Written by Brittany Shaw
19 January 2026
The fire safety landscape is evolving rapidly, driven by changing legislation and compliance requirements, greater innovation, and a constant focus on resident safety.
To support our members through these changes, we have launched a new Active Fire framework, a flexible, compliant and future-proof route to market to meet fire safety needs across the UK.
We sat down with Drew Frame, Head of Procurement at NHC Procurement, to discuss why this framework has been developed, what it covers, and how both members and suppliers can engage with it.
Q: Why have NHC Procurement developed a new Active Fire framework?
A: We know from our conversations with members that requirements in fire safety have shifted considerably recently. Our previous Fire Safety framework served members well, but through research, supplier engagement, and market feedback, it became clear that a more comprehensive and flexible solution was needed.
Active Fire now encompasses a much wider range of services: everything from alarms and sprinklers to emergency lighting, monitoring systems, extinguishers, and escape products.
We designed this framework to reflect the realities of modern compliance, ongoing legislative updates, and the need for access to innovation. Above all, it’s built to help members keep residents safe while procuring efficiently and compliantly.
Q: What does Active Fire include?
A: The framework covers the systems and products that detect, control, extinguish, or support escape from fire. This includes:
- Fire detection systems
- Smoke control systems
- Sprinklers and misting systems
- Fire extinguishers
- Emergency lighting
- Fire alarm monitoring
- Fire escape equipment
- Wet and dry risers
- Defibrillators
- Fire engineering services
- Fire risk assessments and inspections
- Full servicing, maintenance, and responsive works
We’ve grouped these into lots and sub‑lots so members can procure exactly what they need, whether that’s a single service or a fully managed solution
Q: What regions does this framework cover?
A: It’s a fully national framework, covering all regions of England, plus Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Bidders identified their geographic coverage during the tender, and members can select partners based on where they deliver.
This breadth ensures housing providers of any size – local, regional, or national – have consistent access to compliant fire safety services.
Q: How can members call off from the framework?
A: We designed the framework to be as flexible as possible. Members can call off in three ways:
- Direct Award
Ideal for projects under £30,000 or situations where change isn’t viable, for example, where maintaining compatibility with existing systems is essential.
- Ranked Award
Each lot includes a ranked list by region. Members can go directly to the highest‑ranked supplier, or move down the list if required.
- Further Competition
Great for larger or more complex requirements. Members can refine their specification and choose weightings that best reflect their priorities.
Whichever route you choose, our procurement and contracts team will support you through the entire process, using tools, templates, and best‑practice guidance.
Q: How does NHC Procurement support members during call‑offs?
A: Every member organisation benefits from hands‑on support from an assigned Account Executive, backed by our procurement and contract management specialists.
We run all call‑offs through Delta on your behalf, ensuring transparency and compliance. Whether you’re procuring a single service or a complete end‑to‑end fire safety solution, our team will guide you through each step, from shaping your requirements to awarding the contract.
Q: What’s the first step for members interested in using the framework?
A: Get in touch with us anytime. Your Account Executive will talk through your needs, and help you decide the best route to market.
This framework was designed with member needs at its core. We want it to be easy, flexible, and – above all – support you in meeting your fire safety needs.
