Suppliers and Procurement

On 1 October 2023, Sovereign Housing Association and Network Homes came together as SNG (Sovereign Network Group). As one organisation we can invest more into building more new homes, maintaining existing homes and providing services to customers. SNG partners with over 3,500 suppliers and invests more than £1bn annually in maintaining existing stock and delivering new development projects – driving long-term value, innovation, and sustainability across our supply chain.

Procurement Process

The rules shaping how public bodies and organisations buy goods and services changed on 24 February 2025 with the Procurement Act 2023. The Act introduces measures to improve and streamline procurement, benefiting suppliers of all sizes, particularly small businesses. All tender opportunities will be issued through our SRM/E-sourcing platform, Intend.

• Procurement thresholds:
  • Goods & Services: £207,720 inc. VAT
  • Works Contracts: £5,193,000 inc. VAT
• Intend FAQs [pdf, 544KB]
• Intend user guide for suppliers [pdf, 2MB]
• PO terms and conditions [pdf, 161KB]

Supplier Expectations

SNG expects suppliers to adhere to the following policies and guidelines, as summarised in the SNG Supplier Handbook Summary [pdf, 103KB].

• Disability Confident: SNG is a disability confident employer and encourages suppliers to adopt disability confidence and disability equality awareness. Find out more about Disability Confident.
• Modern Slavery: Suppliers must ensure their operations are free from modern slavery, be transparent in their supply chains (publishing a statement if turnover exceeds £36 million), conduct supply chain audits, and monitor for risks. A zero-tolerance approach is expected. SNG Modern Slavery Statement.
• Anti-Fraud, Bribery, and Corruption: Suppliers must implement measures to prevent fraud, bribery, and corruption, comply with the UK Bribery Act 2010, and report incidents promptly. Inducements are prohibited, and gifts/hospitality must comply with SNG’s policy. Anti-Fraud, Bribery and Corruption Policy.
• Data Protection: Suppliers must handle personal data responsibly under UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018, implement security measures, report breaches within 72 hours, and facilitate individuals' rights. SNG’s Privacy notice.
• Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE): Suppliers must comply with regulations (HASAWA, CDM, etc.), provide safe working conditions, conduct risk assessments, and foster a safety culture. Preferred adherence to SNG’s key procedures, including RAMS, asbestos compliance, and sustainable procurement. Request the full Health Safety and Environment Policy.
• Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI): Suppliers must treat everyone fairly, promote diversity, challenge discrimination, and comply with the Equality Act 2010. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy.
• Safeguarding: Suppliers must train staff to recognise and report safeguarding concerns, follow protocols, and maintain confidentiality. Safeguarding policy.
• Anti-Money Laundering (AML): Suppliers must conduct transactions transparently, comply with AML laws, report suspicious activities, and maintain accurate records. Invoices must include purchase order numbers.
• Social Value: Suppliers must demonstrate social value, engage in community activities, and report outcomes. Focus areas include employment, community engagement, environmental sustainability, and collaboration. SNG uses the HACT Wellbeing Valuation tool and Social Value Matrix. Sustainability web page.

Preferred Accreditations

It is preferable for contractors to be accredited by SSIP, as this reduces the time required for internal checks and clarifications.

Contact

For questions, email procurement@sng.org.uk.