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Launching the Procurement Leadership Board for Wales
The Procurement Leadership Board for Wales has officially launched, with the first meeting taking place on 30 June 2026. This marks a significant step in strengthening the strategic leadership of public sector procurement across Wales.
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Established in response to stakeholder feedback, the Board brings together senior official level leaders from across the Welsh public sector to strengthen governance, improve coordination and reduce duplication. It will support a more joined-up approach to procurement, drive alignment with Government and sector priorities, and champion innovation and best practice to deliver stronger economic, social and environmental outcomes.
As a senior strategic forum, the Board will provide insight, challenge and direction to help shape the future of procurement in Wales. The board consists of the following members:
- Simon Brindle (Chair / Senior Responsible Officer) – Welsh Government
- Jane Lynch – Cardiff University
- Catherine Lund – University of South Wales
- Chris Williams – Swansea Council
- Gemma Ellis – Cardiff Council
- Nicola Thompson – Wrexham County Borough Council
- Ian Evans – Caerphilly County Borough Council
- Richard Dooner – Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA)
- Ian Mowatt – Natural Resources Wales
- Jonathan Irvine – NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership (NWSSP)
Simon Brindle said:
“This is an exciting time for procurement in Wales. The establishment of the Board reflects our commitment to progressive procurement. It is bringing leaders together to strengthen collaboration, improve alignment, and deliver better value for Wales, generating stronger economic, social and environmental outcomes.”
Procurex Wales 2026 – Join us in Cardiff this November
Procurex Wales returns on Wednesday 11 November 2026 to the Utilita Arena, Cardiff, bringing together the people, ideas and innovation shaping the future of public procurement in Wales.
The Welsh Government will play a central role in the event, with senior leaders sharing insight on key priorities including policy and legislative change, sustainability, social value and innovation across the procurement landscape.
 Why attend
- Gain insight from senior leaders and expert speakers across Wales
- Explore practical solutions, innovation and emerging trends in procurement
- Connect with public, private and third sector organisations
- Be part of the conversations shaping future policy and delivery
Procurex Wales is your gateway to insight, inspiration, and practical tools. Whether you're focused on procurement strategy, commercial delivery, contract management, or innovation.
Stay up to date on speakers and announcements by following us on LinkedIn and X, with further updates coming soon.
Book your complimentary public sector ticket here.
National GO Award Winners!
We're delighted to share that our Procurement Reform Team has been named Procurement Team of the Year (Other Organisations) at the National GO Awards!
This award recognises the scale and impact of the team’s work to deliver the Procurement Act 2023 in Wales, a significant programme of reform that will shape the future of public procurement across the country. It reflects years of commitment, collaboration and expertise within the team, supported by colleagues and partners across Wales.
There was further success for colleagues across Wales on the night. Digital Health Wales took home the Contract and Commercial Initiative of the Year Award, while Caerphilly County Borough Council were highly commended in the Procurement Transformation through Technology category and Carmarthenshire County Council were highly commended in the Excellence in Social Value category (Local Government and Housing Associations).
Congratulations to everyone involved - thoroughly well deserved!
GO Awards Wales 2026/27 now open for entries
The GO Awards Wales return this November, bringing together the very best of Wales’s public procurement community to celebrate excellence, innovation and impact.
Taking place on 11 November 2026 at the Hilton Hotel in Cardiff, alongside Procurex Wales at the Utilita Arena, this is a key event in the procurement calendar where leaders, teams and organisations are recognised for outstanding delivery.
Why enter
- Showcase your success and the impact your work is delivering across Wales
- Recognise your team and celebrate outstanding contributions
- Raise your profile within the public procurement community
- Gain recognition from peers and industry leaders
Award categories include:
- Procurement Transformation Through Technology Award
- Collaborative Procurement Initiative Award
- Individual of the Year Award
- Future Leaders Award
- Procurement Team of the Year Award
- Supply Chain Diversity Award
- Supplier of the Year Award
- Contract and Commercial Initiative of the Year
- Excellence in Social Value Award
- Best Net Zero Procurement Initiative Award
- Public Procurement Project of the Year
- Outstanding Contribution Award
- GO Excellence Award
Submit your entry and be part of a national celebration of procurement excellence in Wales.
View categories and enter.
Welsh Procurement Policy Notes updated
Welsh Procurement Policy Notes (WPPN) 010 and 011 have been revised to align with the Social Partnership and Public Procurement Act and associated regulations, ensuring guidance reflects the current legislative framework.
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What this means
- Up to date, policy aligned guidance for devolved Welsh authorities
- A consistent approach to improving payment practices across the public sector
- Stronger support for resilient and sustainable supply chains
What the notes cover
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WPPN 010: explains what Project Bank Accounts are and how they operate
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WPPN 011: provides guidance to support implementation of the policy
Together, these updates support a more consistent, transparent approach to managing payments and delivering better outcomes across Wales.
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Great Conversation – Wales events this July |
Procurement professionals across Wales are invited to be part of the CIPS Great Conversation, a global initiative bringing the profession together to shape its future.
Event details
• Thursday 2 July, Cardiff, Village Hotel, 17:30 start
• Thursday 16 July, Swansea, Village Hotel, 17:30 start
• Open to CIPS members and non-members
If you would like to contribute to a discussion around the future of procurement, share perspectives across sectors and organisations, and connect with peers from across the Welsh procurement community, these events are a must!
• Register for Cardiff event
• Register for Swansea event
Places are limited and registration is required to support catering. Help shape the future of procurement and ensure your voice is part of the conversation.
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