who can apply for membership? [top]
CFG membership is available to all Local Authorities. Each Authority nominates a representative officer to liaise with the Group. Individual schools in any member authority can use the services of the Group and purchase products from the manufacturers at the CFG contract price.
what are the benefits of membership? [top]
All members can access CFG framework agreements for products designed by the Group without having to re-tender for themselves. This has significant cost savings for any Local Authority who are bound by legislation to procure goods under European Public Procurement regulations.
how do i become a member? [top]
If your Local Authority is not already a member, (check map) we require the completion of an application form available here. Schools should speak to their own Local Authority to encourage them to join in order to access the benefits afforded by CFG.
are there any membership fees? [top]
Membership is free. CFG does not charge for membership and only asks for minor obligations of support from member authorities.
is there a minimum amount required to be purchased in a year? [top]
No minimum quantities are required to be purchased by members and deliveries are included in the price to anywhere on mainland UK. (Shipping costs apply off mainland by arrangement with suppliers).
how many Local Authorities are members of CFG? [top]
At the time of writing, the Group has 80 Local Authority members throughout the UK. A map of membership is available here.
do i need a password for price access? [top]
Access to the Group's price list is no longer password protected.
how often do prices change? [top]
There are two usual opportunities for manufacturers to apply for a price review. Annually at 1st April. While we endeavour to maintain an annual review, manufacturers can also apply for a review from 1st October.
how can i check for the latest prices? [top]
The Group's price list is available as a download from this web site.
how does CFG procure its products? [top]
Major product ranges are tendered via the Official Journal of the European Union, as required under Public Contracts Regulations. Minor ranges of very low value are procured by competitive tender. More information is available on our procurement page
can i buy CFG products even though my Local Authority already has contracts in place for furniture? [top]
Many members have more than one contract for supplies of furniture items. Sometimes furniture products are included with other general procurement arrangements.
As we do not require any minimum volumes of purchase CFG offers its goods alongside other member framework contracts. Our products have proven to provide long term value for money combined with a considered and coordinated design approach for our members over many years.
can i view samples of CFG products? [top]
Our manufacturers can make arrangements to view installations and provide sample products for larger schemes. Please contact the manufacturer of the product range you are interested in as listed in the product pages.
are CFG products suitable for school environments? [top]
CFG has been designing furniture for UK schools since the early 1960's. During the intervening years, the Group has undertaken research and helped to develop the standards used across the education sector. It continues to be active in these areas and to strive to bring new and exciting products to market at a price affordable in the UK education sector.
In addition it works with partners in the private sector and across governent departments and its Local Authority members to deliver products and services to meet the challenges in developing products and services for for changing education environments.
how are manufacturers selected? [top]
See our procurement pages.
does CFG buy goods designed by other suppliers? [top]
CFG products are designed by the CFG Design Team and intellectual property rights to the products belong with the Group. We sometimes arrange for the supply of ancillary items to support our main product ranges.
is CFG linked to any other organisations? [top]
CFG is a member of the Furniture Industries Research Association (FIRA). We also have strong joint working arrangements with the Department for Children Schools and Families (DCSF), Partnerships for Schools, and the British Educational Supplies Association (BESA).
In addition, the CFG Design Officer sits on the European Standards Task Group for Educational Furniture TC207:WG5:TG1 and on the UK British Standards Committee for Education Furniture FW0/4.
CFG is a member of the British Council for School Environments.
CFG works with many public and private sector organisations who are looking to improve school environments. See list of organisations here.
