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Transforming Public Procurement (TPP) – feedback from the sector
Our work and engagement takes us across the country, especially in the virtual world we all inhabit. We engage with regional networks, mini-SPOCs, convene superuser meet ups, supplier forums, and we are gathering feedback that we hope to share with you over the coming months to identify key areas where councils and procurement officers are experiencing or anticipating issues.
There has been overwhelming support for the content and delivery of the e-learning modules. Congratulations to all of you who have received your certificates.
Councils, particularly some of the smaller councils, have told us that we need to help them to reach out to operational teams to ensure wider understanding of the implementation of the Act and the work that is going on now to complete the learning and development, amend council’s governance processes, and ensure that the wider council is ready for go-live on 28 October. We have specifically been in touch with the District Councils Network who are running a piece in their e-bulletin as a way of highlighting the support that is needed to be given to procurement teams and have highlighted key messages on this to our LGA regional teams.
Another issue coming up relates to the additional transparency notices that will be required, especially those in the pre-procurement and contract management stages. This means that either operational teams will need to understand what is needed to publish these notices or new processes will need to be developed to ensure that procurement teams receive the information in order for the council’s obligations to publish information to be met.
If you have any issues you wish to include in any upcoming bulletins, please contact: Procurement@local.gov.uk.
Transforming Public Procurement – learning and development suite
Please feel free to signpost leaders, contract managers and suppliers to the raft of Cabinet Office resources in their free learning and development package for contracting authorities - e-learning modules provide the backbone of the package with ‘Deep Dives’ building on the ‘what’ provided by the e-learning to focus on the ‘how’ for those who need to become expert practitioners. As a minimum we recommend that all budget holders look at the TPP Knowledge Drops.
Knowledge Drops for contracting authorities
- Part 1 - key changes, benefits, working collaboratively, further resources/signposting
- Part 2 - pipeline, supplier engagement, value for money and conflict of interest
- Part 3 - competitive flexible, open frameworks, dynamic markets, direct awards
- Part 4 - supplier exclusion, debarment, prior to award, publishing post award
- Part 5 - governance, modification, performance, termination, transparency, notices, procurement review unit
- Part 6 - next steps, implementation, collaboration and benefits.
Further information can be found on the LGA’s dedicated TPP webpage and the government TTP webpage.
Transforming Public Procurement - how procurement will change for some schools and trusts
Transforming Public Procurement will also have implications for school buyers. Here are some key areas to consider before the new regulations come into force:
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Understanding the new procurement rules: school buyers should familiarise themselves with the new procurement rules and guidelines outlined in the Act. This includes the revised tendering processes, evaluation criteria, and contract management practices.
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Taking a strategic approach: the Act encourages a more strategic approach to procurement, moving beyond just compliance to prioritise value for money and long-term outcomes. School buyers are encouraged to develop clear procurement strategies aligned with school and trust objectives and consider social value factors.
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Engaging with suppliers: effective communication and collaboration with suppliers will be crucial under the new Act. School buyers should foster open dialogue, provide clear procurement information, and encourage feedback from potential suppliers. Get help buying for schools can advise on how best to do this.
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Continuous learning: the public procurement landscape is constantly evolving. Undertake the training available and engage with school business professional peer networks to discuss how you will prepare for and implement the changes.
VMware Pricing - understanding local government impact
Many councils have told us they are being affected by Broadcom’s change to their discounting programme for VMware products. LGA and CCS will be hosting a webinar for councils on Tuesday 16 July from 2pm to 3pm to understand the impact of Broadcom’s takeover of VMware.
Across the public sector, there are reports of increases of 500 per cent, and this session will focus on council experiences, as well as sharing more information on VMware changes, routes to market and commercial guidance that is available. Please sign up in events section below or for more information, please email cyberanddigital@local.gov.uk.
Modern slavery - care sector awareness resources
The Modern Slavery Organised Immigration Crime Unit in partnership with the Clewer Initiative have developed an awareness raising resource focused on the Care Sector. The resource is primarily aimed at raising awareness to those commissioning care, owning and running residential care properties or working in the care sector on how to spot and report possible exploitation. Feedback on these resources are welcomed.
Carbon emissions from waste incineration and energy from waste
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero is consulting on plans to bring waste into the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), a mechanism that makes polluters pay for carbon emissions. This could affect local authority waste disposal contracts and increase costs for incineration and energy from waste, starting from 2028. The consultation is extended to 2 August due to the General Election.
Digital Switchover
The digital switchover will move landline customers from the traditional telephone network to newer digital technology. We've worked with telecommunication providers and councils to agree a common data sharing agreement template. We believe it is in the best interests of adult social care clients to share the phone numbers and types of devices of vulnerable clients with communication providers. This will support communications providers in identifying their most vulnerable customers and ensuring they’re not migrated to a digital landline without the right support in place.
Virtual meet ups throughout June | Virtual
27 June, 12.00pm
28 June, from 12.00pm – 1.00pm
16 July, 2pm to 3pm
Webinars throughout July – November | Virtual
15 to 17 October 2024 | In person/virtual
27 to 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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