Browne Jacobson secures place on framework

Browne Jacobson, a prominent UK and Ireland law firm, has been awarded a significant role in the National Framework for Developer-Led Schemes 2026, with an estimated total value of up to £26bn. This framework will facilitate legal support for public sector bodies engaged in partnerships with the private sector for various construction projects over the coming four years. Specifically, Browne Jacobson has secured a position in Lot 2 (Development Legal Providers), which encompasses regions throughout the North, Midlands, South West, South East of England, London, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

The anticipated projects under this framework will span a comprehensive array of sectors, including residential, commercial, leisure, infrastructure, education, healthcare, and mixed-use developments. As one of 10 appointed law firms, Browne Jacobson’s expert team will guide public-private partnership users throughout the complete lifecycle of their projects, from initial structuring to final disposals. Ayesha Khalique and Dominic Buckley, partners in the firm's real estate sector, will co-lead Browne Jacobson's efforts within this framework.

Ayesha highlighted the significance of this appointment by stating “This is an important and exciting appointment for our firm as the National Framework for Developer-Led Schemes 2026 offers a major procurement route for public sector development and regeneration work across the UK.” With an extensive track record in advising both public and private sector clients, the Browne Jacobson team is poised to deliver effective results for entities utilising this new framework.

The framework adheres to the Procurement Act 2023 and Procurement Regulations 2024, having emerged from a strategic delivery partnership between YPO and Pagabo that spans 10 years. YPO serves as the centralised procurement authority, while Pagabo manages the framework's design, delivery, and ongoing operations. Notably, the inclusion of development consultants alongside legal providers marks a significant innovation in this framework, providing clients with a comprehensive procurement solution designed to ensure compliance, mitigate risks, and foster collaboration.

Jonathan Parker, Pagabo’s development director, affirmed the framework’s capabilities, saying “Our developer-led procurement solution is a unique market leading delivering vehicle capable of bringing client ambitions to fruition and changing the landscape of our built environment.” He elaborated on the framework's robust success, detailing that it has already delivered projects amounting to £10.7bn in gross development value and over 36,000 new homes. Parker emphasised that this next-generation version is expected to ensure continuous quality, cost-effectiveness, collaboration, and impactful social value, fulfilling the public sector's urgent demand for a full turnkey solution.