In the current economic and political climate, local authorities and other public service providers are under pressure to deliver services that are at least as good (if not better) with reduced resources, finances and staff.

Facility stock is a precious commodity. This makes it all the more important to have robust, contemporary facility plans informed by analysis of community need - to withstand public scrutiny and underpin rationalisation or investment decisions.

Sport England has identified ‘approved suppliers' to assist organisations to improve the way they plan for facilities. By signing up to its Framework (which runs initially until August 2013) procurement processes can be accelerated thus reducing net process costs. Additional benefits include:

Endorsement 

Sport England will not provide backing/support to work commissioned outside the Framework. KKP has an excellent reputation; many of its playing pitch strategies are endorsed by both Sport England and NGB officers...

...The Salford report is a good example of a comprehensive assessment of playing fields... we endorse this document... Brian Green, Planning Manager, Sport England.

I am very pleased with it (one of the best I have seen!). ..Roy Warren, Planning Manager, Sport England in reference to the draft East Herts PPS.

Quality assurance 

Sport England will evaluate panel members' work via assessment of at least two completed pieces of work each year. It is, of course, important to note that, even within the framework. the quality of different consultant's work varies. However, the verification process is to be welcomed and alongside our ISO9001 accredited processes should add to client confidence.

KKP also provide additional reassurance in relation to capacity, stability and value for money. As the largest and longest standing independent practice in the sports sector, KKP is known and trusted because of its proven record delivering high value, high quality products and services.

An important element in our success is the fact that the client receives, under a single accountable command system, a quality product, from an experienced cohesive team, not one just assembled for the purpose.

A recent example of our delivery is the consecutive commissions for Southampton City Council, where over a very short timescale, KKP's expert consultants delivered a PPG17 compliant facilities needs assessment and accompanying playing pitch assessment, which KKP then fed into strategic plans for sport, recreation and green spaces.

Commenting of the Framework, John Eady, said:

"Clients that use KKP know that the Company is never coerced into endorsing policy for the sake of it. While we endorse the Framework, it is important to stress the considerable variation in quality, skills and experience among the companies on it. It is still important to look at the specific track record, the product and the integrity of the practice you commission.

The Framework is, nonetheless, the contemporary baseline. There are other practices out there ostensibly offering the same products - some on the face of it cheaper. However, it is not worth risking producing an assessment or strategy through which a coach and horses can be driven...quality does pay."