Procurement at °Ù´ºÁ´
Introduction
°Ù´ºÁ´ is responsible for approximately £40 million per annum on non-pay spend for the procurement of Goods, Services and Works. The aim of the Procurement Team is to achieve value for money across all schools
We provide specialist support to all schools within °Ù´ºÁ´ in all tasks related to buying supplies and services using a variety of contractual arrangements ranging from locally placed orders to large complex collaborative contracts.
Procurement Process
Today's economic climate demands businesses to operate in a sustainable manner with a culture of continuous improvement. This is no different for °Ù´ºÁ´ Grange Academies Trust who are constantly seeking to make the most prudent and effective use of its resources.
The Governments’ current drive towards higher efficiency combined with annual constraints on public finance has brought new dimensions to the use of resource management. We are seeking innovative solutions which provide greater value for money.
Opportunities
In accordance with the Trust's Procurement Policy the Trust will advertise tenders for contracts above £40k via the "Find a Tender Service". These will be available publically from the link below. Suppliers may find it useful to create a profile, save their search criteria and receive notifications of new opportunities.
Small to Medium Enterprises, Third Sector & Local Suppliers
We are committed to encouraging smaller, charitable and locally based suppliers as well as social enterprises to compete for business and to support them in improving their ability to meet the Trust’s requirements, whilst complying with the relevant regulations.
In order to assist these suppliers °Ù´ºÁ´ Grange Academies Trust Procurement Team aim to:
Reduce bureaucracy and keep documentation jargon free.
Utilise where possible the division of the contract into smaller lots.
Set realistic timescales and deadlines.
Social Value
The Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 process whereby organisations meet their needs for goods, services, works and utilities in a way that achieves value for money on a whole life basis in terms of generating benefits not only to the organisation, but also to society and the economy, whilst minimising damage to the environment. The Act applies to services contracts and contracts which combine service with the purchase or hire of goods, however, the Trust encourages consideration in all contracts including goods, services and works above the relevant threshold. The approach for contracts that fall below the relevant threshold should be to maximise outcomes where possible.
Sustainability
The Trust commits to ensuring that workers employed in its supply chains throughout the world are treated fairly, humanely and equitably in line with the Ethical Sourcing Policy. The Procurement Team recognises that the need for continuous improvement in the area of sustainability is essential and therefore will regularly review its policies and procedures.
Contract Management
Contract management may be done at either a local or Trust level depending on what is being procured.
The Trusts Procurement Team are continuously striving to improve their own performance and they expect firms working for them to do the same. Therefore, where it is deemed appropriate a Contract Manager will be appointed to monitor a contract.
The monitoring system will focus on the key aspects of the contract including performance, quality, price, delivery and sustainability, where appropriate, KPI’s where necessary will be monitored on a regular basis.
The contractor may be asked to submit management information throughout the life of the contract and this data will be shared at liaison meetings which will be held at pre-agreed intervals where appropriate records will be kept.
Organisations should be aware that some contracts may require members of staff to undertake vetting procedures prior to implementation.