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Using Standard Contracts – what PPN 08/23 means for you
In case you missed it, a PPN on 'Using Standard Contracts' was published at the beginning of August. Tussell's handy ‘PPN 08/23 – What it means for you’ blog provides a useful guide on the three types of contract.
How local authorities can harness the power of national procurement to meet local objectives
As part of its 'Procurement Essentials' series, Crown Commercial Service has uploaded advice on harnessing the power of national procurement to meet local objectives, which outlines how effective regeneration procurement can support the complex needs, goals, and priorities facing local communities. The article includes top tips for local authorities beginning regeneration projects to guide them towards achieving the best possible outcomes.
Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme – net zero funding and grants
Phase 3 of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme will open this autumn providing grants to fund heat decarbonisation projects. Crown Commercial Service has collated a list of open net zero funding streams and grants from across government.
Exploring and understanding the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector in provider collaboratives
VCSE organisations have unique expertise and links to people and communities that can support with the co-design and delivery of health and care services. NHS Confederation’s latest report – Exploring and understanding the VCSE sector in provider collaboratives – provides detailed insights into the VCSE sector's unique offer to support provider collaboratives.
Adult social care workers survey
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) is asking staff members working in adult social care to share their experiences via a survey to better understand how to recruit and retain staff, build capacity, and improve working conditions. Results will be used to inform Government decisions on growing and supporting the care workforce in the future.
Enforcing the remediation of fire safety defects in buildings
Leaseholders in London successfully used their powers under the Building Safety Act (2022) to secure a remediation order for their building. The First-tier Tribunal has ordered the freeholder to fix the fire safety defects in their building, including the removal of unsafe cladding and dangerous insulation, by September 2025. This is the first remediation order issued by the Tribunal and is a milestone in improving building safety in the UK.
This decision follows the publication of a joint statement by the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) with regulatory bodies on enforcing the remediation of fire safety defects in buildings. The statement is a public commitment to see buildings made safe faster through a robust enforcement regime and warns building owners to fix their buildings without delay or expect to face enforcement action.
DLUHC also published guidance on the Cladding Safety Scheme (CSS), how to apply, and additional help in place to support leaseholders and residents affected by unsafe external wall systems.
Learning and development
As children back to school next week, here's a roundup of some of the free resources available to you and your councils to enhance your knowledge and broaden your horizons:
Please get in touch if you want us to highlight procurement-related opportunities for your organisation.
Cornwall Council – Strategic Lead for Procurement
Kent County Council – Strategic Procurement and Commercial Lead – People
West Yorkshire Combined Authority – Commercial Manager (Professional Services and Technology)
London Borough of Hackney – Senior Procurement Officer
Market exit simulation (Department of Health and Social Care workshop)
Tuesday 12 September, 10.30am–12.00pm | Virtual meeting
The threats and opportunities of AI and automation ('iN The Loop' webcast)
Tuesday 19 September, 10.00am–11.00am | Virtual meeting
Procurement Reform roadshows (Newcastle, Birmingham, Norwich, Bristol, Liverpool, Sheffield and Nottingham)
Tuesday 3 October–21 November | In person
iNetwork Annual Conference
Thursday 30 November | Hyatt Regency Manchester, 55 Booth Street West, Manchester M15 6PQ and virtual meeting
The LGA's membership magazine, 'first', is delivered free each month to just under 17,000 councillors and local authority chief executives. Access first online to browse all news articles, features and opinion pieces, including those from past issues.
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