Contract Management Framework
Client Context
The City of London Corporation (CoL) manages an annual third-party spend of £151m on goods and services and £292m on construction works, with a total live contract portfolio of £2.24bn. Internal reviews had highlighted gaps in data utilisation, contract ownership, governance and capability. Recognising the need to strengthen its commercial function, adopt good practice and ensure compliance with the Procurement Act 2023, the CoL commissioned us as part of a wider commercial transformation programme. This contract management workstream focused on tackling immediate performance concerns while supporting the longer-term development of a mature, consistent and strategic approach. Objectives included improving visibility, compliance and accountability, while upskilling staff and embedding a sustainable framework to drive value for money and reduce risk.
Our Approach
We delivered a combination of diagnostic review, framework development and hands-on interventions. Key elements included:
Diagnostic and Benchmarking
Comprehensive assessment of procurement and contract management arrangements, supported by benchmarking.
Structured review of a sample of high-value contracts.
Targeted review of contracts in areas with known weaknesses.
Training needs analysis and improvement roadmap.
Future Operating Model and Governance
Defined clear roles, responsibilities and governance structures.
Introduced a revised contract segmentation model (Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze) categorising contracts by risk and value.
Developed a corporate improvement plan with prioritised actions and initiatives.
Framework, Toolkit and Handbook
Designed a Contract Management Framework aligned to National Audit Office and Government Commercial Function standards.
Produced a user-friendly Contract Management Handbook structured around the lifecycle: initiation, implementation, delivery, closure.
Introduced standardised templates, tools and guidance, alongside a library of resources to support consistent oversight.
Developed and tested a bespoke segmentation tool tailored to CoL’s portfolio.
Training and Embedding
Designed a learning programme aligned to framework launch, covering corporate expectations, practical tools and role-specific skills.
Delivered targeted training on priority topics identified through the diagnostic and audit.
Facilitated co-design through a task-and-finish group, ensuring outputs were proportionate, relevant and embedded.
Outputs and Outcomes
The work has delivered immediate benefits while laying the foundation for long-term capability building:
A consistent framework supporting proportionate, risk-based contract management across the portfolio.
Corporate approach to contract segmentation enabling prioritisation and focused assurance.
Clear expectations and practical tools to support effective delivery across diverse service areas.
Strengthened compliance position ahead of Procurement Act 2023 requirements, including contract performance, modifications and closure.
Reinforced accountability and ownership, with improved planning, record-keeping and supplier oversight.
Plans in place to upskill more than 60 contract managers through structured, role-specific training.
By combining a strategic review with hands-on delivery, the project has enabled CoL to embed a more commercial, outcomes-focused approach to contract management, improving supplier relationships, driving performance and securing value for money.
About Us
Human Engine is a leading management consultancy with specialisms in strategy, transformation, digital, commercial, procurement and projects.
Founded in 2018, we have partnered with more than 50 local authorities, central government, NHS organisations and national charities to help transform their strategies, operations and cultures.
Our mission is to help individuals and organisations to do the best work of their lives. We do this by blending first-hand, practical experience of the problems we help our clients solve with award-winning consulting expertise and an approach based on trust, collaboration and partnership.