Scotland Excel works collaboratively with members and suppliers to raise procurement standards and secure best value for customers.
Procurement Improvement Programme
Raising public procurement standards is a central part of Scotland Excel's remit. We work closely with the Scottish Government and other Centres of Expertise to deliver against the objectives for procurement reform that were recommended by the McClelland report.
In 2009, it was agreed that all sectors would take part in a programme of annual Procurement Capability Assessments (PCAs) to promote the sharing of best practice and continuous improvement across the Scottish public sector. PCAs assess capability in key areas against common criteria and standards, and provide a benchmark against which progress can be measured.
Scotland Excel undertook the first round of PCAs with local authorities during the last quarter of 2009. These assessments identified that there was much that local authorities could learn from each other, as well as significant benefit to working together to develop strategies for improving performance.
To capitalise on this opportunity, Scotland Excel is facilitating the Procurement Improvement Programme (PIP). Local authorities have embarked on six PIP workstreams – Stakeholder Management, Supply and Contract Management, Sustainability, Benefits Tracking, Alternative Delivery Models and Conformance – covering the key strategic areas that strengthen the value of procurement to an organisation.
Outputs from the programme during 2010 included a sustainable procurement assessment tool, a model for evaluating outsourcing opportunities, and guidance for developing a corporate contracts register. Communication was also a key focus for the programme, with information targeted to a wider stakeholder group within local authorities to raise the profile of procurement teams and their role within their organisations.
A second round of PCAs took place towards the end of 2010, and the PIP programme will continue into 2011. Through partnership working, we believe that our sector can face its challenges more effectively and develop a strong base of knowledge for the future.