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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 . Opens in a new window

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 Opens in a new window or to find out more about the system click here

1. Procurement Strategy Opens in a new window
2. Procurement Code of Practice Opens in a new window
3. Procurement Rules and Regulations Opens in a new window

4. Risk Manual Opens in a new window

5. Purchase Order Terms & Conditions Opens in a new window