Issue - meetings

To receive an update from the Head of Corporate Governance on the review of procurement strategy.

Michael Graham, Head of Corporate Governance advised the Committee that responsibility for procurement had passed to Legal Services in January following the departure of the previous postholder.

An interim appointment, at a more senior level, had been made for a period of 6 months to review the strategy, requirements and approach.  Discussions had taken place with stakeholders and opportunities identified for procurement.  Benefits of the revised strategy would include:

·         Better visibility of process for everyone

·         A proper contract register to be put in place

·         Thoroughly detailed business cases to ensure the best outcome 

·         Improved contract management

Consideration would be given to working with other local authorities when suitable occasions arose, for example on large construction projects where there was an overlap with local economy and the possibility of significant savings.

The Committee raised questions about comparative pricing, frameworks, and measuring success.  Michael Graham advised that a good business case was key to the success of all major procurement initiatives. He was confident that with the Council’s clear focus for the next five years, it would be possible to keep a close eye on contract management.  Project planning tools would assist in this and they would liaise with the project management team on this front. 

A Procurement Projects Group had been established which would meet monthly to advise stakeholders on the progression of items on the procurement plan, offer help and support, identify common issues, and identify training required.  It was anticipated that the work of the Group could benefit Project Management as projects may be identified at an earlier stage.

The Committee thanked Michael Graham for the report and looked forward to receiving further regular reports on progress made.

It was resolved to note the update.