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Transforming public procurement: Knowledge Drops reminder
The Cabinet Office launched their first official training products to support the introduction of the new Procurement Act: the transforming public procurement Knowledge Drops towards the end of last year. 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.
There are also videos for suppliers, SMEs and VSCEs, as well as senior leaders in your authorities, finance directors, service commissioners, policy makers or other non-procurement people who interact with tender processes or manage contracts. The full suite of learning and development opportunities is captured in their brochure.
YPO Procurement reform
YPO is also providing support to councils on the upcoming procurement reform. As well as signposting to the latest government updates, their landing page provides the latest insights from YPO experts and thought leaders on some of the challenges and opportunities the new regulations will bring.
Public spending holds untapped potential to unleash innovation
Connected Places Catapult has published ‘The Art of the Possible in Public Procurement’ – a new report from the Innovation Procurement Empowerment Centre (IPEC). The report encourages council leaders, innovative teams in public authorities and ambitious businesses to take advantage of the new possibilities – reinforced by the Procurement Act 2023. It sets out ways in which this ambition can be achieved and how the new rules encourage more ways of engaging innovative companies during procurement processes. They highlight the importance of attracting innovative suppliers; cementing partnerships; ensuring transparency and value sharing; and transformative collaboration.
National Association of Construction Frameworks Market Intelligence Reports 2023 Q3 Report
The national picture in the construction industry is one of volatility and uncertainty, but National Association of Construction Frameworks (NACF) supply chains are still reporting increasing workloads, as the performance gap continues to widen between the residential and commercial sectors.
The slowdown in residential construction could be a key contributor to a settling down of the labour and materials supply market, with lead times and employment broadly unchanged over the recent period, possibly signalling the start of a marked decline in market activity. But there are no signs that the supply crunch is holding back prices in the market, that continue to climb broadly in line with inflation in the wider economy.
NHS Supply Chain and efficiencies in procurement
In 2017-18, the Department of Health & Social Care (DHSC) implemented a new operating model and delivery body for NHS procurement known as NHS Supply Chain. The new body was responsible for procuring products, warehousing, and delivering goods on behalf of the NHS.
The National Audit Office (NAO) report examined how Supply Chain was set up, whether it has achieved its principal objectives of saving money and increasing its market share and what more Supply Chain needs to do to secure greater efficiencies.
LGA Transformation Capability Framework - consultation
The LGA has been working with councils to create a new Transformation Capability Framework for the sector. The aim of the Framework is to help councils to identify the capabilities they need to deliver transformation initiatives successfully.
We are asking councils to use the framework and to provide feedback which we will feed into the final development stages - please email Change Network directly - kate.lindley@changenetwork.co.uk with any comments and feedback.
Social care funding report
Millions of pounds of funding into social care last year is said to have made no difference to the financial sustainability of the majority of providers, according to a snapshot report by learning disability charity Hft and Care England. The findings report illustrate how the adult social care sector is on a precipice with providers being forced to pay for agency staff or to try and maintain a competitive pay differential to increase recruitment, even where, as in 79% of cases, local authority fees did not cover the rising cost the National Living Wage.
LGA Social Care International Recruitment Funding Webinar (NE ADASS)
Wednesday 24 January 2024, 10.00am - 11.00am | Virtual
Local Partnerships What commercial means for councils: launching the Commercial Toolkit
Thursday 1 February 2024, 11:00am – 12:00pm | Virtual
The Procurement Act Expo
12 March 2024 | In person conference
LGA Transformation Conference (Hybrid event)
Tuesday 26 March 2024, 10.30am - 2.30pm | 18 Smith Square, Westminster, London & Online
Procurex National
Thursday 16 May 2024 | Liverpool Exhibition Centre
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