Procurement

This session introduces the new rules of the Procurement Act 2023, which came into force on 24 February 2025 and replace the Public Contracts Regulations 2015. The session covers the basics of procurement for local councils – inviting quotes, producing specifications and tender documentation, achieving competition and value for money.

Suitable Audience

For anyone involved in procuring goods and services, preparing tenders, or entering into contracts on behalf of local councils.

Topics include:

• Overview and purpose of the Procurement Act 2023
• Procurement principles and objectives
• Procurement lifecycle
• Conflicts of Interest
• Roles and responsibilities
• Thresholds
• Below threshold contracts
• Excluded contracts
• Direct Awards
• Estimating the contract value
• Scope/Specification
• Frameworks
• Procurement procedures
• Timescales
• Publication of your procurement
• Assessment summaries
• Contract Award Notice & Standstill
• Contracting authorities' requirements (mandatory or voluntary).

Session benefits:

By the end of the Procurement Act 2023 course you will:

• Have a deeper knowledge of the procurement regulations
• Understand the council's duties regarding procurement
• Understand the Do’ and Don’ts of procurement
• Be aware of relevant legislation and sources of guidance