranking documents and mapped alternatives are being rolled out. These will help customers understand their options more clearly and identify potential cost-saving switches where appropriate. Over 90% of products already include images, and work continues to expand this.
The framework also offers revised pricing across many high-use lines, ensuring our offering remains competitive, particularly in light of increased benchmarking against other frameworks. This is part of our commitment to maintaining strong commercial value while supporting consistency and quality.
As we move into the next phase, we are preparing for additional strategic initiatives such as Nationally Contracted Products (NCPs) and targeted further competitions. These will help reduce product duplication, simplify depot holdings, and drive collaborative savings across the NHS.
Trusts are encouraged to engage via our Voice of the Customer programme, whether to provide input on future developments or take part in early testing of new tools and resources.
To explore the new framework, download the latest product matrix from the Cleaning Framework launch page or contact our team on facilitiesandofficesolutionssupport@supplychain.nhs.uk for support and feedback opportunities. For more information on the framework agreements managed by our team visit the NHS Supply Chain: Facilities and Office Solutions webpage.