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The Procurement Act 2023 – Commencement Regulations
The Procurement Act 2023 (Commencement No. 3 and Transitional and Saving Provisions) Regulations 2024, which legislatively set out the go-live date of 28 October 2024 by specifying the date on which the substantive provisions of the Act will come into force, have been signed by Cabinet Office Minister. The commencement regulations bring into force the revocation of the existing procurement regulations other than in respect of devolved Scottish procurements.
They also include the transitional provisions which determine the relationship between the current and new procurement regime.
Procurement Act 2023 Guidance
The next batch of guidance has been published and the navigation page has been redesigned making it easier to access the specific areas of guidance according to topic, the next batch of documents focus on:
- utilities contracts
- defence and security contracts
- concessions contracts
- light touch contracts
- reserved contracts for supported employment providers.
Communities of Practice
The Communities of Practice (CoP) programme was launched at the start of the month – this is a key element of the Learning and Development (L&D) offer to help prepare procurement, commissioning and contract management for the Procurement Act and support you after the Act has gone live.
The CoP is open to all staff whose main role is to run full or parts of tenders or let contracts, or procurement/contract managers whose main role is to manage suppliers or contracts. A dedicated CoP homepage has been created, accessible via the Government Commercial College (GCC) (log in required).
Deep Dives
The Deep Dive advanced learning product was launched this week, it involves a three-consecutive day course aimed at procurement professionals who require intensive learning to become experts in operating within the new regime, such as:
- leadership team members
- in-house specialist procurement lawyers
- those responsible for commercial policy.
The Deep Dives are designed to reinforce learning covered in e-Learning modules, using scenarios to develop a deeper level of understanding on the application of the Procurement Act 2023.
The Deep Dives are led and facilitated by subject matter experts and no new course material will be covered beyond the material covered in the e-Learning modules. Learners who complete the course get an Advanced Practitioner badge and a certificate of attendance evidencing attainment at Advanced Practitioner level.
Please contact your SPOC at procurement@local.gov.uk if you believe that you would benefit from completing the Deep Dive advanced course. Deep Dives are only available via the GCC and pre-registration by your SPOC. Further information on SPOCs and other regional contacts can be found on our own Transforming Public Procurement webpages.
For all other questions relating to implementation of the Act please email the Cabinet Office Helpdesk at procurement.reform@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.
Microsoft MOU negotiations and call for views briefing with Crown Commercial Service and LGA
Following the written briefings shared with the sector to date regarding ongoing Crown Commercial Service (CCS) negotiations with Microsoft on the new MOU, we are delighted to invite colleagues to an update briefing to discuss negotiation progress, input sector views and questions.
In light of the significant financial burden councils face with Microsoft licenses, this will be an opportunity to hear directly from CCS. The briefing will take place on Friday 7 June from 9:00am – 10:00am, you can register for this briefing or email cyberanddigital@local.gov.uk for more information.
Placements for children in care resource
Where a child is in the care of the council, it is vital they feel safe and can thrive where they live. To support councils and councillors with this we've published a guide exploring the key legislation, policies and good practice for providing quality placements for children in care.
Recruiting adult social care local authority improvement advisors and commissioners
DHSC is recruiting adult social care leaders who could be deployed as either improvement advisors or commissioners, in local authorities that require ‘enhanced monitoring and support’ or where the Secretary of State has intervened to secure improvement - applications must be submitted by midnight 14 June 2024.
Workforce planning support for adult social care teams
We're funding support for council adult social care teams to help them develop strategic workforce plans. This offer is being delivered by the LGA Workforce team and uses the team's successful ‘Bitesize series’ approach. If you want to develop a strategic workforce plan or wish to review your existing plan please complete this form for support by Friday 21 June.
May and June | meetups | Virtual
3 June 2024, 2.00pm to 4.00pm
Tuesday 11 June 2024, 10.00am to 11.45am | Officers roundtable
15 -17 October 2024 | In person and virtual
27 - 29 November 2024 | Arena and Convention Centre (ACC) Liverpool
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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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