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Central Digital Platform - information pack
The Cabinet Office is working to provide a fully integrated digital platform where Registration, Supplier Information and Find a Tender (noticing) all work together to support the Procurement Act 2023 and its’ regulations. Combined, these components make up the “Central Digital Platform”.
In the autumn they undertook a discovery of Sign in and Registration and after a thorough review of their system's architecture, they have been able to devise a more straightforward and efficient design for their registration and supplier information services. This refined approach not only simplifies interactions but also paves the way for more robust and user-friendly experiences.
The new design has received the green light from the Cabinet Office Technical Design Authority and they have produced an information pack which contains:
- Introduction to Central digital platform
- Key Goals of the platform
- MVP Scope for eProcurement systems providers
- High Level Process map
- APIs in scope for eProcurement systems providers and their Swagger definition and object.
- Customer User Journey
If you have any queries or would like to receive an information pack please contact eleanor.muir@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.
Cabinet Office - standardisation of templates
Work is currently underway by the Government Commercial Function, to produce a suite of standard procurement documents that may be utilised by central government departments and the wider public sector. The aim of which is to provide commercial teams with ease of access, reduce administrative burden, duplication of effort and aid commonality in the tools we use throughout various stages of the commercial lifecycle.
The suite of standard templates will be hosted online and, whilst aimed at procurement professionals in the public sector, will be made publicly available. Templates will be designed in accordance with procurement policy, best practise and the regulatory requirements of the Public Contract Regulations 2015, with minimal to no impact of change, as we transition to the new regime of the Procurement Act 2023 in October 2024.
If you have any queries, please email domestic-policy-queries@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Transformation Capability Framework
The LGA transformation capability framework has been created with councils, for councils. It sets out ‘what good looks like’ to enable councils of all sizes and types to identify and address the capabilities that they need to have in place to deliver sustainable and effective transformation.
The framework is now live and we are looking for council’s to provide us with feedback or suggestions for changes and additions, please contact us at transformation@local.gov.uk by Monday 4th March.
Use of AI in councils
We are currently undertaking a survey to explore the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in English councils, including an assessment of benefits, opportunities, risks, and challenges. An invitation to take part in the survey has been sent to all councils with a deadline of 1 March. If you have not received yours and would like to take part in the survey, please contact helen.wilkinson@local.gov.uk
The digital landline switchover – helping councils get ready
techUK is hosting a free event on 5 March aimed at helping public sector bodies prepare for the impacts of the digital landline switchover program.
The switchover program is happening now in the UK, moving landline phone services onto digital connections.
Attendees will hear from communications providers who will be on hand throughout the morning to talk about the switchover.
Representatives from councils alongside other industry stakeholders will be sharing their experience and recommendations on how to approach the switchover to make the transition a smooth and successful one.
Crown Commercial Service – Digital Interoperability Discovery project
Joined up, digital public services mean data needs to be shared safely across organisations and that demands technology interoperability. Crown Commercial Service (CCS) want to know how we can help you overcome the barriers to buying connected services, so that this ambition can be realised. They are launching a discovery project, in partnership with the Cabinet Office and the Government and Industry Interoperability Group, and you’re invited to get involved.
Two standard interoperability clauses for public sector procurement are being added to the Model Service Contract, and this project will support the development of training, guidance and solutions. Please contact info@crowncommercial.gov.uk by 1 March if you’re interested.
Plans to permanently remove RAAC from all schools and colleges in England – reminder
The government announced measures to permanently remove Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) from all affected schools and colleges.
A final list of schools and colleges with confirmed cases of RAAC in schools and colleges in England was published on the same day. There are 234 education settings, out of 22,000, with confirmed RAAC in some areas of their buildings – around 1 per cent.
Those responsible for affected school and college buildings have now received direct confirmation from the Department for Education on how the RAAC removal will be funded.
LGA Building an enabling digital culture – procurement, governance and security
1 March, 10am – 11:30am | Virtual
techUK - The Digital Landline Switchover and Local Authorities
5 March, 10:00am – 1:00pm | Virtual
Provider Selection Regime Policy Overview Webinar
6 March 2024 10:00am – 11:00am | Virtual
The Procurement Act Expo
12 March 2024 | In person conference
LGA Transformation Conference (hybrid event)
26 March 2024, 10.30am - 2.30pm | 18 Smith Square, Westminster, London & online
Procurex National
16 May 2024 | Liverpool Exhibition Centre
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