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Transforming Public Procurement – part 1 consultation on draft regulations to implement the Procurement Bill
We are pleased to advise that the public consultation on the secondary legislation required to implement the new public procurement regime established by the Procurement Bill has now opened. This is a technical consultation, split into two parts. This first part of the consultation refers predominantly to areas of the Bill which require lists, calculations or further definitions to be used in practice. Questions seek to understand to what extent the draft secondary legislation provisions implement the policy intent as established in the Bill. The second part of the consultation, expected to launch in July, will cover the transparency provisions and notices that will be used by Contracting Authorities to fulfil their legal requirements under the Act.
Those wishing to take part should complete part 1 of the consultation online by Friday 28 July.
Transforming Public Procurement Bill
The Procurement Bill had its Report Stage and Third Reading in the House of Commons this week. A range of amendments were tabled to the Bill which aimed to improve national security by excluding suppliers who pose a risk from the supply chain. These amendments gained significant cross-party support. In response, the Government tabled a package of their own amendments to strengthen measures in the Bill, primarily by enabling Government to make it mandatory for contracting authorities to exclude suppliers that pose a risk to national security from bidding on certain contracts – these amendments were agreed to.
Our Policy team produced a briefing note called on Government to provide contracting authorities with clear guidance on the procurement of goods and services from suppliers where there are national security concerns. It also stressed that if the changes to the Bill require councils to exit existing contracts, they must be given adequate new burdens funding to effectively remove debarred suppliers from the supply chain and prevent the financial burden of implementing national security measures falling on already over-stretched council budgets.
Boycotts against foreign countries
Councils and public bodies will be banned from imposing their own boycott or divestment campaigns against foreign countries and territories. The measures were announced as part of the Economic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill introduced to parliament this week.
Nationwide Association of Fostering Providers (NAFP) briefing for partners
The latest Nationwide Association of Fostering Providers (NAFP) briefing includes updates on NAFP's review of current terms and conditions, referrals and placement procedures, the annual fee review and a study on recruitment and retention. It’s also got details of all the latest partnership events and upcoming meetings.
Social Value Conference – on-demand content now available
As promised last week, you can now access on-demand content and resources from the National Social Conference which was held earlier this month.
Human Trafficking Foundation's Survivor Hub
Survivor advocates and the Human Trafficking Foundation (HTF) have created an online Survivor Hub – a place for survivors to access a range of resources including:
- opportunities for work and paid research participation
- resources on education, housing support, the national referral mechanism (NRM) and mental health support
- directories of support providers and legal advisers across the country.
Please share this widely in your networks. If your organisation has resources or opportunities that you would like to be included in the hub, please email louisa@humantraffickingfoundation.org
UK businesses to donate unused laptops to refugees
SocialBox.Biz, a UK-based social enterprise which distributes unwanted tech to those in need, is appealing for support from businesses during Refugee Week. By donating old and unused devices on an ongoing basis, companies and organisations can help to bridge the digital divide and provide access to technology and communication to those who need it most, such as refugees and those experiencing homelessness. By donating usable laptops and other tech, organisations can help provide a lifeline for refugees and other disadvantaged people who are trying to rebuild their lives.
Recruitment
Recently, we’ve been alerted to a number of procurement vacancies; so, we’ve decided to collate the recent ones for you here and will be looking to post these regularly, possibly on a monthly basis.
CIPS Excellence in Procurement Awards shortlist
Congratulations to everyone who has made this year's CIPS Excellence in Procurement Awards shortlist – especially to those from the local government and public sector family. See the shortlist and book tickets at CIPS Excellence in Procurement Awards.
The Children's Services Commissioners' Conference
Wednesday 28–Thursday 29 June | The Hayes Conference Centre, Hayes Lane, Swanwick, Alfreton, Derbyshire DE55 1AU
LGA Annual Conference and Exhibition 2023
Tuesday 4–Thursday 6 July | Bournemouth International Centre, Exeter Road, Bournemouth BH2 5BH
Pubic Sector Show – public procurement with purpose
Tuesday 4 July | Etc.venues, County Hall, Belvedere Road, London SE1 7PB
Technology products and associated services – Crown Commercial Service virtual meeting on multiple dates including:
Tuesday 4 July, 10.00am–11.15am | Virtual meeting
G-Cloud 13 what can I buy and how can I buy it? – Crown Commercial Service virtual meeting on multiple dates including:
Wednesday 5 July, 10.30am–11.30am | Virtual meeting
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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