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Transforming public procurement: the official Knowledge Drop launch
The Cabinet Office has launched its first official training products to support the introduction of the new Procurement Act: the transforming public procurement Knowledge Drops on their dedicated YouTube channel. The Knowledge Drops comprise a series of on-demand videos designed to provide a high level overview of the changes to the procurement regulations and are aimed at those who have regular interactions with procurement and would need some level of understanding of the new legislation, such as suppliers; senior leaders at executive or political level; finance directors; service commissioners; policy makers or other non-procurement people who interact with tender processes or manage contracts; lawyers who may not specialise in procurement; and digital and data teams. There are separate videos for each as well as fact sheets that outline the specific differences for Wales, Northern Ireland, utilities, light touch, defence and security, concessions and schools. You can find out more in this learning and development offer brochure.
Accessing Knowledge Drop files
We have had reports of some organisations experiencing issues accessing the Knowledge Drops; unfortunately the Cabinet Office is unable to provide access directly with organisations that have specific access issues on work devices. It has provided some instructions for those whose organisation firewalls are blocking access. If that occurs and you are not able to view the videos they suggest the following:
- instruct your IT departments to whitelist the Government Commercial Function (GCF) YouTube site for TPP products
- allow and/or allocate specific time within colleagues training and development time to access the knowledge drops on their own devices
- schedule controlled group training events to view the Knowledge Drops collectively hosted on a device that can access the GCF YouTube site
- instruct relevant individuals to view the knowledge drop on their personal devices at a time that suits them and request signed confirmation that they have done this.
Volunteers
We are expecting the 10 one-hour modules to be completed and ready next year. There is still a way to go before these are ready and the Cabinet Office is looking for volunteer testers. If you are willing to help please email us at procurement@local.gov.uk
Provider Selection Regime regulations update: software issue
The parliamentary process has now concluded and the Provider Selection Regime (PSR) will come into force on 1 January 2024.
It is important that the procurement platforms used by relevant authorities to arrange these services can ensure compliance with the PSR. Therefore, ahead of the PSR coming into force, we recommend that you contact your procurement software provider to make sure they are aware of the PSR and the changes necessary to support compliance with the new arrangements.
For Atamis users, these conversations have already taken place. Atamis colleagues are aware of the changes and will include on their platform a way for PSR notices to be published appropriately.
Resources are available to support your conversations with other procurement platform providers – this includes some frequently asked questions and a PSR toolkit of support materials.
These other providers of procurement platforms can review the regulations, the associated statutory guidance, and the Find a Tender service guide to inform any required changes.
If you would like further support or require any additional information, please contact psr.development@nhs.net.
Helping organisations improve their energy efficiency
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has launched a £25.5 million funding package to help voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations in England improve their energy efficiency.
Eligible organisations will be able to apply for 1) an independent energy assessment and 2) capital grants to install energy efficiency measures.
To apply for the second element, organisations not owning their premises will need to ask for their landlords’ permission. As many VCSE organisations lease their premises from councils, councils are encouraged to support their tenants in applying.
Councils are encouraged to share this scheme with VCSE organisations in their area.
Integrated Care Partnerships
The LGA and NHS Confederation have published Integrated Care Partnerships: Driving the future vision for health and care, a report on the future vision, direction and role of Integrated Care Partnerships. The primary purpose of the report is to enable ICPs, their leaders and partners to learn from each other. It also includes a few targeted recommendations to national government on their role in ensuring the ICPs succeed in improving population health.
Investing in zero emission buses
The Urban Transport Group has published A smoother ride: can capital investment deliver more efficient bus services? a report making the case for further national investment in zero-emission buses. Its modelling points to an additional 46 million journeys being made in city regions outside London each year by 2035/36.
Collaboration with energy networks
The Energy Networks Association (ENA), in partnership with Regen, has published a report focused on how electricity and gas network operators can work more closely with councils to develop and deliver net zero plans. More than 30 councils fed into the Collaborating for Local Net Zero Planning and Delivery report.
Social Value Engine: maximising positive impact of investments in communities
12 December | Virtual Event
Changes in procurement legislation for councils and NHS staff: LGA Procurement
13 December 2023, 10.00am-11.30am | Virtual Event
Crown Commercial Service transforming public procurement: how we’re preparing for the new regulations
13 December 2023, 10.00am | Virtual Event
first is the LGA's membership magazine, distributed to around 16,700 councillors and local authority chief executives in England and Wales. Councillors and officers can sign up for the first e-bulletin using their council email addresses and/or access first online to browse LGA news stories, features, good practice case studies and comment pieces, including those from past issues.
For editorial inquiries, please email karen.thornton@local.gov.uk. For advertising, contact Polena Boutwood, Media Sales Executive at polena.boutwood@cplone.co.uk or on 01223 378047.
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