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Contract Management Capability Programme (CMCP) – four years in progress and benefits realisation
The Contract Management Capability Programme (CMCP) was launched in 2018 to provide training, development and accreditation for the many thousands of staff who manage contracts, often as part of their main role. It has enabled better knowledge and application of the principles of contract management, building skills and confidence to work more closely with our suppliers to deliver services for the public sector. Four years in, the Cabinet Office remains fully committed to maintaining the quality, integrity and credibility of our training and development provision for contract managers through the contract management.
Council officers are encouraged to join the funded CMCP programme. Nearly 500 officers have already benefitted from the programme's varying levels of attainment. Please pass this on to your commercial teams and to those in contract management roles. For more information email jack.kijowski@levellingup.gov.uk
To accompany the programme, the Cabinet Office is also hosting a series of free webinars between June and December.
Opportunity to join Crown Commercial Service framework evaluation team
Crown Commercial Service (CCS) is looking to evaluate a new Insurance and Related Services 4 insurance framework agreement featuring three lots – brokerage, claims handling and social housing – along with their related services. There is an opportunity for colleagues from local government to become part of the team responsible for the evaluation and award of the framework. Volunteers will have direct input into this new agreement and ensure that the needs of local authorities are represented within the evaluation. It also provides an excellent continuing professional development (CPD) opportunity for procurement professionals who want to understand more about how frameworks are put together or for finance professionals who want to boost their understanding of procurement.
Volunteers will need to commit to three dates (provided on request). Previous experience is useful but full training will be provided during the week commencing 12 June, if required. An understanding and experience of the insurance market is helpful but not essential. For more information or to express your interest, please email insurance-services4@crowncommercial.gov.uk
Procurement Policy Note (PPN05/23) – changes to public procurement obligations arising from Australia and New Zealand free trade agreements
Changes have been made to The Public Procurement (International Trade Agreements) (Amendment) Regulations 2023, arising from the Australia and New Zealand free trade agreements. The changes do not apply to devolved Welsh authorities. The three key changes are:
Valuation of contracts – If you are unable to value a contract, it will now be deemed to be valued at the relevant threshold to trigger compliance with The Public Contracts Regulations (PCR) 2015.
Prior Information Notices (PIN) – It will no longer be possible to use a PIN as a call for competition. This applies to all procurements including those that are procured under the light touch regime.
Termination of contracts – A new requirement has been added to the PCR which states that contracts cannot be terminated in a way that circumvents the procurement rules under the PCR (parts 1 and 2).
Enquiries about this PPN should be directed to info@crowncommercial.gov.uk
Green heat report
We have published a report exploring the critical components of heat decarbonisation and how local and central government can work together to deliver heat and building decarbonisation by 2050. Our Green heat – achieving heat and buildings decarbonisation by 2050 report proposes that local government must be enabled to accelerate retrofit locally, plug market gaps, facilitate market growth, maximise the co-benefits for health and the economy, and empower communities to lead change. Local government is now considered to be an essential actor in the delivery of net zero; however, many councils face several delivery challenges when turning plans, strategies, and climate emergencies into action. Our report sets out how a partnership framework which adapts over the short, medium and long term can successfully adapt governance and responsibilities over time in response to achieving outcomes and learning.
We hosted an Accelerating decarbonisation through public procurement event yesterday with nearly 200 attendees. Access the slides and resources pack which includes links to decarbonisation guidance, toolkits, frameworks and resources.
Crown Commercial Service announces next-generation Demand Management and Renewables Agreement
Crown Commercial Service's (CCS's) next-generation Demand Management and Renewables Agreement can help local authorities overcome barriers to decarbonisation and aims to help accelerate the UK’s net zero goals by helping improve the public sector’s energy consumption and efficiency.
The new agreement builds on the progress in helping hundreds of public sector customers, putting energy efficiency and renewable power at its centre. The agreement will support you within the following energy efficiency areas; solar photovoltaic projects, battery energy storage, heat pump projects and heat networks – it will also include consultancy services, allowing you to gain access to sustainability expertise to help them maximise the potential of their decarbonisation strategies.
Funding to improve school buildings
The Department for Education has announced £450 million to help refurbish and repair over 1,000 school buildings. The funding will improve 859 academies, sixth-form colleges and voluntary aided schools to ensure that pupils can learn in safe, warm and energy efficient classrooms. This funding follows the announcement of £1.1 billion of funding for councils, large multi-academy trusts and voluntary aided bodies in March.
Boosting local skills
The Department for Education has launched a £165 million fund for communities to improve local skills and help get more people into jobs closer to home. Further education providers are invited to apply for cash from the Local Skills Improvement Fund, which will be used to renovate facilities with up-to-date equipment, help to upskill teachers, and deliver new courses that meet the needs of local employers.
Procurex National Conference
Thursday 1 June | Birmingham National Exhibition Centre (NEC), North Ave, Marston Green, Birmingham B40 1NT
Getting engaged! Engaging effectively at different stages of the life-cycle (Government Commercial Function)
Thursday 8 June, 1.00pm–2.00pm | Virtual event
Towards a Social Value Economy – The Social Value Conference
Tuesday 13–Wednesday 14 June | Church House, Great Smith Street, Westminster, London SW1P 3AZ | In-person and virtual event
Value erosion in contract management – what's influencing it? (Government Commercial Function)
Thursday 22 June, 1.00pm–2.00pm | Virtual event
The Children's Services Commissioners' Conference
Wednesday 28–Thursday 29 June | The Hayes Conference Centre, Hayes Lane, Swanwick, Alfreton, Derbyshire DE55 1AU
Pubic Sector Show – public procurement with purpose
Tuesday 4 July | Etc.venues, County Hall, Belvedere Road, London SE1 7PB
The LGA Procurement team manages several LGA webpages dedicated to your needs. Please email guy.head@local.gov.uk if you would like any information added to our webpages:
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