Procurement
Part of the Shared services agenda for Hambleton and
Richmondshire is the review of the way procurement is undertaken
across both Councils to ensure that the money and resources are
carried out in an economic and efficient manner and that the most
effective outcomes are achieved.
Both Councils will embark on a single
Procurement Strategy to ensure that goods, services and works will
be secured at the right cost and in the right manner thereby
delivering maximum value for money from the resources available. We
will also be looking for continuous improvement in service delivery
whether provided internally, or procured externally. At the
same time we will consider the substantial impact that professional
procurement can have on the economy, and the quality of life of our
respective communities.
The Strategy to be adopted defines the role of
Corporate Procurement and the responsibilities of each Chief
Officer in delivering this Strategy within the context for the need
to improve and invest in the procurement function. This is
supported by revised Procurement Procedures, a Code of Procurement
Practices incorporating a series of guidelines, and Financial
Regulations. Incorporated within this process is a requirement for
both authorities to produce a Forward Plan of their intended
procurement activity that will be published to ensure that all
appropriate avenues are explored in relation to early supplier
engagement, and that potential suppliers receive adequate notice to
enable their own resource needs to be addressed.
The key drivers for this strategy are the need
to improve procurement across both councils and take it from a
transactional, largely administrative function, to a strategic
function that will support the delivery of the reform of the public
service to improve efficiency.
We will be looking to underpin procurement
through both Councils by:
- Continuously reducing the cost of bought in
goods works and services by aggregating spend wherever practicable
and by taking full account of the total cost of ownership; as well
as the back office processes that form part of the purchase to pay
process.
- Managing demand created by both the consumer
and the market to ensure maximum use of the available
resources.
- Promoting healthy open competition from all
sectors public /private and third sector
- Supporting the use of small and medium
suppliers, local supply networks and the development of local
suppliers through open and transparent competition.
- Ensuring all procurement is conducted either
through the agreed process utilising support from procurement
professionals within and external to both councils
- Identifying the need to enhance skills and
leadership in procurement, building on the existing skills
base
- Collaborating with UK government agencies and
other organisations to leverage maximum benefits
- Ensuring probity and compliance that includes
accountability, legal process, risk management, openness and
transparency, providing fairness for all stakeholders
- Innovation that
> encourages creativity
> challenges existing methods
> engages customers, suppliers and procurement staff at
the earliest stage of the process
> identifies all possible benefits
- Ensuring consideration of the environmental,
social and economic cost of procurement choices and realising the
additional benefits that may possibly be realised from procurement
activity.
The need to communicate this revised Strategy
is to ensure it becomes fully effective, and embedded, with the
realisation of the anticipated benefits. It is therefore key that
all existing and potential suppliers, contractors, partners, third
sector and voluntary organisations are made aware of this revised
approach to Procurement, and that they actively engage with it as
it is developed, and implemented, across both Councils.
There will be challenges ahead, and obstacles
to be overcome. Targets will be proposed and measures set to
ensure these are met, or exceeded. However, this is an exciting
time in the corporate approach across the Shared Service provision
to which both Councils have committed.
Click here to find out about Selling to the
Council .
If you want to find out more about current and forthcoming
tender opportunities please visit the Council’s supplier and
contract management system (SCMS) website by logging on to
scms.alito.co.uk or to find out
more about the system click here.
For more detailed information on the Council's procurement
related documents please click on the link below: