Author: Sophia Cox

At EEM, we’re always looking at ways to support our members beyond procurement – whether that’s sharing good practice, highlighting useful initiatives, or helping you stay connected to what’s happening across the sector.

One area that’s getting more attention (and rightly so) is LGBTQ+ inclusion in social housing – and a key initiative behind that is the LGBTQ+ Housing Pledge.

Developed by HouseProud and delivered in partnership with Stonewall Housing, the Pledge gives housing providers a clear, practical way to strengthen how they support LGBTQ+ residents.

So, what actually is it?

The LGBTQ+ Housing Pledge is a voluntary scheme that social housing providers can sign up to.

It’s designed to help organisations move from good intentions to something more structured – embedding inclusion into everyday practice, not just one-off activity.

It was created following sector research (including the No Place Like Home? study), which highlighted that many LGBTQ+ residents still don’t feel fully safe or able to be themselves in their homes.

Why does it matter?

For most people, home should be a safe, comfortable place. But that’s not always the case.

Research behind the Pledge found that:

• Some residents don’t feel safe in their neighbourhoods
• People may hide parts of their identity at home
• There’s sometimes a lack of confidence in how issues are handled

So this is about more than policy – it’s about real day-to-day experiences.

What does signing up involve?

The Pledge is built around two levels:

Pledge Pioneer – focusing on core actions like:

• Involving LGBTQ+ residents in decision-making
• Increasing visibility and awareness
• Providing relevant training

Pledge Plus – going further by:

• Working directly with residents to shape improvements
• Committing resource to deliver change
• Demonstrating clear progress and outcomes

It’s flexible, but structured – giving organisations a way to build on what they’re already doing.

Why are organisations getting involved?

Many housing providers are already doing elements of this – the Pledge helps bring it together.

It can support organisations to:

• Better understand and engage with residents
• Build trust and stronger relationships
• Show a clear, evidenced commitment to inclusion

Want to find out more?

On 9th June 2026, Stonewall Housing delivered an informative webinar especially for EEM members to explain more about the Housing Pledge.

Please watch the below, or feel free to contact Jack Mason, LGBTQ+ Housing Pledge Project Co‑ordinator, Stonewall Housing on jack@stonewallhousing.org if you have any questions.

From 29 June 2026, EEM’s Member Support Team will become the Client Relationship Team.

The new name reflects the wide range of organisations and individuals the team works with, including Members, Framework Users, Contractors, Suppliers and Partners.

The team structure from 29 June will be:

• Shannon – Client Relationship Manager
• Hollie and Alice – Client Relationship Executives
• Simone – Contracts Executive
• Rachel – Client & Contracts Assistant

What does this mean for our clients?

Shannon, Hollie and Alice will work closely with clients and stakeholders, building relationships, supporting framework opportunities and helping organisations make the most of their engagement with EEM.

Simone will manage contracts once they are in place, providing ongoing support and helping to ensure contracts run smoothly throughout their term.

These changes will help ensure clients receive the right support at the right stage of their journey with EEM, from initial discussions through to contract management.

Submissions are now being accepted to apply for a position on the latest version of our Fire Safety, Security & Entry and Access Systems Framework – EEM0082.

🛠️ Lot 1: Whole House Internal and External Repairs and Maintenance
(Contracts up to £2m)

🛠️ Lot 2 – Whole House Internal and External Repairs and Maintenance
(Contracts over £2m)

🛠️ Lot 3 – Reactive and Responsive Repairs (Midlands Coverage)

The framework will be procured via a two stage Competitive Flexible Procedure in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023.

👉 Stage 1
General Clarification Deadline – Wed 24 Jun 26 (14:00)
Tender Submission Deadline – Fri 3 Jul 26 (14:00)
Contractors that meet the minimum competence at Stage 1 will be invited to tender for Stage 2.

👉 Stage 2
Invitation to Tender – Fri 21 Aug 26
Framework Agreement Clarification Deadline – Tue 15 Sep 26 (14:00)
General Clarification Deadline – Wed 23 Sep 26 (14:00)
Tender Submission Deadline – Fri 2 Oct 26 (14:00)

👇 How to apply

Please register with Delta e-Sourcing – https://lnkd.in/dUGpSWZJ
🔒 Access code: 9VF26D7AAK

If you have any questions, please contact tenders@clone.eem.org.uk and the EEM Procurement Team will be happy to help.

Submissions are now being accepted to apply for a position on the latest version of our Fire Safety, Security & Entry and Access Systems Framework – EEM0067.

Each of these lots is divided into sub-lots for Midlands and National, and cover the install and maintenance of:

🔥 Lot 1: Fire and Intruder Alarms
🔒 Lot 2: Door Entry, Access Control Systems and CCTV
📣 Lot 3: Warden Call and Assisted Living Systems

The framework is procured in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023.

📅 Key dates

Framework Agreement Clarification Deadline – Mon 20 Jul 26 (14:00)
General Clarification Deadline – Mon 27 Jul 26 (14:00)
Tender Submission Deadline – Fri 14 Aug 26 (14:00)
Presentations – Aug-Sep 26
Evaluation Stage – Aug-Oct 26
Framework Award – Mon 26 Oct 26
Framework Start – Mon 16 Nov 26

👇 How to apply

Please register with Delta e-Sourcing here
🔒 Access code: B5V8U22J2J

If you have any questions, please contact tenders@clone.eem.org.uk and the EEM Procurement Team will be happy to help.

Submissions are now being accepted to apply for a position for the renewal of our Scaffolding Framework – EEM0051.

This framework will be split into the following lots:

Lot 1 | Supply of Scaffolding Services (Midlands Coverage)
Lot 2 | Supply of Scaffolding Services (National Coverage)

If you’re interested in expanding your public sector client base, this is a great opportunity.

📅 Key Dates

Framework agreement clarification deadline: Tue 16 Jun 2026 – 2pm
Clarification deadline: Tue 30 Jun 2026 – 2pm
Submission deadline: Tue 7 Jul 2026 – 2pm

👇 How to apply

Register with Delta eSourcing – https://lnkd.in/gDwDUKF9
Use access code TB923C529W to access the tender documents.

If you have any questions, please contact tenders@clone.eem.org.uk and the EEM Procurement Team will be happy to help.

Our newly refreshed Print, Fulfilment & Mailing Framework is now live and ready for use!

It provides a simple, compliant way to manage print, mailing and fulfilment through one centralised digital platform – giving you full control in one place.

Developed with Meta Procurement and delivered by Cubiquity, the framework brings together the technology, suppliers and processes needed to streamline procurement and deliver value for money.

Everything is managed through one platform – from getting quotes and placing orders, to tracking jobs and monitoring spend.

Why use this framework?

One central platform – manage all print, mail and fulfilment in one place
Save time – no need to run a full tender
Stay compliant – aligned with the Procurement Act 2023
Control costs – transparent pricing and benchmarking
Gain visibility – track jobs and monitor spend

What’s Included?

• Real-time pricing and supplier comparison
• End-to-end ordering, tracking and reporting
• Secure, GDPR-compliant system

To find out more click here.

Please contact Shannon Hawksley, on shannon@clone.eem.org.uk to start a conversation today.

Please join us in congratulating Rowena Jones, our Senior Data Analyst, as she marks 10 years with with Efficiency East Midlands (EEM).

Rebecca Dermody-Simmons, EEM Chief Executive said  “Rowena’s dedication and commitment have made a lasting impact at EEM over the last 10 years. Her determination and expertise have allowed us to modernise and elevate our systems, reporting and data quality to match our growth and development. We’re deeply grateful for her contributions and proud to celebrate this milestone with her.”

Congratulations, Rowena, and thank you for your continued hard work and contribution to EEM.

Following the successful launch of the Efficiency East Midlands Foundations earlier this year, we are delighted to announce that £100,000 of funding has now been awarded to 22 organisations across Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.

The Efficiency East Midlands Foundation was established to support community groups, charities and social enterprises working to improve lives across the East Midlands. Our aim is to help local organisations deliver projects that benefit people across the region.

For this first wave of grants, we chose to identify programmes that support:

• Social mobility
• Life skills
• Employment pathways

Many of the funded initiatives will help gain employability skills, access mentoring and support programmes and take part in work experience.

Several projects also provide specialist support for those facing:

• Homelessness
• Trauma
• Poverty
• Barriers related to disability
• Neurodiversity
• The criminal justice system

This funding will provide participants with the skills, stability, and opportunities to need to take positive steps forward.

🤝 We are delivering this funding in collaboration with Leicestershire and Rutland Community Foundation, with the support of Derbyshire Foundation and Nottinghamshire Foundation, whose local expertise helps guide funding to where it is most needed in communities.

Over the coming months, we look forward to seeing each project develop to make a meaningful impact within local communities.

On Wednesday 3rd December, we held our second Christmas Community Event at The Post Mill Centre in South Normanton. This event was a chance for our supply chain partners, our members, and the local community to have a festive get-together in our final event of the year!

At the heart of this event is our food bank collection. We collected donations for two local food banks, The Trussell Trust Food Bank in South Normanton, and Bassetlaw Food Bank. Thanks to the generosity of those who attended the event, and donated online, we were able to raise a staggering 4 tonnes of donations and over £2,000 to split equally between the two food banks!

Both we and the food banks were truly overwhelmed by the kindness and community spirit shown at the event and we managed to collect four times more than last year! 

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us and contributed 🎄🎅🏻

On Wednesday 10th December, the EEM Team enjoyed lunch with the EEM Board of Directors to celebrate the year!

We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Board for their continued support and guidance. Together, we have achieved so much this year, and we look forward to welcoming and announcing our latest additions to the Board in 2026!

You can view the current EEM Board Members here.