Contract management and supplier relationships
Building successful partnerships
At Lancashire County Council, contract award is the beginning of an ongoing relationship, not the end of the procurement process.
We are committed to working collaboratively with suppliers and delivery partners to ensure contracts achieve the best possible outcomes for Lancashire residents, communities and businesses. Effective contract management helps both parties understand expectations, manage performance, identify opportunities for improvement and address issues early.
Our approach is based on openness, fairness, continuous improvement and mutual respect, underpinned by our Supplier Charter.
We are committed to:
Providing clear points of contact and contract management arrangements.
Building positive, professional and collaborative relationships.
Communicating openly and transparently.
Holding constructive contract review meetings where appropriate.
Working with suppliers to identify improvements and innovation.
Addressing issues proportionately and in a timely manner.
Paying suppliers in accordance with agreed contractual terms.
Supporting the delivery of social value commitments.
We expect our suppliers to:
Deliver goods, services and works in accordance with the contract.
Maintain high standards of quality, performance and customer service.
Communicate openly and raise risks or concerns at the earliest opportunity.
Attend review meetings and contract discussions where required.
Provide performance information and management data where applicable.
Comply with contractual obligations, relevant legislation and council policies.
Work collaboratively to identify efficiencies and service improvements.
Support the delivery of agreed social value commitments.
The Council adopts a proportionate approach to contract management, recognising that requirements will vary depending on the value, complexity and risk associated with individual contracts.
Contract review discussions may include:
Performance against agreed service standards.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
Delivery of contractual outcomes.
Customer and stakeholder feedback.
Risk and issue management.
Social value delivery.
Innovation and continuous improvement.
Future opportunities and contract development.
Where appropriate, suppliers will work with their designated Council Contract Manager to agree review arrangements and reporting requirements.
Strong supplier relationships are built on trust, transparency and early communication.
If challenges arise, we encourage suppliers to:
Raise concerns at the earliest opportunity.
Discuss potential risks before they become issues.
Work collaboratively to identify solutions.
Follow agreed escalation routes where required.
Our aim is always to resolve issues constructively and maintain focus on delivering services effectively for Lancashire residents.
We value supplier feedback and encourage organisations to engage with us throughout the contract lifecycle.
Opportunities to engage may include:
Meet the buyer events.
Supplier engagement sessions.
Market engagement activities.
Contract review meetings.
Continuous improvement discussions.
Your insight helps us improve the way we work and strengthens our partnerships with suppliers across Lancashire.
Existing suppliers
Your first point of contact should be the Contract Manager named within your contract documentation.
General enquiries
For assistance with procurement, supplier engagement or contract-related questions, please visit the need help page to identify the relevant team.
Our supplier charter sets out the principles and behaviours that underpin relationships between Lancashire County Council and the organisations we work with.
The charter supports:
Fair and transparent engagement.
Professional and respectful relationships.
Clear communication.
Continuous improvement.
Shared commitment to delivering positive outcomes.
Lancashire Supplier Charter (PDF 1.1MB)
Lancashire County Council is committed to maximising social value through its procurement and contract activities.
Suppliers may be asked to support outcomes relating to:
Employment and skills opportunities.
Apprenticeships and work experience.
Support for local communities.
Environmental sustainability.
Voluntary and community sector engagement.
Local economic growth.
Find out more about social value:
Social value at Lancashire County Council