Skip to main content

We've saved some files called cookies on your device. These cookies are:

  • essential for the site to work
  • to help improve our website by collecting and reporting information on how you use it

We would also like to save some cookies to help tailor communications.

BETA
You're viewing an updated version of this service - your feedback will help us to improve it.

Contract Notice

Legal Services

  • First published: 25 April 2026
  • Last modified: 25 April 2026
  • Version: N/A
  • This file may not be fully accessible.

  •  

Information icon

The buyer is not using this website to administer the notice.

To record your interest or obtain additional information or documents please find instructions within the Full Notice Text. (NOTE: Contract Award Notices and Prior Information Notices do not normally require a response)

Information icon
You are viewing an expired notice.

Contents

Summary

OCID:
Published by:
Link Group
Authority ID:
AA21574
Publication date:
25 April 2026
Deadline date:
25 May 2026
Notice type:
Contract Notice
Has documents:
No
Has SPD:
No
Has Carbon Reduction Plan:
N/A

Abstract

The Link Group intends to establish a multi-lot Framework Agreement for the provision of Legal Services. The Framework will be divided into 5 lots covering Lot 1 - Corporate Lot 2 - Acquisitions and Disposals Lot 3 - Housing Management and Debt Recovery (East) Lot 4 - Housing Management and Debt Recovery (West) Lot 5 – Development. The Framework will be for a period of 36 months with the option to extend for a further 24 months on a 1 + 1 basis at the sole discretion of the Link Group.

Full notice text

Contract notice

Section I: Contracting authority

I.1) Name and addresses

Link Group

2c New Mart Road

Edinburgh

EH14 1RL

UK

Telephone: +44 3303030124

E-mail: linkprocurement@linkgroup.org.uk

NUTS: UK

Internet address(es)

Main address: www.linkhousing.org.uk

Address of the buyer profile: https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/Search_AuthProfile.aspx?ID=AA12842

I.3) Communication

The procurement documents are available for unrestricted and full direct access, free of charge at:

https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/authority/noticecreate/Question602.aspx?ID=631005


Additional information can be obtained from the abovementioned address


Tenders or requests to participate must be sent electronically to:

https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/authority/noticecreate/Question602.aspx?ID=631005


I.4) Type of the contracting authority

Other: Registered Social Landlord

I.5) Main activity

Housing and community amenities

Section II: Object

II.1) Scope of the procurement

II.1.1) Title

Legal Services

II.1.2) Main CPV code

79100000

 

II.1.3) Type of contract

Services

II.1.4) Short description

The Link Group intends to establish a multi-lot Framework Agreement for the provision of Legal Services. The Framework will be divided into 5 lots covering Lot 1 - Corporate Lot 2 - Acquisitions and Disposals Lot 3 - Housing Management and Debt Recovery (East) Lot 4 - Housing Management and Debt Recovery (West) Lot 5 – Development. The Framework will be for a period of 36 months with the option to extend for a further 24 months on a 1 + 1 basis at the sole discretion of the Link Group.

II.1.6) Information about lots

This contract is divided into lots: Yes

Tenders may be submitted for all lots

II.2) Description

Lot No: 1

II.2.1) Title

Corporate

II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

79100000

79110000

79111000

79112000

79130000

79140000

75231100

II.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS code:

UKM

II.2.4) Description of the procurement

Employment law both contentious and non-contentious including: disciplinary & grievance; terminations; industrial relations; collective consultation; contracts of employment, breach of contract and variation of contract; redundancy; equal pay; discrimination; family friendly policies; the Equality Act; fixed term, part time and working time; PIDA: restructuring and outsourcing; transfers and mergers; TUPE; tribunal procedure and advocacy; frontline HR support and providing opinions, briefing notes, information and training;

Corporate law including: setting up companies (including charitable companies) and limited liability partnerships; joint ventures; acquisitions and disposals of assets and shares; restructurings; shareholder agreements; operating agreements; company secretarial services; advice related to charitable/non-charitable activities/trading; general corporate advice including advice on directors duties and other statutory matters;

Governance including: advice on good practice; statutory / regulatory authority requirements/expectations; benefits as defined in regulatory guidance; Codes of Conduct for governing body members;

Commercial contracts including: contracts for supply of goods and services; events, sponsorship, advertising and funding agreements; housing association legislative compliance and trading powers; joint working and partnership agreements; consumer credit legislation and compliance; Data Protection; FCA registration and compliance; ad hoc contract law queries;

Banking including: advising on loan facility agreements with lenders; re-structuring facilities; security arrangements; bond issues and institutional investment;

Intellectual Property including: trademark, patent, copyright and design right protection and enforcement; IP commercialisation and licensing;

Procurement and Competition Law including: EU procurement and competition regulation compliance; best value requirements; alternative business models and outsourcing; general advice on all aspects of procurement law and best practice;

Litigation including: litigation related to all areas of Link business (including contractual actions); debt recovery; inhibitions; interdict; statutory enforcement proceedings; statutory appeals; Judicial Review; Guardianship Orders and Intervention Orders under the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000; advice related to the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007; pursuing/ defending reparation actions (including personal injury)

Consumer Credit including: advising on whether activities carried out or proposing to be carried out by Link requires a consumer credit licence including liaising with the Office of Fair Trading.

Regulated Activities including: advice on regulation with the Scottish Housing Regulator, Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator, Care Inspectorate and the Financial Conduct Authority and what constitutes regulated activities including compliance with the regulatory body requirements.

Mergers & Acquisitions including: advising on appropriate group structures and how to manage group expansion.

Pensions including: admission agreements; calculation of pension loss; general pension law advice; Scottish Housing Association Pension Scheme queries; Court actions; pension fund governance; liability limitation.

Data Protection including: compliance with legislation and good practice, managing data protection queries and requests for information

Health and Safety including advice relating to the application of health and safety legislation relating to Link’s service delivery activities; legislation relating to Link’s role as an employer and; support and guidance in relation to engagement with the Health and Safety Executive.

II.2.5) Award criteria

Criteria below:

Quality criterion: Proposed Team / Weighting: 25

Quality criterion: Proposed Strategy / Weighting: 30

Quality criterion: Range of Experience / Weighting: 10

Quality criterion: Sustainability / Weighting: 10

Quality criterion: Added Value / Weighting: 10

Quality criterion: Community Benefit / Weighting: 10

Quality criterion: Fair Work Practices / Weighting: 5

Price / Weighting:  30

II.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system

Duration in months: 36

This contract is subject to renewal: Yes

Description of renewals:

Option to extend for a further 24 months on a 1 + 1 basis at the sole discretion of the Link Group.

II.2.9) Information about the limits on the number of candidates to be invited

II.2.10) Information about variants

Variants will be accepted: No

II.2.11) Information about options

Options: No

II.2.13) Information about European Union funds

The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: No

Lot No: 2

II.2.1) Title

Acquisitions and Disposals

II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

79100000

79110000

79111000

79112000

79130000

79140000

75231100

II.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS code:

UKM

II.2.4) Description of the procurement

Conveyancing including; disposals of properties on a shared ownership and shared equity basis; conventional dispositions of property sold under Rent to buy scheme and as part of any stock rationalisation; acquisitions of single or multiple properties. Preparation of Title and Deed of conditions.

Agreements including: Development Agreements; Purchase Agreements; preparation of new shared ownership agreements and on expiry; preparation of assignation or new shared ownership/ shared equity agreements

II.2.5) Award criteria

Criteria below:

Quality criterion: Proposed Team / Weighting: 25

Quality criterion: Proposed Strategy / Weighting: 30

Quality criterion: Range of Experience / Weighting: 10

Quality criterion: Added Value / Weighting: 10

Quality criterion: Sustainability / Weighting: 10

Quality criterion: Community Benefit / Weighting: 10

Quality criterion: Fair Work Practices / Weighting: 5

Price / Weighting:  30

II.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system

Duration in months: 36

This contract is subject to renewal: Yes

Description of renewals:

Option to extend for a further 24 months on a 1 + 1 basis at the sole discretion of the Link Group.

II.2.9) Information about the limits on the number of candidates to be invited

II.2.10) Information about variants

Variants will be accepted: No

II.2.11) Information about options

Options: No

II.2.13) Information about European Union funds

The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: No

Lot No: 3

II.2.1) Title

Housing Management and Debt Recovery (East, Edinburgh, Fife, Scottish Borders and Falkirk)

II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

79100000

79110000

79112000

79130000

79140000

75231100

79111000

II.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS code:

UKM

II.2.4) Description of the procurement

Anti Social Behaviour Proceedings including: advising on anti social behaviour legislation and its application: attending court as required and supporting officers in presenting evidence, giving statements to Police Scotland;serving of anti social behaviour orders; management and advice relating to tenancy disputes. Provide guidance, assistance as required and prepare any necessary documentation.

Repossessions & Evictions including: advising on recovery of possession and eviction proceedings; attending court representing Link

Debt Collection including: advising on various courses of action related to pursuing for debts due; representing Link in court for recovery proceedings; serving and advising on closure orders, Notice of Inhibitions, notice of potential liability, Notice to Quits, dispersal orders and homelessness challenges. Provision of legal advice on housing benefit legislation.

Scottish and Short Scottish Secure Tenancy Agreements (SST and SSST) including: advising on practices within housing legislation in relation to for example, allocations; allocation appeals; SST and SSST advising and preparing through court and if necessary the conversion of an SST to SSST. Provide guidance, assistance and prepare necessary documentation.

Liability for Charges including: advice on liability for common charges and responsibilities for common ground and property; interpretation of Deeds of Conditions.

Leases and Management Agreements including: preparation and interpretation of management agreements related to property management, preparation of property leases, maintenance and related property and/or tenant/landlord services provided to or received by Link

II.2.5) Award criteria

Criteria below:

Quality criterion: Proposed Team / Weighting: 25

Quality criterion: Proposed Strategy / Weighting: 30

Quality criterion: Range of Experience / Weighting: 10

Quality criterion: Sustainability / Weighting: 10

Quality criterion: Added Value / Weighting: 10

Quality criterion: Community Benefit / Weighting: 10

Quality criterion: Fair Work Practices / Weighting: 5

Price / Weighting:  30

II.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system

Duration in months: 36

This contract is subject to renewal: Yes

Description of renewals:

Option to extend for a further 24 months on a 1 + 1 basis at the sole discretion of the Link Group.

II.2.9) Information about the limits on the number of candidates to be invited

II.2.10) Information about variants

Variants will be accepted: No

II.2.11) Information about options

Options: No

II.2.13) Information about European Union funds

The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: No

Lot No: 4

II.2.1) Title

Housing Management and Debt Recovery (West, Glasgow Including The Highlands, Argyll and Lanarkshire)

II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

79100000

79110000

79111000

79112000

79130000

79140000

75231100

II.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS code:

UKM

II.2.4) Description of the procurement

Anti Social Behaviour Proceedings including: advising on anti social behaviour legislation and its application: attending court as required and supporting officers in presenting evidence, giving statements to Police Scotland;serving of anti social behaviour orders; management and advice relating to tenancy disputes. Provide guidance, assistance as required and prepare any necessary documentation.

Repossessions & Evictions including: advising on recovery of possession and eviction proceedings; attending court representing Link

Debt Collection including: advising on various courses of action related to pursuing for debts due; representing Link in court for recovery proceedings; serving and advising on closure orders, Notice of Inhibitions, notice of potential liability, Notice to Quits, dispersal orders and homelessness challenges. Provision of legal advice on housing benefit legislation.

Scottish and Short Scottish Secure Tenancy Agreements (SST and SSST) including: advising on practices within housing legislation in relation to for example, allocations; allocation appeals; SST and SSST advising and preparing through court and if necessary the conversion of an SST to SSST. Provide guidance, assistance and prepare necessary documentation.

Liability for Charges including: advice on liability for common charges and responsibilities for common ground and property; interpretation of Deeds of Conditions.

Leases and Management Agreements including: preparation and interpretation of management agreements related to property management, preparation of property leases, maintenance and related property and/or tenant/landlord services provided to or received by Link

II.2.5) Award criteria

Criteria below:

Quality criterion: Proposed Team / Weighting: 25

Quality criterion: Proposed Strategy / Weighting: 30

Quality criterion: Range of Experience / Weighting: 10

Quality criterion: Sustainability / Weighting: 10

Quality criterion: Added Value / Weighting: 10

Quality criterion: Community Benefit / Weighting: 10

Quality criterion: Fair Work Practices / Weighting: 5

Price / Weighting:  30

II.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system

Duration in months: 36

This contract is subject to renewal: Yes

Description of renewals:

Option to extend for a further 24 months on a 1 + 1 basis at the sole discretion of the Link Group.

II.2.9) Information about the limits on the number of candidates to be invited

II.2.10) Information about variants

Variants will be accepted: No

II.2.11) Information about options

Options: No

II.2.13) Information about European Union funds

The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: No

Lot No: 5

II.2.1) Title

Development

II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

79100000

79110000

79111000

79112000

79130000

79140000

II.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS code:

UKM

II.2.4) Description of the procurement

Construction Law including: construction and engineering contracts, including Ddesign & Bbuild contracts: PPC2000 contracts; NEC4 contracts; collateral warranties and professional appointments; Letter of Intents and Letters of Undertaking; building maintenance and facilities management sub-contracts; advice on existing project matters; ad hoc advice on construction law; mediation, adjudication, arbitration and other alternative dispute resolution proceedings;

Environmental Law including: regulatory compliance advice; statutory enforcement powers and duties;

Planning law including: All aspects of Planning legal work including representation at high profile planning inquiries; legal agreements; advice on planning legislation; enforcement proceedings; key strategic projects; section 69 & 75 agreements and road construction consents.

Property Law including: purchase of sites for development; advice on liability for common charges and responsibilities for common ground and property

Preparation of Development Agreements; Purchase Agreements;

II.2.5) Award criteria

Criteria below:

Quality criterion: Proposed Team / Weighting: 25

Quality criterion: Proposed Strategy / Weighting: 30

Quality criterion: Range of Experience / Weighting: 10

Quality criterion: Sustainability / Weighting: 10

Quality criterion: Added Value / Weighting: 10

Quality criterion: Community Benefit / Weighting: 10

Quality criterion: Fair Work Practices / Weighting: 5

Price / Weighting:  30

II.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system

Duration in months: 36

This contract is subject to renewal: Yes

Description of renewals:

Option to extend for a further 24 months on a 1 + 1 basis at the sole discretion of the Link Group.

II.2.9) Information about the limits on the number of candidates to be invited

II.2.10) Information about variants

Variants will be accepted: No

II.2.11) Information about options

Options: No

II.2.13) Information about European Union funds

The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: No

Section III: Legal, economic, financial and technical information

III.1) Conditions for participation

III.1.1) Suitability to pursue the professional activity, including requirements relating to enrolment on professional or trade registers

List and brief description of conditions:

List and brief description of conditions:

Question SPD 4A.2

Bidders must be a member of the following in respect of Lots 1,2,3,4 and 5:-

Member of the Law Society of Scotland

It is a mandatory requirement for bidders to hold the above memberships.

III.1.2) Economic and financial standing

List and brief description of selection criteria:

SPD Question 4.B.5/4.B.5.1

Bidders are required to hold the following levels of Insurance:

Lot 1, & Lot 2

Employer's Liability insurance to the value of at least FIVE MILLION (GBP 5,000,000) POUNDS STERLING

Public Liability insurance to the value of at least FIVE MILLION (GBP 5,000,000) POUNDS STERLING

Professional Indemnity insurance to the value of at least FIVE MILLION (GBP 5,000,000) POUNDS STERLING

Lot 3 & 4 -

Employer's Liability insurance to the value of at least FIVE MILLION (GBP 5,000,000) POUNDS STERLING

Public Liability insurance to the value of at least FIVE MILLION (GBP 5,000,000) POUNDS STERLING

Professional Indemnity insurance to the value of at least FIVE MILLION (GBP 5,000,000) POUNDS STERLING

Lot 5 -

Employer's Liability insurance to the value of at least FIVE MILLION (GBP 5,000,000) POUNDS STERLING

Public Liability insurance to the value of at least FIVE MILLION (GBP 5,000,000) POUNDS STERLING

Professional Indemnity insurance to the value of at least TEN MILLION (GBP 10,000,000) POUNDS STERLING

The above insurances shall be with an insurance company registered with Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, or equivalent body for other EU member states.

Should the Bidder not have the specified insurances at the time of tendering then, the Bidder must certify in their response to the ESPDS that the specified insurance will be obtained.

Where a Bidder does not hold or commit to obtaining the types and levels of insurance indicated, the Link Group will exclude the Bidder from the competition.


Minimum level(s) of standards required:

All bidders must pass the minimum requirements as detailed in this contract notice and bidder's documentation.

III.1.3) Technical and professional ability

List and brief description of selection criteria:

SPDS Question 4C.1.2

Bidders will be required to provide three (3) examples of a similar scope, size and nature, of working directly with Registered Social Landlords, Local Authority or other similar sectors within the last 3 years that demonstrate that they have the relevant experience to deliver the services required.

- The value for each of the three contracts(s) carried out.

- The scope of the requirements for these three contracts

- The organisations that the three contracts were carried out on behalf of

- Reference contacts at the three organisations

- The term of contract (for each of the three Contracts)


Minimum level(s) of standards required:

All bidders must pass the minimum requirements as detailed in this contract notice and bidder's documentation.

III.2) Conditions related to the contract

III.2.1) Information about a particular profession

Participation is reserved to a particular profession: Yes

Reference to the relevant law, regulation or administrative provision:

Bidders must be a member of the following in respect of Lots 1,2,3,4 and 5:

Member of the Law Society of Scotland

III.2.3) Information about staff responsible for the performance of the contract

Obligation to indicate the names and professional qualifications of the staff assigned to performing the contract

Section IV: Procedure

IV.1) Description

IV.1.1) Type of procedure

Open procedure

IV.1.3) Information about a framework agreement or a dynamic purchasing system

The procurement involves the establishment of a framework agreement with several operators.

IV.1.8) Information about Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)

The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement: Yes

IV.2) Administrative information

IV.2.2) Time limit for receipt of tenders or requests to participate

Date: 25/05/2026

Local time: 12:00

IV.2.4) Languages in which tenders or requests to participate may be submitted

EN

IV.2.6) Minimum time frame during which the tenderer must maintain the tender

Duration in months: 3 (from the date stated for receipt of tender)

IV.2.7) Conditions for opening of tenders

Date: 25/05/2026

Local time: 12:30

Place:

Edinburgh

Section VI: Complementary information

VI.1) Information about recurrence

This is a recurrent procurement: No

VI.2) Information about electronic workflows

Electronic ordering will be used

Electronic invoicing will be accepted

Electronic payment will be used

VI.3) Additional information

Economic operators may be excluded from this competition if they are in any of the situations referred to in regulation 58 of the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015.

Bidders responses to the SPD will be assessed on the basis of:

Questions 2A.1 – 2D.1.1 Information Only;

Questions 3A – 4C.8.2 – Pass or Fail;

Question 4C.10 –Information Only

NOTE: To register your interest in this notice and obtain any additional information please visit the Public Contracts Scotland Web Site at https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/Search/Search_Switch.aspx?ID=830328.

The buyer has indicated that it will accept electronic responses to this notice via the Postbox facility. A user guide is available at https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/sitehelp/help_guides.aspx.

Suppliers are advised to allow adequate time for uploading documents and to dispatch the electronic response well in advance of the closing time to avoid any last minute problems.

(SC Ref:830328)

Download the ESPD document here: https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/ESPD/ESPD_Download.aspx?id=830328

VI.4) Procedures for review

VI.4.1) Review body

Edinburgh Sheriff Court and Justice of the Peace Court

Sheriff Court House, 27 Chambers Street

Edinburgh

EH1 1LB

UK

Internet address(es)

URL: www.scotcourts.gov.uk/the-courts/court-locations/edinburgh-sheriff-court-and-justice-of-the-peace-court

VI.5) Date of dispatch of this notice

24/04/2026

Coding

Commodity categories

ID Title Parent category
75231100 Law-courts-related administrative services Judicial services
79140000 Legal advisory and information services Legal services
79110000 Legal advisory and representation services Legal services
79111000 Legal advisory services Legal advisory and representation services
79130000 Legal documentation and certification services Legal services
79112000 Legal representation services Legal advisory and representation services
79100000 Legal services Business services: law, marketing, consulting, recruitment, printing and security

Delivery locations

ID Description
100 UK - All

Alert region restrictions

The buyer has restricted the alert for this notice to suppliers based in the following regions.

ID Description
There are no alert restrictions for this notice.

About the buyer

Main contact:
linkprocurement@linkgroup.org.uk
Admin contact:
N/a
Technical contact:
N/a
Other contact:
N/a

Further information

Date Details
No further information has been uploaded.

0800 222 9004

Lines are open 8:30am to 5pm Monday to Friday.

Rydym yn croesawu galwadau'n Gymraeg.

We welcome calls in Welsh.